Taking a look at today’s gas prices, as well as how hard it is to find time to drive to the gym each day, it’s no wonder that many bodybuilders are turning to home gyms as alternatives to attending a “real”, or commercial, gym. The upfront costs of a home gym are going to be more than those of joining a commercial gym, but you’ll save a great deal of money in the long run. Here are the top five machines you’ll need to successfully create a home gym which will allow you to fully train the entire body. This list assumes you’ll be purchasing a standard Olympic weight set, as well as dumbbells or an adjustable dumbbell set.

Adjustable bench with leg attachment

An adjustable bench ($99 to 149) that allows for varying degrees of incline (as well as one decline) settings is an absolute requirement for home gyms. The leg attachment will allow you to complete leg curls and leg extensions. The bench itself is used for chest, arm, shoulder, back, and many other movements.

Power cage

This piece of equipment is essential if you’re serious about making gains. Squats are the quintessential exercise for making gains, and they’re almost impossible without a cage. They may run you $300 (or 150 used), but they’re worth every penny. The safety and convenience you derive from owning a power cage is priceless!

Pull-up bar

These can be purchased at stores such as Sports Authority for about $120, and are worth every cent. You’ll be able to properly train all the muscles of the back with pullups. Many home gyms overlook this exercise, and those bodybuilders who train there end up without adequate lat width to do well in competition. Toss in 4 to 6 sets of pullups after your deadlifts and barbell rows, and your back day is complete!

Floor mats

These are inexpensive ($20 to 30) and can be purchase just about anywhere. You’ll need them under the barbell when deadlifting, or anytime you drop a dumbbell, anytime you drop a weight to your floor. Plus, they’re very comfortable to walk on, and give your gym a more welcoming feel.

Each year, thousands of people buy home gym equipment, and end up never using it. If you search ebay or Craigslist, there’s a very good chance you’ll be able to secure great prices on many items for your home gym. Play-It-Again-Sports is a popular nationwide chain offering used exercise equipment as well. While items like toothbrushes and shoes are things you would never buy used, it’s perfectly fine to buy used weight equipment. Along the way, you’ll discover deals on smaller pieces of equipment that will make your home gym experience even more complete and enjoyable.

Decide early on if you want to have a clean, sterile gym, or if you’re going for a dark and dirty element where you just come in and get to work. Populate it with the proper equipment to completely train all muscle groups of the body, and start enjoying the gains you’ll make from home!

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