Home Gym Setup Checklist: Everything You Need For A Functionale Space

You don’t need a massive room or bulky machines to build a useful home gym. What matters is having equipment that matches your training goals and fits your space, even if it’s just a few square metres.

This home gym setup guide covers the gear that actually gets used: strength tools, conditioning equipment, recovery gear and smart flooring options. We’ll help you create a space that works whether you train three times a week or every day.

How to set up a gym at home — everything you need to get started

Before buying equipment, it helps to know what kind of gear you’ll actually use and how to organise it. This checklist is grouped into functional zones so you can mix and match based on your goals, space and training style.

Here’s how to set up a gym at home that works for you.

1. Strength zone: lifting equipment that covers the basics

If strength training is a priority, start with weight training tools that don’t take over the whole room.

• Barbells and plates — A reliable barbell set with interchangeable plates lets you train progressively without needing multiple bars or fixed weights. Go for standard or Olympic sizing, depending on your goals. With the right plates, you can scale from warm-up lifts to heavy compound movements like squats, deadlifts, presses and rows.
• Bench and racks — An adjustable bench gives you options for flat, incline and decline work. It’s ideal for pressing, step-ups and seated movements. If you’ve got the room, pair it with a squat rack or stand if you want to incorporate barbell training at heavier loads.
• Accessories — Add practical extras like weight collars, lifting straps or a belt to support your sessions. These accessories help keep your training smooth and safe, and they don’t take up much storage space.

2. Free weights: compact, versatile and easy to store

For a small home gym setup, free weights are gold. They don’t take up much room, and you can use them for almost everything.

• Dumbbells — Dumbbells are perfect for targeted strength training like bicep curls or shoulder presses and are also great for full-body sessions like HIIT, EMOMs or circuits. Fixed-weight options are ideal if you’ve got the space, while adjustable dumbbells are a space-saving choice that lets you scale up as needed.
• Kettlebells — Add kettlebells for swings, squats, lunges and power-focused exercises. These free weights also challenge grip, coordination and core stability in a way that’s hard to match.
• Medicine balls — Medicine balls are useful for rotational strength, power development and dynamic core work. You can use them for slams, wall throws, partner drills or functional conditioning. Their soft design makes them safer to use at speed or in tighter spaces.

Choose weights that challenge you but still allow control and good form — you can always build your collection over time as your training progresses or your available space grows.

3. Conditioning zone: cardio and functional movement tools

You don’t need treadmills or bulky bikes to boost your heart rate. With just a few smart tools, you can easily tackle cardio and movement drills, even in small home gym setups.

• Skipping ropes — Skipping ropes offer a quick way to add cardio to your home workouts. They’re especially effective for improving timing, coordination and footwork, making them a staple for warm-ups or short bursts of high-intensity training.
• Aerobic steps — Designed for step-based cardio and strength drills, these platforms are great for building lower-body endurance. You can also use aerobic steps for incline push-ups, Bulgarian split squats or as a base for core exercises. Many designs offer adjustable heights, which adds flexibility to your routine.
• Plyometric boxes — Plyo boxes are built for explosive movement. They're ideal for box jumps and lateral hops as well as double as a stable surface for elevated strength work. Their solid, grippy construction makes them suitable for higher-impact training without compromising safety.

If you've been wondering what gym equipment is best for your home when it comes to conditioning, these portable multi-use tools are hard to beat — especially for small or shared spaces.

4. Recovery and mobility: keep your body moving well

A smart home gym setup includes fitness tools for cooldowns, mobility and injury prevention. These are compact but seriously effective.

• Foam rollers — Foam rollers are great for muscle recovery and self-massage. They help release tight spots, improve circulation and speed up post-session recovery, especially after strength or high-impact training.
• Swiss balls — These large inflatable balls are excellent for improving core strength, balance and postural control. Swiss balls are also great for mobility exercises and can double as a bench alternative for bodyweight movements.
• Yoga and Pilates gear — Adding a few blocks, straps or resistance bands to your setup gives you more control during stretching, mobility drills and breath-focused training. Yoga and Pilates gear can help with active recovery days or winding down after a tough session.

Even five minutes with the right recovery tools can improve your performance over time and reduce stiffness or soreness.

5. Flooring and setup tools: don’t skip the base layer

No home gym setup guide is complete without tips on suitable flooring. A solid base protects your surfaces, keeps equipment stable and makes training more comfortable. Whether you’re lifting, jumping or just moving through circuits on a regular basis, the right flooring will make your setup safer and more functional.

• Exercise mats — These individual exercise mats are lightweight and easy to roll out. They provide a soft, grippy surface that’s much more comfortable than bare floorboards or concrete, especially when you’re kneeling or lying down during movements.
• Interlocking mats — Interlocking mats are perfect for heavier lifting areas or permanent home gym zones. They help reduce noise, absorb impact and protect both your floor and your gear.

Flooring adds grip, cushioning and structure. Plus, it makes everything feel more like a dedicated workout space.

Build your own home gym setup with Buffalo Sports

If you’re figuring out how to set up a gym at home, Buffalo Sports has the gear to match. We stock everything locally and deliver quickly — from barbell sets and benches to dumbbells, recovery tools and flooring that fits smaller spaces.

We also supply equipment to schools and sports clubs across Australia and even internationally. For bulk orders or wholesale pricing, reach out to our team directly to get exactly what you need.