Being a beginner is just part of life. Even legends like Tiger Woods and Tom Brady started from scratch at some point. I get it—starting something new, especially working out, can feel a bit overwhelming. But I’m here to help you find the best home exercise equipment for beginners to make things easier.
And if no one has told you this yet, let me be the first—I’m proud of you for wanting to take care of your body. Exercise can bring a lot of joy (and keep you moving better), and I’m excited for you to feel the benefits. Now get out there and crush it, my internet friend. You’ve got this!
Fitness Experts Who Care
At Garage Gym Reviews, our team has all sorts of certifications—like personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and CrossFit L1 coaches—but we were all beginners once, too. We’re here to make your fitness journey as simple and fun as possible so you can fill your life with joyful movement. And by the way, in case no one has mentioned it, exercise should be enjoyable! Find what makes you happy when you move, and keep doing that.
Best Dumbbells for Beginners
CAP Barbell 150-Pound Dumbbell Set
Product Highlights
- Priced under $400
- Includes weights ranging from 5 to 25 lbs
- Comes with a handy storage rack
Pros
- Priced under $400
- Great for beginners
- Comes with a range of weights
- Made from durable cast iron and steel
Cons
- Short warranty
- Might take up a bit of space
- Weights only go up to 25 pounds
For beginners, I always recommend equipment that makes working out easier, and the CAP Barbell 150-Pound Dumbbell Set is a great choice. For about $370, you get five sets of dumbbells, ranging from 5 to 25 pounds. Plus, it comes with a handy stand.
As a beginner, it’s important to focus on your form rather than jumping straight to heavy weights. This set is perfect because it includes lighter weights that you can use to progress as you get more comfortable with your exercises.
These dumbbells have a classic look, with hexagonal ends made from steel and iron, similar to what you might see in the gym. I prefer hexagonal dumbbells for beginners because they don’t roll away like round ones can when you set them down.
If you’re short on space, buying a full set of dumbbells might not be practical. In that case, adjustable dumbbells could be a good alternative. Just keep in mind that they can be more expensive and have a bit of a learning curve for adjusting and putting them away.
One downside of this dumbbell set is the short 30-day warranty. However, we’ve had these dumbbells for a while and they’ve held up well.
- Price: Around $370
- Material: Cast iron
- Weights: 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 pounds
- Warranty: 30-day warranty
Best Barbell for Beginners
Rogue T-15LB Technique Bar
Product Highlights
- Dual knurl marks
- Made in the USA
- Ideal for beginners
- 45-pound weight capacity
Pros
- Perfect for practicing movements
- Proudly made in the USA
- Features dual knurl marks
- Compatible with regular plates
Cons
- Only supports up to 45 pounds
- Not designed to be dropped
- Priced higher for a technique bar
Rogue is known for making tough, high-quality products, and the Rogue T-15 Technique Bar is no different. While I usually suggest beginners start with a PVC pipe, the jump from that to a full barbell can be pretty intense. Going from something that weighs just 2 pounds to a bar that weighs 33 to 44 pounds can be challenging.
That’s where the Rogue Technique Bar shines. Weighing only 15 pounds, it feels similar to a regular barbell, helping users get comfortable with proper hand placement and the dual knurling.
Another plus is that it works with regular bumper plates, so beginners can practice loading and unloading the bar. However, keep in mind that the Technique Bar can only hold up to 45 pounds. As you get stronger, you’ll need to upgrade to a full barbell like the Rogue Ohio Bar or Bella Bar.
One downside is that you can’t drop this barbell, as Rogue advises against it. It’s not a huge issue, but it does mean you won’t be able to practice safely bailing out of a heavy lift.
Price: Around $165
Material: Aluminum and zinc
Weight: 15 pounds
Made in the USA: Yes
Best Weight Plates for Beginners
Fringe Sport Black Bumper Plates
Product Highlights
- Made from 100% virgin rubber
- Shore Durometer of 85 sHA for minimal bounce
- Durable 10-lb plates designed to withstand drops
- Free shipping included
- Weight tolerance is within +/- 1% of the stated weight
Pros
- Constructed with 100% virgin rubber
- Shore Durometer of 85 sHA for a dead bounce
- Available in a 55-lb option
- Beveled edge makes them easier to carry
- Unique hooked insert for a better grip on the rubber
- Free shipping
- Safe to drop the 10-lb plates
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
- Weight tolerance is within +/- 1% of the stated weight
Cons
- Plates are wide
- Can’t load more than 500 lbs on most bars
The Fringe Sport Black Bumper Plates are a great value, and I highly recommend them, especially when paired with the Rogue Technique Bar or a regulation-sized barbell as you build strength.
What sets these plates apart is that Fringe Sport offers a full one-year warranty on their 10- and 15-pound plates, which is rare. Lighter plates usually crack first, especially when dropped, but that hasn’t been the case with Fringe Sport’s plates. In fact, the brand specifically states that it’s okay to drop their plates, no matter the weight.
There’s a lot to love about the Fringe Sport Black Bumper Plates—they’re sold in pairs, made from high-quality rubber, and come with free shipping. It’s a no-brainer if you ask me.
There aren’t many downsides to these plates. My only complaints are the strong rubber smell and the grease they come coated with out of the factory. But that’s easy to fix—just grab some soap, water, and a cloth, and you’ll have them cleaned up in no time.
Price: Ranges from around $80 to $270
Material: Rubber and stainless steel
Warranty: 3 years for 25-55 pounds, 1 year for 10-15 pounds
Insert Diameter: 50.4 mm
Also Read: Resistance Bands vs Free Weights: Home Gym Face-Off for Busy Dads
Best Resistance Bands for Beginners
Grintin Bands
Product Highlights
- Affordable, priced under $10
- Available in 5 color-coded options
- Resistance levels clearly marked
- Lightweight and portable
Pros
- Budget-friendly at under $15
- Great for beginners
- Comes with a small carrying bag
- Compact and easy to store
Cons
- Limited movement options since they’re loop resistance bands
- Not ideal for advanced strength training
- May not feel very durable
New to resistance training? Consider grabbing a set of Gritin Bands from Amazon. These affordable loop bands are perfect for a range of exercises like clam shells, glute bridges, and banded side steps. They’re also great for warming up and injury rehab.
One thing I really like is that you get a set of five different bands, so you can easily find the resistance level that suits you best. Plus, the Gritin Bands come with a convenient carrying case, making them easy to store and take with you. If you travel often, toss them in your suitcase for a quick hotel room workout.
Keep in mind that these bands might not last forever—they’re pretty thin and could snap after a lot of use. I also wish they had the exact resistance levels (in pounds) printed on them for quick reference. But for under $10, they’re a great addition to your home gym.
Price: Around $10
Material: Rubber
Number of Bands per Set: 5
Resistance Range: 5-40 pounds
Best Treadmill for Beginners
Sole F63 Treadmill
Looking for a treadmill to help you reach your fitness goals? The Sole F63 is worth checking out! Priced at around $1,100, this cardio machine is a fantastic addition to any home gym, especially for beginners.
With its generously sized deck, you can comfortably run, walk, or jog with ease. Plus, the 10 preset programs make it super easy to get started—just press a button and go. One feature I love about the F63 is its cushioning, which, according to the Sole website, reduces impact by up to 40%. It also has a 325-pound max user weight capacity, which is higher than the industry standard.
The fact that the F63 is foldable is a big plus, making it a great choice for smaller spaces. But don’t be fooled—it’s a heavy-duty treadmill with a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor.
If you’re after tons of tech features, the Sole F63 might not be your best pick. The display is a simple LCD screen that shows basic metrics. But honestly, you don’t need all the bells and whistles to get a great workout.
Price: Around $1,100
Running Surface: 20” W x 60” L
Warranty: Lifetime on frame and motor; 3 years on deck, electronics, and parts; 1 year on labor
Weight Capacity: 325 pounds
