Recommended Home Gym Equipment List: A Complete Guide for Budgets from ¥50,000 to ¥2,000,000
A home gym allows you to do serious training at home anytime, and in the long run it's more cost-effective than paying monthly gym membership fees.
However, many people may be worried, wondering, "I don't know where to start," or "How do I choose items that fit my budget?"
In this article, Uchino Gym, a specialist retailer of fitness equipment, will provide a thorough explanation of the optimal equipment configurations for each level, with budgets ranging from 50,000 yen to 2 million yen.
Three things to consider before building a home gym
Before choosing equipment, you can avoid unnecessary purchases by clarifying the following three points.
Point 1: Clarify the purpose of your training
For the purpose of eliminating lack of exercise and dieting
- Light dumbbells and a bench are sufficient
- Consider using aerobic exercise equipment (air bikes, steppers, etc.)
For muscle building and body shaping purposes
- Barbells, power racks, and other free weights are required
- Equipment capable of handling heavier weights is needed
Point 2: Understanding the installation space
Things to check
- Floor area (minimum 4 tatami mats, ideally 6 tatami mats or more)
- Ceiling height (2.4m or more if doing chin-ups)
- Floor load capacity (especially in apartment buildings, 180 kg/m² is typical)
- Access route (elevator, stairs, door width)
Point 3: How to decide on a budget
Compared to monthly gym membership fees
- 10,000 yen/month gym x 2 years = 240,000 yen
- 10,000 yen/month gym x 5 years = 600,000 yen
Even if you spend 200,000 to 500,000 yen as an initial investment, you will be able to recoup your investment in 2 to 5 years.
Recommended equipment configuration by budget
¥50,000-¥100,000 budget: Starter setup
concept
This is for people who want to start small and can't fit large equipment into their rental property. You can get a good workout with just dumbbells and a bench.
| Equipment name | Recommended model example | Price guide |
|---|---|---|
| Adjustable dumbbells (2.5-20kg) |
REP QuickDraw Dumbbells NUOBELL |
20,000 to 50,000 yen |
| Flat bench or adjustable bench |
REP FB-3000 Flat Bench REP FB-5000 Flat Bench REP AB-3100 Bench |
20,000 to 40,000 yen |
| Training mat (10mm thick) | GYMMAT EVA Mat | 10,000 yen |
| total | Approximately 50,000 to 100,000 yen |
Possible training
- Dumbbell press, dumbbell fly (pectoral muscles)
- Dumbbell row (back)
- Dumbbell Shoulder Press (Shoulders)
- Dumbbell curl (arms)
- Goblet Squat (Leg)
merit
- Minimal initial investment
- Suitable for small spaces (approximately 4 tatami mats)
- Easy to carry when moving
Disadvantages
- There is a limit to heavy weight training (up to about 20kg dumbbells)
- Serious training for the BIG3 (bench press, squat, deadlift) is difficult
Suitable person
- Beginners in muscle training
- I want to start by observing the situation first.
- Living in a small room such as a studio apartment or 1K
Budget 200,000-400,000 yen: Basic configuration
concept
For those who want to start serious free weight training. With a barbell and a power rack, you can do the BIG3 at home.
| Equipment name | Recommended model example | Price guide |
|---|---|---|
| Squat stand or power rack |
REP PR-1100 Power Rack ATX Squat Stand ATX 500 series |
50,000 to 100,000 yen |
| Adjustable Bench |
REP AB-3100 Bench REP AB-3000 Bench REP Nighthawk Bench |
35,000 to 65,000 yen |
| Barbell set |
REP Delta Basic Bar REP Equalizer Plate NGA Magnet Color |
50,000 to 100,000 yen |
| Adjustable dumbbells (2.5-30kg) | REP QuickDraw Dumbbells | 50,000 to 100,000 yen |
| Rubber mats (15mm thick x 40 sheets) | GYMMAT 50cm x 15mm | 60,000 yen |
| total | Approximately 200,000 to 400,000 yen |
Possible training
- BIG3 (bench press, squat, deadlift)
- overhead press
- Barbell Row
- All dumbbell exercises
merit
- Full-scale free weight training possible
- Weight suitable for intermediate riders
- Long-term configuration
Disadvantages
- Requires a space of about 6 tatami mats
- Assembly takes time
- Measures against noise and vibration are necessary (especially in apartment buildings)
Suitable person
- Experienced in weight training
- I really want to build muscle
- A space of 6 tatami mats or more can be secured
Budget 500,000 to 1,000,000 yen: Standard configuration
concept
This room is for those who want to increase training variety by adding Smith machines and cable machines in addition to heavy free weights, creating a more comfortable and efficient training environment.
| Equipment name | Recommended model example | Price guide |
|---|---|---|
| Half rack or power rack |
REP PR-5000 Half Rack REP PR-5000 Power Rack REP Altitude Rack ATX Half Rack 700 ATX Power Rack 600 |
100,000 to 250,000 yen |
| Rack Attachment |
REP PL Rat & Low Low REP Altitude Smith Machine ATX PL Rat & Low Low 700 ATX PL Rat & Low Low 600 |
100,000 to 150,000 yen |
| Adjustable Bench |
REP AB-3000 Bench REP Nighthawk Bench REP AB-5200 Bench |
50,000 to 100,000 yen |
| Barbell set |
REP Colorado Bar REP Power Bar REP equalizer plate NGA Olympic Plate NGA Magnet Color |
100,000 to 200,000 yen |
| Adjustable dumbbells (2.5-40kg) |
REP QuickDraw Dumbbells REP PEPIN dumbbells |
50,000 to 200,000 yen |
| Rubber mats (25mm thick x 60 sheets) | GYMMAT 50cm x 25mm | 100,000 yen |
| mirror | 20,000 yen | |
| total | Approximately 500,000 to 1,000,000 yen |
Possible training
- All free weight events including the BIG3
- Lat pulldown, low row (cable exercise)
- Decline press, abdominals (FID bench)
- Chin-ups
merit
- Gym-level training possible
- Great back training
- Also suitable for decline events
Disadvantages
- Requires a space of about 8 to 10 tatami mats
- Large initial investment
Suitable person
- Intermediate to advanced
- I have a dedicated training room at home
- I plan to continue using my home gym for the long term.
Budget 1-2 million yen: Premium configuration
concept
Get the same equipment as a commercial gym in your own home, plus cardio equipment for a completely self-contained gym.
| Equipment name | Recommended model example | Price guide |
|---|---|---|
| Power rack or all-in-one rack |
REP Ares 2.0 REP PR-5000 Power Rack ATX Multiple Slack ATX Cable Cross Rack |
350,000 to 800,000 yen |
| Adjustable Bench |
REP Nighthawk Bench REP AB-5200 Bench REP BlackWing Bench ATX Bulls 2.0 |
65,000 to 120,000 yen |
| Barbell set |
REP Colorado Bar REP Power Bar REP equalizer plate NGA Olympic Plate NGA Magnet Color |
200,000 to 300,000 yen |
| Adjustable dumbbells (2.5-50kg) |
REP PEPIN dumbbells REP Storage Cart |
200,000 to 300,000 yen |
| Air Bike | REP Strive Air Bike | 200,000 yen |
| Rubber mat (25mm thick, full surface) | GYMMAT 50cm x 25mm | 150,000 yen |
| Mirror (all over the wall) | 100,000 yen | |
| Other accessories (kettlebells, balls, etc.) | 100,000 yen | |
| total | Approximately 1 to 2 million yen |
Possible training
- All free weights
- All cable types
- HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)
- aerobic exercise
merit
- No need to go to the gym at all
- Efficient with zero waiting time
- Suitable for heavy weight training
Disadvantages
- Requires a space of 10 tatami mats or more
- The initial investment is very large
- Difficult to transport and assemble
Suitable person
- Advanced/Competitor
- Detached house with private room
- I want to use it with multiple family members
Four points to avoid mistakes when choosing equipment
Point 1: Don't choose based on price alone
Failure example
I wanted to start as cheaply as possible, so I bought the cheapest no-name equipment on Amazon. It broke within a year, so I had to buy a new one.
Tips for success
Skimping on the initial investment will end up costing you more in the long run, so choose products from reputable manufacturers.
Recommended manufacturers (overseas) : REP Fitness, ATX Fitness, Rogue Fitness
Recommended manufacturers (domestic) : MBC POWER, ONI
Point 2: Consider scalability
Choosing with an eye to the future
You might start with just dumbbells and a bench, but add a barbell and rack later.
- Choose an adjustable bench (with adjustable angle) from the start.
- Choose a rack model that allows you to add cable attachments later.
Point 3: Floor protection is the top priority
Why it's absolutely necessary
- Scratches and dents on the floor will result in expensive repair costs when you move out.
- Prevents noise and vibration problems for the floor below
- Prevents accidents caused by falling dumbbells or barbells
Recommended specifications
- Apartment: 15-25mm thick rubber mat
- Garage/warehouse: 10-15mm thickness is OK
- For deadlifts: 25mm to 50mm recommended
Point 4: Check the difficulty of assembly and installation
Items to check in advance
- Are tools required for assembly (hex wrench, spanner, etc.)?
- Can it be assembled by one person (two people recommended for power racks)?
- Is it small enough to fit in an elevator?
- Is it a weight that can be carried up the stairs?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I set up a home gym in a rented apartment?
A. Yes, it is possible, but please note the following:
- Check the floor's load capacity (ask the management company)
- Be sure to lay a rubber mat (15mm or more recommended)
- Avoid late night and early morning training
- Avoid loud exercises like deadlifts
Q2. Can I assemble it by myself?
A. It depends on the equipment:
- Dumbbell bench: Can be done alone
- Half rack: Can be done by one person, but two people are recommended
- Power rack: 2 people required (heavy lifting required)
Q3. What about second-hand items?
A. Please consider carefully:
- Benefits : Significantly reduced initial costs
- Cons : No warranty, hygiene concerns, safety risks
- Be sure to check the actual item
- Buy from a trusted source
- Check maintenance history
Q4. What should I get first?
A. The order of priority is as follows:
- Training mat (floor protection)
- Adjustable dumbbells
- Adjustable Bench
- Barbell Plates
- rack
Q5. Can women also build home gyms?
A. Of course. For women:
- Start with light dumbbells (2.5-20kg)
- Compact power racks are recommended
- Consider using a 15kg barbell (for women)
- They are available in a variety of colors, including pink and white.
Summary: 3 Principles for a Successful Home Gym
Principle 1: Choose equipment that suits your purpose and space
Instead of just buying everything, carefully select the equipment that best suits your training goals and the space you have available.
Principle 2: Don't compromise on quality
To avoid buying cheap products that will waste your money, choose products from a reliable manufacturer. Over time, you will end up with better value for money.
Principle 3: Expand gradually
Don't aim for perfection right away; start with dumbbells and a bench and gradually add a barbell and rack.
If you are having trouble choosing equipment for your home gym, please contact Uchino Gym.
Uchino Gym only carries fitness equipment from the world's top brands, such as REP Fitness, ATX Fitness, Panatta, etc. If you have any questions about selecting equipment, delivery, or installation, please feel free to contact us using the chat button at the bottom right.
Keywords in this article
Home gyms, training equipment, adjustable dumbbells, power racks, adjustable benches, barbells, budget-friendly, beginner, home training
