The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Gym Equipment for Your Home Gym

South Africans are among the most active people in the world. From health clubs and gyms to outdoor sports, we love to move. But we are also busy. Balancing work, family, and social life often makes it difficult to fit in a workout, especially when travel time to and from the gym is included. The solution? A home gym. With so much training knowledge, technique advice, and motivation available online, all you need is the right home gym equipment and a bit of space to create a training setup that fits your lifestyle.

Before you start, decide what you are training for. Your goals will determine the space and type of equipment you need. Everything listed below is available online or in-store, along with expert guidance from REBEL’s experienced team to help you choose the best home gym equipment to meet your training goals.

Training for Bodyweight, Flexibility and Mobility

This type of training supports overall health and performance while helping to prevent injuries. The good news is that a setup for this purpose requires minimal space, since most of the gym equipment for your home gym is compact and easy to store.

Essential Start-Up Equipment

• Suspension Trainer: Offers countless exercises and resistance levels. Attaches to a secure anchor point for safe and versatile workouts.
• Exercise Mat: Protects your floor and provides a comfortable, non-slip surface for stretching, mobility, and strength work.
• Medicine Ball: A functional, multipurpose tool for strength, stability, and dynamic movements.
• Resistance Bands: Perfect for strengthening hips, pelvis, and core. Also great for dryland swimming training.
• Jump Rope: Builds endurance and coordination. Essential for runners looking to improve posture, footwork, and lower-leg strength.

Additional Equipment to Add Over Time

• Balance Ball: Adds instability to exercises for improved core strength. REBEL’s Balance Ball includes handles and straps for extra versatility.
• Foam Roller: An essential recovery tool that releases tight muscles and fascia, reducing the risk of injuries.

Training for Strength

Strength training requires controlled, progressive resistance. Since weights are heavy and often permanent, a dedicated home gym space works best.

Essential Start-Up Equipment

• Gym Flooring: The foundation of every setup. REBEL Gym Flooring protects your floor and equipment while reducing noise and is available in various thicknesses for different needs.
• Adjustable Training Bench: The core of static strength training. Adjustable positions allow for both prone and seated exercises. REBEL’s bench is stable yet easy to move.
• REBEL Foldaway Training Rig: A compact, foldable rig that provides a safe rack for barbell exercises and an adjustable pull-up bar. Designed to save space while maximising training options.
• Barbell: The centrepiece of any strength programme. REBEL offers barbells for all training goals and levels.
• Weight Plates: Pair with your barbell to perform a wide variety of lifts. Select a mix of plates to cover your training needs.
• Dumbbells: Versatile for isolation and accessory work. A must-have in any strength programme.

Additional Equipment to Add Over Time

• Extra Plates and Dumbbells: Expand your collection as your strength improves.
• Weight Storage: Not essential, but it keeps your home gym tidy and organised.
• Kettlebells: Great for dynamic, full-body, and explosive movements.

Cardio, Endurance and Strength Training

Concept2 is the global standard in performance cardio equipment, trusted by athletes and perfect for home gyms. The RowErg, SkiErg, and BikeErg offer durability, versatility, and accurate performance tracking.

Concept2 RowErg

A full-body, low-impact workout that builds strength and endurance. Easy to store upright and suitable for all fitness levels.

Concept2 SkiErg

Targets the upper body and core while boosting endurance. Compact design with wall-mounted or free-standing options.

Concept2 BikeErg

Delivers a smooth, responsive ride with air resistance for unlimited intensity. Adjustable and versatile for sprints or long sessions.

Start Building Your Home Gym Today

With the right home gym equipment, you can create a functional, motivating, and long-lasting home gym that saves time and helps you train consistently. Explore the full range of REBEL home gym equipment online or contact our knowledgeable team to guide you in building the perfect training space for your goals.