9 Best Weight Lifting Equipment Pieces in 2024

You can’t have an effective workout if your equipment is subpar, so if you’re building a home gym and want to focus on weightlifting, stick around to see what the best weight lifting equipment is!

The world of fitness is constantly growing, and that’s a great thing until you need to spend weeks looking through reviews and trying to find something you think would work for you. Your home gym could be your favorite room in the house, if only it had the right weightroom equipment – which is exactly what we’re dealing with in this article.

From the best barbell you can buy, to dumbbells, kettlebells, an adjustable bench, even protective flooring, this article has it all. Our expert team comprises certified experts and professional athletes and has tested 30 pieces of weightlifting equipment to bring you 9 that are the absolute best.

They tested each on five key parameters and spent over 500 hours testing most of these products. They have also analyzed hundreds of online reviews to complement their research. This list is constantly being updated, so feel free to share your experiences in the comment section!

Top 9 Best Weight Lifting Equipment Pieces Reviewed

1. ROGUE 45LB Ohio Power Bar – Cerakote – Best Bar
2. REP FITNESS Kettlebells (KG) – Best Kettlebells
3. REP FITNESS Hex Dumbbells – Best Dumbbells 
4. REP FITNESS Black Bumper Plates – Best Weight Plates
5. ROGUE SML-2 90’’ Monster Lite Squat Stand – Best Squat Stand
6. ROGUE RH-2 Reverse Hyper – Best Reverse Hyper Trainer
7. REP FITNESS AB-3000 2.0 FID Adjustable Weight Bench – Best Weight Bench
8. REP FITNESS Rubber Floor Tiles – Floor Protection Mat
9. TRX All-in-One Suspension Training System – Best for Bodyweight Training

This bar is incredibly durable due to its distinctive coating that’s actually a polymer-ceramic composite, which is 100% more resistant to corrosion than standard black zinc coating. But when you scratch the surface, it’s just as impressive.

Its tensile strength of 205,000 PSI is not the highest on the market, but it is still very good, and the zero-flex steel shaft, bronze bushings, and a snap ring design make the spin seamless and consistent. The weight capacity is, well… Not listed on the site, and that’s because you’re far more likely to run out of room before you reach the maximum capacity. In other words – it’s another impressive thing about this bar. 

It has powerlifting knurl marks that are deep and coarse, but you don’t have to worry about them being too harsh on your hands. When it comes to bench press, squat, and deadlift, this bar is your best bet. 

It’s assembled in Columbus, so that’s a plus because it’s always reassuring to see that something was made in the USA. It has Rogue’s Proprietary Matte Black sleeves that make it even more resilient because it increases the resistance to corrosion and makes the color more durable. It’s an impressive bar in every way – its construction quality is superb, and its performance is unmatched.

They come in an extensive spectrum of weight variations, starting with 9 lbs  and going all the way to 106 lbs. They’re made to engage various muscle groups through multidimensional movements, and they’re made using the gravity die-casting technique. Each of them has an iron-cast composition and a color-coded handle that conforms to international standards.

The coating looks and feels premium, but unfortunately, it’s thin and relatively prone to chipping. It won’t compromise the kettlebells’ general durability and they’ll perform just as well, but if you’re sensitive to aesthetics, this could be an issue. However, the coating holds chalk really well, so that’s a plus. 

Rep’s kettlebells have undergone several iterations to give you the best possible version and superior quality. You can get them in sets or buy them individually. The sets are a cost-effective solution, and they’ll allow you to progress gradually as your fitness level progresses, but not everyone wants to pay more upfront, so it’s good that you can buy a single kettlebell, too.

These are rubber-coated dumbbells, which may be a cause for concern for people who are sensitive to smells because rubber equipment tends to have an odor. However, these have almost none and they won’t bother you even if you’re super sensitive.

The rubber coating is great because it diminishes noise and protects both the dumbbells and your floor from damage. The heads are securely attached by friction welding, so you can drop them and they’ll be fine. 

The weight options vary, and you can get sets of 5-50 lbs, 5-75 lbs, 5-100 lbs, 55-75 lbs, and 80-100 lbs. The 5 lbs increment sets reduce the hassle of being caught between two weight sizes and enable seamless progression in workouts. You can also get individual pairs that have 2.5 lbs increments for weights below 30 lbs, and 5 lbs increments for individual pairs above 30 lbs and up to 125 lbs. 

Over time, however, the rubber will develop a sort of a greenish tinge. It doesn’t compromise the coating, but it does look a bit strange.

Their construction is robust, and that’s their best feature. What makes them more durable than standard bumpers is the steel inserts integrated with molded hooks within the plates. The 10 lbs plates are made with extra thickness (1”) to enhance durability and reduce the chances of bending. 

They have a low bounce, which helps in maintaining control over the barbell upon impact or dropping. This is something that’s going to make your workouts safer, but it also speaks volumes about the plates’ stability and reliability.

They’re factory-tested to withstand over 12,000 drops from a height of 8 feet and are compatible with standard 2’’ barbells. Their weight tolerance is 1%, which makes them even more appealing because of how accurate and consistent they are. 

The downside, though, is the rubber scent. Now, you would expect bumper plates to have an odor, but it needs to be mentioned in case there are people who can’t stand that kind of smell. The scent won’t always be as strong as when you first get them, but if you’re sensitive to that kind of stuff, then these may not be the best choice for you.

This USA-manufactured stand is made of 3x3’’ 11-gauge steel uprights and base tubes, and it’s basically a fusion of Rogue’s S-2 and Monster SM-2 models. It goes through super strict quality checks at each production stage, so you can be sure it’s made precisely and without errors. It has black powder coating, laser-cut 5/8’’ diameter holes, SAE grade 5 bolt hardware, and Westside hole spacing.

SML-2 is more than just your regular squat stand; this is a multifaceted piece of equipment that can almost rival a power rack. It’s not as versatile as a power rack, but it’s more affordable. You can personalize it with an array of compatible accessories because Rogue offers a diverse range of attachments.

Its footprint is only 49’’x48’’, which makes this stand an excellent addition to any home gym, especially to those that don’t have a lot of space. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with spotter arms, so you have to buy them separately.

RH-2 is made using 2x3’’ and 2x2’’ steel tubing, which means it’s super durable. It also has a welded-on step on its legs for easy access, while a 3’’ thick pad with a cornered edge protects your hips during workouts. Unfortunately, it wobbles a bit during use, but it’s nothing too bad. 

A reverse hyperextension machine is known to be able to decompress the spine without vertical compression, which is exactly what this one does. It facilitates dynamic strength development, promotes recovery by filling the spinal column with spinal fluid, and improves endurance by strengthening the lower lumbar area. It arrives fully assembled, so you don’t need to worry about doing it yourself. 

It's capable of accommodating both bumper and steel plates and has more than enough loading capacity on each side of the swing arm, and if you buy the compatible roller attachment, it allows for easy transitions between exercises.

The bench has a total of 8 back pad angles that range from -12 to 85 degrees, and five seat pad angles from 0 to 20 degrees. The ladder-style back adjustment allows you to change the angle quickly, and there are also laser-cut numbers along the ladder. 

The bench’s leg rollers have 6 adjustable positions, which enhances versatility and comfort, especially in the decline setting. The upgraded leg attachment has a horizontal handle and is designed to stay unobtrusive during lifting sessions. The front and the rear bases have been upgraded, too, and have rubber covers that improve the grip and protect your floor.

As far as downsides go, there’s not much to complain about. It would be great if the bench could be stored vertically, so if you are strapped for space and want something compact and easy to store, you might have issues with this bench. Although it’s not the most aesthetic-looking piece of equipment, the most important thing is that its performance is excellent and it’s going to last you a long time.

These tiles are designed with laser-cut interlocking edges, so they’re incredibly easy to put together (you just place them together and that’s it) and look completely seamless. As far as tiles go, these are some of the most aesthetically pleasing ones because of how well they fit together and how clean and high-end they make your space look. 

Each tile weighs 8 lbs, and their dimensions are 24’’x24’’. This means that one tile will cover 4 square feet, which is pretty decent. They’re 3/8" thick, so they’re a balance of durability and convenience. They’re great at absorbing shock and reducing noise that intense workouts generate. 

One of the best things is their low odor profile. You would think rubber tiles would fill the entire room with their scent, but you can hardly smell any rubber on these, and they don’t retain any smells either. They do have a mild, hardly noticeable scent right out of the box, but within a few days, that airs out and you’re left with odorless rubber tiles. 

If your gym is in the garage, though, these are not the best choice, because if you get any gasoline on them, they’ll have a reaction (bubbling and breaking).

This set is made from robust nylon and it’s incredibly lightweight: only 1.7 pounds! It’s designed for comprehensive bodyweight workouts and can be used for a lot of different exercises. The package includes (among other things) a mesh travel bag, so you can take it with you and not worry if it will get damaged in transport.

It easily fastens to doors, beams, trees, or posts both indoors and outdoors, so you can use it almost anywhere. It’s been endorsed by the US Military, Pro sports teams, and globally recognized athletes for over a decade, which means that this is a trusted system that is unlikely to leave anyone disappointed. 

The straps are a bit stiff when you first get them, but they’ll break in over time as you use them.

7 Main Types of Weightlifting Equipment

Weightlifting goes way beyond barbells and dumbbells (thankfully!), and it’s evolved over time and expanded its range of equipment to serve both beginners and experienced lifters. It can be overwhelming to see all of the weight training gear that’s available, because it’s difficult to choose anything unless you know exactly what you’re looking for.

We’ll go over basic strength training equipment for home so you know exactly what to look for and what each of them can do for you. 

1. Power Racks

You may have heard them being called power cages or squat racks, but power racks are sturdy metal frames that have safety pins and adjustable bar catches. They give you a secure space for a lot of exercises like squats, bench presses, and pull-ups and have adjustable supports to catch the bar. 

2. Barbells

A barbell is absolutely essential in weightlifting and strength training and you can change the muscles you target with it just by placing it differently. A barbell is a long metal bar with sleeves for weight plates. They’re versatile and you can do all sorts of exercises with them, from basic lifts like deadlifts and squats to more complex movements like cleans and snatches.

3. Bench

A bench comes in many styles, including flat, incline, and decline benches. They give you stability and support for exercises like bench presses, seated shoulder presses, and other movements that depend on having a stable platform. 

4. Dumbbells

There’s no chance you haven’t heard or seen dumbbells, and you’ve probably used them too. They’re another essential piece when it comes to strength training, and you’ll have a hard time finding a gym that doesn’t have at least a couple of them. They are handheld weights available in various shapes and sites that allow unilateral movements, target individual muscle groups precisely and can help you lose weight.

You can use them by themselves, but you can also combine them with other equipment, for example resistance bands, and you’ll get great results. They can also give you the same results as machines.

5. Cable Machines

Cable machines consist of adjustable pulleys and cables connected to weight stacks or plates. They offer resistance through various angles and allow for a wide range of exercises like cable crossovers, lat pulldowns, and tricep pushdowns, and changing the handle type can affect how your muscles work during exercises. 

6. Reverse Hyper

This machine does a fantastic job at targeting the lower back and posterior chain muscles. It helps decompress the spine while also strengthening the lower back, glutes, and hamstrings. Moreover, it allows for a greater range of motion in the hips and puts less stress on the spine compared to the regular hyperextension exercise. 

7. Floor Protection

This is something you shouldn’t skip, because gym floor mats and tiles protect both your floors and the equipment from damage. They also reduce noise and make your workout surface non-slip, so don’t underestimate their importance. 

4 Benefits of Home Weight Lifting Gym

Picture this scene: it’s raining heavily, it’s cold and there’s crazy traffic, but it’s time for your workout and you need to get to the gym. You get there but it’s crowded, so you need to wait before you can use the equipment you want, which throws your whole workout flow off because you keep having to take breaks between exercises.

Now, wouldn’t it be nicer if you had a gym at your house, so you can spare yourself all this hassle? 

Having a home gym is not just a convenient solution – it’s a chance to personalize your space and workouts and fill it only with at home lifting equipment that you want to use. Moreover, working out at home is effective and can do wonders for your health. 

✅ Accessibility

A home gym is accessible and you never have to worry about working hours. You can fit your workout into your daily routine without leaving the house, which saves time and money.

✅ Personalized Environment

Your home gym can be tailored to your preferences. You’re the one choosing the equipment, layout, and ambiance that motivates you and suits your fitness goals. 

✅ Privacy

Have you ever worn something slightly less comfortable because it looked good as opposed to wearing your comfy sweats that may have seen better days, but there’s nothing better to work out in? Well, a home gym gives you privacy, so you can wear anything you want and don’t have other people around you to distract you. 

✅ Saving Money

A home gym is a one-time investment and then you’re completely set. In the long run, it will save you money because gym memberships are a monthly expense, which can be very pricey. 

How to Choose Weight Lifting Equipment?

You need quality home strength training equipment to make your exercises effective and your space enjoyable. But how do you get equipment that will fit into your space properly and also be effective? It’s actually easier than you think, you just need to pay attention to a few important factors. 

1. Versatility

This feature is a must, especially for home gyms, because versatile equipment will allow you to perform multiple exercises with a single piece. Take adjustable dumbbells, for example, or a power rack with multiple attachments. They can accommodate a bunch of workouts, so equipment like this is going to be a valuable addition to your gym. 

2. Space-Saving Features

Before actually investing in any weight lifting machine for home, think about the space that you have available. Don’t be shy to bust out that tape measure if you’re not completely sure of the dimensions. Look for equipment that’s functional but has some space-saving features, like foldable benches, compact cable machines, or multipurpose racks.

3. Functionality (Adjustability)

Get equipment that has adjustable settings so it can suit different exercises and preferences. Adjustable benches and dumbbells, cable machines with interchangeable attachments, or squat racks with adjustable safety bars give you a lot of flexibility. 

4. Durability

You want your weight training equipment for home to last, so make sure it’s made from high-quality materials that can withstand regular use. Sturdy steel construction, robust upholstery, and reliable mechanisms will ensure longevity and safety. 

5. Price / Quality

Set a realistic budget, but make sure to strike a balance between price and quality. There’s a ton of cheap options out there, but how long is that going to last you before you need to replace it? Make quality a priority and check if any of the brands have financing options so you can pay in installments. 

FAQ

Can You Lift Weights at the Gym by Yourself?

Absolutely! It’s very common, but you need to follow proper techniques and safety measures. Some people like having a spotter for heavy lifts or challenging exercises to ensure safety and support. 

What Is the Best Equipment for a Full-Body Workout?

Equipment like resistance bands, dumbbells, kettlebells, a bench, and a suspension trainer allow you to do a comprehensive range of workouts and target various muscle groups. You’ll be able to do a diverse array of movements to achieve a full-body workout.

Conclusion

Investing in high-quality equipment can take your workouts to a new level and it can significantly improve your results. As far as weightlifting goes, there’s a lot of options on the market, but here you have a list of the best ones that are unlikely to leave you disappointed. 

What equipment do you think is essential for an effective weightlifting setup? Do you work out at home, or do you prefer commercial gyms? Do you have any weight machines to recommend?

Leave all your opinions and suggestions below!

Happy lifting!

Also read:

• Best Smelling Salts for Lifting
• Best Grip Strength Trainer
• Best Free Standing Pull up Bar
• Gym Membership vs Home Gym
• Best Essential Home Gym Equipment
• Best Compact Home Gym

References:

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