My Apartment Gym Setup

Most people over the last year and half have had to forgo the gym and buy at home equipment. I did the same thing, and after a bit of study I found a few pieces which have served me well. I live in a small apartment and did not have the space nor the funds for a full power rack with weights. When looking for this equipment my primary concerns were that they were compact, effective, and multi use.

Here are the pieces which I settled on.

1) Kettlebell

My number one pick became my favorite piece almost immediately and since the gym has opened the once I still use the most frequently. Kettlebells have not only an astounding number of exercises one can perform but they are also very compact. I like to use them after my workouts or even on the weekend when I have some time for an extra workout. I believe my kettlebell contributed the most to allowing me to maintain my gains during Covid.

2) Dip Bar

In some ways I love my dip bars more than my pull-up bar. I performed countless dips and rows on my pair and was always exhausted after. Compared to the kettlebell the number of exercises you can perform are limited but what you have are highly effective. Add to that the fact that dip bars are very storable and you have an essential piece of at home gym equipment.

3) Sandbag

Alright, if you just want one piece of equipment, then get a sand bag. These guys can become you own personal hell with very few movements. Mine is 30kg and it destroyed me numerous times. I would say this came the closest to replacing a barbell. A sandbag is just as functional as a kettlebell and (depending on the weight) much more challenging.

4) Pull-up bar

It goes without saying that this is most peoples very first piece of exercise equipment. The problem with buying one for the house/apartment is that most people opt for the in-door pull-up bar. I had to, and to be honest, I stopped using it as it would never stay in place. If you can get a legit one then this will be the center piece of most home set ups.

5) Ab Wheel

Compact? Check. Effective? Check. Cheap? Of course! I am sure most people have given one of these a go in the past. I can feel all my abdominals contract as soon as the first rep and these always become excruciating very quickly. It’s a very unique way to hit your abs and I would be hard pressed to replace these with another piece of equipment. To be fair, you can also perform these with a shirt on the floor in place of a wheel. I love to do a few while I watch a movie. On top of that is the added benefit of the plank position and the focus on the lower back.