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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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?

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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:

1. Training mat (floor protection)
2. Adjustable dumbbells
3. Adjustable Bench
4. Barbell Plates
5. 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