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The ONLY home gym equipment you need for building MUSCLE
Forget all the wiz-bang gadgets and machines, you can get a killer workout with just these basics.
Cody Lutz
May 16, 2025
There are literally millions of different types of fitness machines, gadgets, and gear. All of them boasting massive gains, competitive advantages, and incredible results.
You’ve got limited space.
You’ve got a limited budget.
So how do you figure out what to buy?
Today, I’m sharing my home gym fundamentals I’d personally start with if I were building out my home gym again. In fact, these are the exact equipment setups I recommend to the men I coach, and have built the fitness programs around in my men’s fitness cohort, The BROTHERHOOD.
Those guys get incredible results, which proves this is all you really need.
In this edition, we’re focusing primarily on strength training, not cardio or conditioning, so adding on something like a treadmill, rower, or bike is certainly an option!
Note: I’ve included links to some options I recommend for each of these items. They are affiliate links, and Backyard SHREDS makes a small commission on purchases.
1) Bare Bones: Bodyweight and BANDS!
Best for: Traveling, small spaces or apartments, tight budgets
Equipment:
Flat bench (recommended)
Pull-up bar or gymnastic rings (recommended)
Resistance bands are THE MOST underrated piece of equipment for every home gym. I use mine literally every day, and they go in my backpack any time I’m traveling.
Pros: They’re lightweight, super cheap, extremely versatile, and take up practically no room. With a pull-up bar and bench, you can do just about anything you need to.
Cons: You can get an incredible workout with just resistance bands, but it does take some creativity to figure out how to use them with different exercises. The range of resistance is also less than what you can achieve with dumbbells and barbells, so they’re better for beginners, or as a fill-in option for more serious lifters.
2) Run & Gun: Add Dumbbells & Adjustable Bench
Best for: Small spaces or apartments, tight budgets, beginners who may be intimidated by bigger weights.
Equipment:
Pros: This setup is probably the most space-efficient setup for a whole-body workout with tons of range for years of progress. Dumbbells are extremely versatile and allow for a large variety of training and exercises.
Cons: Adjustable dumbbells are great for space saving, but can be cumbersome switching back and forth between different weights. You’ll need to add heavier dumbbells as you progress, which can take up more space. Even with heavier dumbbells, you may outgrow them with certain movements within a year or two, depending on your progress and goals.
3) Full Free Weights: Barbells & Dumbbells (and bands 😍)
This is the setup I’ve been working with for the last 3 years and made a ton of progress!
Best for: Dedicated lifters who want to progress further with strength. More variability in training styles.
Equipment:
Squat rack (I'd recommend a full cage or something with spotter arms)
Pros: This setup gives you a TON of options for different styles of training. Especially if you have an all-in one rack with functional training cables and a landmine attachment like the one I linked above.
⭐️ Tip: If you don’t have a functional trainer, resistance bands are a great replacement for any exercise you’d use cables for.
Cons: More expensive (though you can purchase equipment at various price points new, or find decent deals on used equipment if you’re patient). Takes up a lot more space, and you’d need to be conscious of strengthening & protecting your flooring to prevent damage from that much weight.
Do you have an epic home gym? I’m thinking about doing a “gym tours” series and featuring cool home gym setups from fellow readers. Reply back and let me know if that’s something you’d be interested in!
Cheering you on,
-Coach Cody 💪🏼🖤
Verse of the Week
Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
PS - I help busy men ditch their dad bod
Men in the BROTHERHOOD (my group coaching program):
Build lean muscle
Lose up to 20 lb.
In 12 weeks
At home with simple equipment
In just 30 minutes per day
I also offer a limited number of exclusive 1:1 coaching engagements for busy executives who value efficiency and privacy.
Book a fitness strategy call to see if we should work together.