Dumbbells and a bench first
Adjustable dumbbells replace a whole rack of fixed weights and let you press, row, curl, and lunge from day one. Pair them with an adjustable bench that inclines so you can hit flat, incline, and support single-arm work.
What home gym equipment should I buy first?
Start with an adjustable bench and adjustable dumbbells, then add a squat rack, barbell, and plates.
The quick answer
The best first buy is a pair of adjustable dumbbells and a sturdy adjustable bench, which together cover presses, rows, curls, and split squats. Next add a squat rack with safety arms, an Olympic barbell, and plates so you can squat, bench, and deadlift heavy. A pull-up bar and a set of resistance bands round out pulling and mobility cheaply.
How to think about it
Add the rack, bar, and plates
To keep progressing on the big lifts you need a power rack with safety arms, a 20kg Olympic barbell, and plates. Safety arms let you squat and bench heavy alone without a spotter.
Fill gaps cheaply
A doorway or wall-mounted pull-up bar covers vertical pulling, and a set of resistance bands adds assistance, face pulls, and warm-up work for very little money and space.
Do this
- Buy adjustable dumbbellsOne pair that dials from light to heavy replaces dozens of fixed dumbbells and saves space.
- Get an incline benchChoose a bench that adjusts to incline so you can vary pressing angles.
- Add a rack with safetiesA power rack with adjustable safety arms lets you train heavy alone.
- Include a pull-up barAdd a mounted bar so back and biceps get direct vertical pulling work.
Keep going
How SUUPR helps
Start with an adjustable bench and adjustable dumbbells, then add a squat rack, barbell, and plates.