Best Home Calisthenics Workout Equipment
Best Home Calisthenics Workout Equipment. Calisthenics is a style of training that relies solely on your body weight as resistance. Certain workout equipment is essential to this style of training like when you use a pull-up bar to perform pull-ups & chin-ups during a back workout. If you’re not strong enough to do a pull-up yet (or other body weight exercises), you can use calisthenics equipment to help you increase your strength to the required level.
For example:
What if you’re not strong enough to do a handstand push-up yet? What options do you have?
- You can use dumbbells to help you increase your upper body strength.
- Dumbbells allow you to train with resistance weight that is lighter than, equal to, or heavier than your current body weight.
- You can start with light dumbbells and perform chest, shoulder and tricep exercises such as bench press, shoulder, press, tricep extenions, and so on.
- As you get stronger, you can start using heavier and heavier dumbbells in your training.
- Then, you can start incorporating basic pushups, pike pushups, 90 degree pushups, and weighted pushups.
- At this point, you should have enough upper body strength to do a wall handstand push-up and can then begin working on your form and technique for mastering freestanding handstand push-ups.
The pieces of calisthenics workout equipment shown below are what I use during my training sessions each week. Most of them can be found at your local gym. You also have the option of purchasing them in order to create your own workout space at home, which is exactly what I have done.
One huge benefit of creating your own calisthenics workout space at home is that it saves you from having to drive to the gym each week. To give you a better picture, I want you to visualize how much time you normally spend:
- Getting ready for the gym.
- Driving in traffic to the gym.
- Waiting to use equipment and machines once you’re at the gym.
- Driving in traffic back home.
These seemingly small chunks of time will add up to large blocks of wasted time over the course of the Week → Month → Year.
Whether you’re a a student buried in homework and exams, or a working parent trying to juggle the family and career, you understand just how valuable time is, and how having a little extra can be quite the blessing.
This is extremely helpful to me when I’m busy working 40 hours a week at my job and spending the rest of my time on this website. It’s incredible to see how much time I actually save just by owning a few of these items!
You can then use this extra time to catch up on your school work or study for exams, improve your health by exercising more consistently, go out on that romantic date you’ve been putting off, spend time with your family & friends, get ahead in your career, or simply take a moment for yourself to sit back, relax and enjoy life.
Best Home Calisthenics Workout Equipment. Calisthenics is a style of training that relies solely on your body weight as resistance. Certain workout equipment is essential to this style of training like when you use a pull-up bar to perform pull-ups & chin-ups during a back workout. If you’re not strong enough to do a pull-up yet (or other body weight exercises), you can use calisthenics equipment to help you increase your strength to the required level.
Calisthenics Equipment (skip to section) | |
Resistance Bands | |
Dumbbells | |
Barbells + Weight Plates | |
Bumper Plates | |
Barbell Collars + Clamps | |
Workout Benches | |
Power Racks + Cages | |
Pull-Up Bars | |
Power Towers |
For example:
What if you’re not strong enough to do a handstand push-up yet? What options do you have?
- You can use dumbbells to help you increase your upper body strength.
- Dumbbells allow you to train with resistance weight that is lighter than, equal to, or heavier than your current body weight.
- You can start with light dumbbells and perform chest, shoulder and tricep exercises such as bench press, shoulder, press, tricep extenions, and so on.
- As you get stronger, you can start using heavier and heavier dumbbells in your training.
- Then, you can start incorporating basic pushups, pike pushups, 90 degree pushups, and weighted pushups.
- At this point, you should have enough upper body strength to do a wall handstand push-up and can then begin working on your form and technique for mastering freestanding handstand push-ups.
The pieces of calisthenics workout equipment shown below are what I use during my training sessions each week. Most of them can be found at your local gym. You also have the option of purchasing them in order to create your own workout space at home, which is exactly what I have done.
One huge benefit of creating your own calisthenics workout space at home is that it saves you from having to drive to the gym each week. To give you a better picture, I want you to visualize how much time you normally spend:
- Getting ready for the gym.
- Driving in traffic to the gym.
- Waiting to use equipment and machines once you’re at the gym.
- Driving in traffic back home.
These seemingly small chunks of time will add up to large blocks of wasted time over the course of the Week → Month → Year.
Whether you’re a a student buried in homework and exams, or a working parent trying to juggle the family and career, you understand just how valuable time is, and how having a little extra can be quite the blessing.
This is extremely helpful to me when I’m busy working 40 hours a week at my job and spending the rest of my time on this website. It’s incredible to see how much time I actually save just by owning a few of these items!
You can then use this extra time to catch up on your school work or study for exams, improve your health by exercising more consistently, go out on that romantic date you’ve been putting off, spend time with your family & friends, get ahead in your career, or simply take a moment for yourself to sit back, relax and enjoy life.
OUR Current Favorites
OUR Current Favorites
RESISTANCE BANDS. Transform your home gym with these versatile resistance bands. They are elastic bands that can be used in calisthenics workouts, strength training exercises at home, or rehabilitation exercises.
Made from high-quality materials, they offer a convenient and affordable alternative to expensive gym equipment.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned fitness enthusiast, these resistance bands are adaptable to different fitness levels and goals. They allow you to perform a wide range of exercises, from strength training to yoga, making them the perfect addition to any workout routine.
The bands come in different resistance levels, allowing you to customize your workout and challenge yourself as you progress. They’re also lightweight and portable, so you can take them with you wherever you go.
I use the purple SPRI Xertube resistance band in my weekly workouts (shown below).
Key Features:- Made from high-quality materials for durability.
- Adaptable to various exercises and fitness levels.
- Compact and easy to store.
- Affordable and convenient alternative to gym equipment.
- Push-Ups, Chest Press, Bench Press, Standing Chest Press, Bent-Over Rows, Seated Rows, Pull Aparts, Lying Pullovers, Lat Pulldowns, Overhead Press, Shoulder Press, Shoulder Raises (front, rear, side), Upright Rows, Reverse Flyes, Rotator Cuff Exercises, Squats, Deadlifts, Leg Extensions, Leg Curls, Hip Adductors/Abductors, Lateral, Band Walks, Bicep Curls, Tricep Extensions, Knee Raises, Leg Raises.
Don’t let a lack of space or budget hold you back from achieving your fitness goals. These resistance bands offer a high-quality and durable solution that will help you stay in shape and feel great. Order now and see the results for yourself!
DUMBBELLS can be used in a variety of exercises and don’t need a lot of workout space when using them. They can be used individually or in pairs. They’re perfect for beginners who are just starting their fitness journey or for those who want to supplement their existing workout routine. Easy to use and highly versatile, they’ll allow you to target different muscle groups with ease.
Their materials and design make them quite durable, but don’t go around dropping them or throwing them unless you want a hole in your floor! With dumbbells, you can quickly change the resistance weight being used during the exercise. You don’t have to spend time changing out collars and weight plates like you do when you use a barbell. As a result, you now have the ability to quickly perform pyramid sets or drops sets during your training (as seen in the videos below).
I use the smaller neoprene dumbbells for rotator cuff exercises and the hex dumbbells for benching, squatting, military presses, rows, etc.
There are 2 types of dumbbells: Traditional or Adjustable.
There are 2 types of dumbbells:
Traditional or Adjustable
Traditional Dumbbells
Pros:
- Affordable and budget-friendly options.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Some are encased with a rubber coating. The coating provides a better grip and prevents slipping (see below).
- Hexagonal shape prevents rolling.
- There are still some brands who make round dumbbells, but I prefer the ones that stay in place.
- Available in a wide range of weight options.
- Takes up more space than adjustable dumbbells
- Limited to specific weight increments, which may not be ideal for those who need more precise weight options
- May require purchasing multiple sets to have a full range of weight options
Adjustable Dumbbells
Pros:
- Space-saving design.
- Allows for quick and easy weight changes.
- Can be adjusted to a wide range of weight options.
- Often come with a stand for easy storage and organization.
- Can be more cost-effective in the long run if you only need a few weight options.
- More expensive upfront cost than traditional dumbbells.
- May not be as durable as traditional dumbbells.
- Knobs or other mechanisms used to adjust weight may come loose over time.
- Can be less comfortable to grip than traditional dumbbells.
- Limited weight range compared to traditional dumbbells.
- Bench Press, Floor Presses, Chest Flyes, Shoulder Presses, Shoulder Raises, Bent Over Rows, Bent Over Upright Rows, Single Arm Dumbbell Rows, Decline Rows, Incline Rows, Pull-Overs, Deadlifts, Goodmornings, Squats, Lunges, Calf Raises, Bicep Curls, Tricep Extensions, Wrist Curls.
- It’s also possible to use them as resistance weights for Weighted Pull-Ups/Dips (when placed between the legs/feet or in a heavy duty backpack or Rucksack).
- They can also double as push-up bars depending on the type you purchase; the hexagon shaped dumbbells work the best since they won’t roll when used in this manner.
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BARBELLS can be used in a variety of exercises like dumbbells. There are different types of barbells available such as standard barbells, olympic barbells, deadlift barbells, trap barbells (hex bar), powerlifting barbells, and so on. Each type is created for a specific style of training and/or exercises. Your workout area will need to be slightly larger due to the bar’s length and the weight plates you add on.
Like dumbbells, they are quite durable and can last a long time if you take care of them. For the purpose of creating a calisthenics home gym, a Standard barbell or Olympic barbell should be adequate.
Using a barbell and weight plates allows you to add more resistance weight to your exercises when compared with dumbbells. For instance, most commercial gyms don’t have dumbbells heavier than 120 pounds. So if you wanted to bench press or deadlift more than 240 lbs., you would have to switch over to using a barbell where you could keep adding weight plates past the 240 lbs.
WEIGHT PLATES:
- Available in a variety of weights, typically ranging from 2.5 to 45 pounds or more.
- Made with different materials including cast iron, rubber, and vinyl.
- Can be used with both traditional and Olympic barbells.
- Typically sold in pairs or sets.
Ideal for building strength and adding resistance to workouts.
Traditional Barbell
Key Features:
Straight bar with a consistent diameter, typically between 5-7 feet long, and weighing around 45 pounds.
Pros:
- Affordable compared to Olympic barbells.
- Lightweight, making them ideal for beginners and those who are not ready to lift heavy weights.
- Easy to find in most sporting goods stores or online retailers.
Cons:
- Limited weight capacity compared to Olympic barbells, typically maxing out at around 300 pounds.
- The bar is not as durable and may warp or bend over time.
- The grip may not be as comfortable or secure as an Olympic barbell, as the knurling is often not as aggressive.
Olympic Barbell
Key Features:
A thicker bar with a diameter of 2 inches and typically around 7 feet long. Can handle a maximum weight capacity of 1,500 pounds.
Pros:- Can handle much heavier weight loads than traditional barbells.
- More durable and made of higher quality materials, meaning they last longer.
- The knurling is more aggressive, providing a more secure and comfortable grip.
- More expensive than traditional barbells due to higher weight capacity and higher-quality construction.
- Heavier than traditional barbells, making them less ideal for beginners.
- May require more specialized equipment, such as bumper plates, to prevent damage to the floor or barbell.
- Barbells and weight plates can be used in the following exercises:
- Bench Press, Floor Presses, Shoulder Presses, Shoulder Raises, Bent Over Rows, Bent Over Upright Rows, Single Arm Rows, Squats, Deadlifts, Goodmornings, Lunges, Calf Raises, Bicep Curls, Tricep Extensions, Wrist Curls.
Start building your dream home gym today with high-quality barbells and weight plates! Click the media below to shop now and start seeing results in no time.
BUMPER PLATES are a type of weight plate that are used with Olympic Barbells. At the center of each plate, they have a steel collar hole to slide onto the barbell. This center collar may vary size, so just make sure that the dimensions of the weight plates and barbell match one another before purchasing.
Key Features:- Durability: Bumper plates are made of solid rubber, which makes them durable and long-lasting. They can withstand drops and rough use, making them ideal for high-intensity training.
- Noise reduction: The rubber construction of bumper plates reduces noise and vibration when dropped on the ground. This makes them a great choice for home gyms or facilities where noise levels need to be minimized.
- Versatility: Bumper plates come in a variety of sizes and weight increments, making them versatile for a wide range of exercises and strength levels.
- Safety: The rubber construction of bumper plates also makes them safe to use. They won’t damage floors or equipment, and the risk of injury is minimized when dropping them during exercises like the clean and jerk or snatch.
- Easy identification: Bumper plates are often color-coded to make it easy to identify the weight of the plate from a distance. This helps with quick and efficient weight changes during workouts.
- Value for money: While bumper plates may initially be more expensive than other types of weight plates, their durability and versatility make them a good long-term investment for any home gym or commercial facility.
Bumper plates can be used in the following exercises:
- Weighted Pull-Ups or Chin-Ups (when using a pull-up belt), Weighted Push-Ups, Barbell Rows, Bent Over Barbell Rows, Bent Over Upright Rows, Single Arm Barbell Rows, Pullovers, Deadlifts, Goodmornings, Squats, Lunges, Thrusters, Military Presses, Overhead Presses, Cleans, Jerks, Push Presses.
Looking to take your calisthenics workout to the next level? Don’t settle for standard weight plates that limit your potential. Upgrade to the versatile and durable bumper plates available by clicking the images below.
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BARBELL COLLARS or CLAMPS are placed on barbells to keep the weight plates in place while exercising. The bumper plates or weight plates are placed on the bar, and then the collars or clamps are attached on the outer side of them. And because the weights stay in place, it’ll give you a uniform distribution of weight on the barbell, which helps your form and technique during lifts.
Key Features:- Designed to fit tightly on the barbell, providing a secure hold on the weight plates.
- Reduces the risk of plates sliding or falling off during exercises
- Easy to install and remove, allowing for quick weight changes during workouts.
- Made with durable materials to withstand heavy use and prevent wear and tear.
- Available in a variety of styles and colors to match your personal preferences.
Adjustable Workout Bench For Home Gym. A workout bench is an essential piece of equipment for the home gym. The kind you purchase should be determined by what exercises you’re going to use it for, and how much space you have for it. For instance, some workout benches are fixed horizontally while others can be adjusted. There are also foldable workout benches that allow for easy storage. For strength training and calisthenics workouts at home, an adjustable workout bench will be the optimal choice.
Key Features:- Versatility: Adjustable workout benches allow you to perform a variety of exercises, including chest presses, shoulder presses, incline and decline presses, and more.
- Customization: With adjustable settings, you can easily customize the bench to your desired level of incline or decline, allowing for a more personalized workout.
- Space-saving: Many adjustable workout benches are designed to be compact and easily foldable, making them ideal if you have limited space in your home gym.
- Safety: Adjustable workout benches come with safety features such as locking mechanisms and non-slip surfaces to ensure your safety during your workout.
- Comfort: Many adjustable workout benches come with comfortable padding and backrests to provide support and reduce discomfort during exercises.
- Targeted muscle groups: By adjusting the bench to specific angles, you can target different muscle groups for a more effective workout.
- Convenience: With an adjustable workout bench at home, you can save time and money on gym memberships, and can workout at your own convenience.
- Workout benches can be used in the following exercises:
- Bench press, incline bench press, seated shoulder press, seated arnold press, seated shoulder raises, tricep extensions, skull crushers, dumbbell rows, incline dumbbell rows, seat bicep curls, hammer curls, concentration curls, wrist curls, wrist rotations, box squats, sumo box squats, Bulgarian split squat, Bulgarian deadlift, step-ups, seated calf raises, various ab exercises, hyperextensions, reverse hyperextensions.
POWER RACK AND CAGES. A regular power cage is a fantastic addition to any home gym, especially if you’re into weightlifting. It provides a secure and stable space for you to perform exercises like squats, bench press, and overhead press with heavy weights without the need for a spotter. Plus, you can easily adjust the height of the barbell to suit your needs.
However, a regular power cage doesn’t offer any additional features beyond basic weightlifting exercises. It doesn’t come with any attachments or add-ons, so you’ll need to purchase those separately if you want to add more variety to your workouts.
On the other hand, a multifunctional power cage with a smith machine and cable system offers a lot more versatility in your workouts. With the smith machine, you can perform squats, lunges, and other lower body exercises with more safety and stability than with a regular barbell. The cable system provides a variety of exercise options for both upper and lower body, such as cable curls, lat pulldowns, and cable rows.
The downside of a multifunctional power cage is that it takes up more space and is usually more expensive than a regular power cage. Also, the cable system may not provide the same level of resistance as a free weight exercise. However, if you’re looking for a complete home gym setup and want the versatility of different exercise options, a multifunctional power cage is definitely worth considering.
- Power racks and cages an be used in the following exercises:
- Bench Press, Incline Bench Press, Decline Bench Press Military Press, Barbell Rows, Pull-Ups Chin-Ups, Squats, Deadlifts, Rack Pulls, Goodmornings, Lunges, Calf Raises, Scap Pulls, Hanging Leg Raises, Hanging Knee Tucks, Shrugs, Bicep Curls, Standing Barbell Tricep Extensions.
Pull-Up Bars are a simple but effective piece of exercise equipment that you can use to build upper body strength and increase your overall fitness level. They come in different types, including door pull-up bars, mounted pull-up bars, and calisthenics pull-up bars. | ||
The main benefit of pull-up bars is that they allow you to perform a variety of exercises that target multiple muscle groups at once, including your back, arms, and core. Pull-ups, in particular, are one of the best bodyweight exercises for building upper body strength and developing a V-shaped torso. | ||
Additionally, using a pull-up bar is a great way to improve your grip strength, which can help you in other areas of your fitness routine, such as weightlifting or rock climbing. As for the different types of pull-up bars, door pull-up bars are easy to set up and can be used in the comfort of your own home. Mounted pull-up bars are more stable and can typically support more weight, making them a good choice for heavier users or advanced athletes. Calisthenics pull-up bars are designed for outdoor use and are often used in parkour or street workout routines. Overall, incorporating pull-ups into your workout routine is a great way to build strength, improve your overall fitness level, and target multiple muscle groups at once. |
Pull-Up Bars are a simple but effective piece of exercise equipment that you can use to build upper body strength and increase your overall fitness level. They come in different types, including door pull-up bars, mounted pull-up bars, and calisthenics pull-up bars.
The main benefit of pull-up bars is that they allow you to perform a variety of exercises that target multiple muscle groups at once, including your back, arms, and core. Pull-ups, in particular, are one of the best bodyweight exercises for building upper body strength and developing a V-shaped torso.
Additionally, using a pull-up bar is a great way to improve your grip strength, which can help you in other areas of your fitness routine, such as weightlifting or rock climbing.
As for the different types of pull-up bars, door pull-up bars are easy to set up and can be used in the comfort of your own home. Mounted pull-up bars are more stable and can typically support more weight, making them a good choice for heavier users or advanced athletes. Calisthenics pull-up bars are designed for outdoor use and are often used in parkour or street workout routines.
Overall, incorporating pull-ups into your workout routine is a great way to build strength, improve your overall fitness level, and target multiple muscle groups at once.
The one pictured above is the exact same one I’ve been using for the last 5 years and have not had any issues other than a few scratches on my door frame. You can also place this particular pull-up bar on the floor and use the handles as push-up bars.
- Can be used in the following exercises:
- Regular/Wide/Close/Neutral Grip Pull-Ups, Chin-Ups, Scap Pulls, Hanging Leg Raises, Hanging Knee Tucks, Push-Ups, Tricep Extensions, Tricep Push-Ups.
Door Pull-Up Bars
Pros:
- Easy to install and remove
- Affordable
- Portable and can be used in different locations
- No drilling or permanent damage to the walls
- Can be used for other exercises, such as push-ups and dips
Cons:
- Not as stable as mounted pull up bars
- Limited weight capacity
- Can cause damage to the door frame if not used properly or if the frame is weak
- May not fit all door frame sizes
Mounted Pull-Up Bars
Pros:
- More stable and secure than door pull up bars
- Can handle higher weight capacities
- Can be mounted at different heights for various exercises
- Does not damage the door frame or require a door frame to be present
- Can be used for other exercises, such as hanging leg raises and suspension training
Cons:
- Requires drilling into the wall or ceiling for installation
- More expensive than door pull up bars
- Not portable and cannot be easily moved to different locations
Calisthenics Pull-Up Bars
Pros:- Offers a wider range of exercises than door or mounted pull up bars, including muscle-ups and levers
- Can be used for both indoor and outdoor workouts
- Multiple users can use the bar at the same time
- Can handle higher weight capacities
- More expensive than door or mounted pull up bars
- Requires more space for installation
- Cannot be easily moved or relocated
- May require additional equipment for some exercises, such as gymnastic rings
POWER TOWERS are a piece of home gym equipment that are designed for bodyweight exercises such as pull-ups, dips, and leg raises. They usually consist of a sturdy steel frame that supports a pull-up bar and dip bars, along with padded armrests for comfort. The great thing about power towers is that they allow you to perform a variety of exercises using just your own body weight, making them perfect for anyone looking to get in shape at home without investing in a lot of expensive equipment.
One of the biggest benefits of using a power tower is that it allows you to work multiple muscle groups at once. For example, you can perform pull-ups to target your back and biceps, dips to work your chest and triceps, and leg raises to strengthen your core. Plus, since you’re using your own body weight as resistance, you can easily adjust the difficulty level of each exercise to suit your fitness level.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using a power tower, though. For one, they can take up quite a bit of space, so make sure you have enough room in your home gym before investing in one. Additionally, since power towers are typically quite tall, you’ll want to make sure your ceiling is high enough to accommodate them.
Overall, though, I highly recommend incorporating a power tower into your home workout routine if you’re looking to build strength and endurance using just your own body weight. They’re versatile, effective, and a great investment in your health and fitness.
- Power towers an be used in the following exercises:
- Pull-Ups, Chin-Ups, Scap Pulls, Resistance Band | Tube Lat Pull-Downs or Rows, Dips, Deficit Push-Ups Pike Push-Ups, Planches, Planche Push-Ups, Tuck Planche Push-Ups, Knee Tucks, L-Sits, Hanging Leg Raises.