Top 5 things to get to start a home gym that don't take up much space at all and are virtually concealable.

Top 5 items to get you started training that can be somewhat concealed, but still allow you to get really good training in.

1.) Adjustable Kettlebell.

I ended up getting my first adjustable kettlebell walking into a fitness store looking for something else and I saw the lighter Powerblock adjustable kettlebell, the 8-16kg one (18-35lbs), on sale for a little over $100 and I have to tell you, has honestly become one of my favorite purchases of all time. It is not a solve everything solution for sure, but with just this one item alone you could work out for 10 years straight and never do the same workout. It's versatility and easy of use is incredible and is actually a fun way, and a metabolic way, to do cardio which I typically don't like doing. However, things like 100-200 high-pulls is a great full body muscle building cardio workout. They are simple and take up virtually no space.

I would recommend either the Powerblock option, or the Rep Fitness one. They both make two different sizes, and for both instances I would start with the lighter one, especially for learning things like cleans, snatches, presses, and Turkish get-ups, and then get the bigger one for things like swings, goblet squats, and suitcase carries or holds.

The Rep sizes are 8-16kg for the smaller one (18-35lbs), and 16-24kg for the bigger one (35-53lbs)

The Powerblock sizes are 8-16kg (same as Rep) for the smaller one, and 16-28kg for the bigger one (35-62lbs)

The Powerblock's obvious advantage is that the bigger one is heavier, but they do have more of a squarish shape whereas the Rep's is shaped like a traditional kettlebell, which the shape of the Powerblock one doesn't really bother me, as a matter of fact I love it, but the rounded shape is probably better for cleans.

You change the wieghts one the Powerblock by simply pulling out a pin and inserting at the weight you want, leaving the unused weights on the floor. It is very fast and efficient.

The Rep kettlebells are used by pushing down and turning to the desired weight, also leaving the unused weights on the ground. I have not used the reps but have done way too many hours of research and the both seem to be able to change very quickly and easily, and are both highly rated.

Rep's prices are $149.99 for the smaller size, and $219.99 for the bigger one.

While Powerblock's prices are $169 for the smaller size, and $299 for the bigger one, but are often on sale.

So Rep's have a slight advantage on price, but remember the Powerblock's bigger size is quite a bit heavier. I think they are both superb options, but I have only used the Powerblock's and I love them. However if I was to buy them from scratch, I would probably go with getting either both of the Rep kettlebells if I didn't care to much about having anything over 53lbs, due to the round shape.

You can also buy both sizes of both brands on Amazon for the convenience factor!

Amazon:

Rep's Adjustable Kettlebell's on Amazon.

Powerblock's Adjustable Kettlebell's on Amazon

Another option would be to get the smaller Rep one, and the larger Powerblock one for the extra weight, especially since I would mostly be using that for things like swings and goblet squats where the square shape doesn't really matter.

No matter which route you go, having at least one of these is an absolute must for just getting in shape. They

2.) Adjustable Dumbbells.

Adjustable dumbbells are similar to the adjustable kettlebells in the manner that it is one implement that takes the place of many. However while the kettlebells tend to lean towards workouts that involve power, conditioning, explosiveness and "functional strength", the dumbbells are much more ergonomically correct and user friendly for typically bodybuilding type movements like benching, rowing, lateral raises, curls, etc... And are very effective at building strength and muscle in both the upper and lower body ie: Split squats, goblet squats, lunges, RDL's, etc... And who doesn't want to get SWOLE and fit at the same time. Having a pair of adjustable dumbbells paired with a kettlebell or two is an extremely potent combo. They are extremely versatile and don't take up much space. And I know you cannot support as much weight as you can with a barbell, but with a barbell comes plates, a squat rack, and weight tree or someway to the store the plates, and again we are talking doing this in a small space with items you will barely notice are there.

There is a ton of options for adjustable dumbbells so do your research because they all have different pro's and cons. However I've made a simple list of how I would guide somebody based on the budget and intentions.

GOOD

PowerBlock Elite USA 90

5-50lbs (Expandable to 70 and 90lbs) - $419

5-70lbs (Expandable to 90lbs) - $608

5-90lbs - $797

(You can also buy the previous version Elite EXP on Amazon for a cheaper price which are essentially the same thing except with a rubber handle instead of the steel knurled handle) A wonderful option for only $360.

PowerBlock Dumbbells have been around for a log time and for good reason. They work, and they work well. For the price point they are honestly hard to beat. They are definitely not as fine tuned as some of the more expensive options, but they were the first ones I ever had and they just simply get the job done and is an easy barrier of entry into adjustable dumbbells. One, because they are the least expensive of any options I would actually recommend to somebody. Two, because they are easily accessible through Powerblock's website and Amazon, and are always seen on Facebook Marketplace. And 3, because you can buy the starting weight of 5-50lbs for around $300-370, and then add 20 lb expansions kits relatively cheap up to 90lbs. They are not the fastest changing, but are relatively quick to change weights, they are durable, and the can adjust in 2.5lb increments, so they have a bunch going for them. The downsides are just that they are a little odd in shape which can prevent certain movements like Goblet Squats and French Press, and they are someone clunky especially if you move them fast like you would in a Dumbbell Clean or Snatch. But honestly for most people's its a fantastic place to start, especially if you just can't shell out a bunch of cash but want something in your home that will get the job done.

BETTER

Snode Ad80's (80lbs)

Nuobell (50 & 80lbs)

BEST

Rep X Peppin's (85, 105, and 125lbs)