Hunting for the perfect garage gym setup? Coop from Garage Gym Reviews shares his list of the Top 10 Home Gym Essentials, and it’s everything a dad needs to train smarter, not fancier.

Coop’s gear picks cut through the noise. No influencer flexing, no gimmicky machines. Just the tools that actually get used.

Why It’s Dad Day Approved

Real training, real life. Coop’s list nails that balance between budget, function, and the kind of gear that doesn’t need a tech manual. Whether you’ve got a full garage or a corner of the basement, this is how you build a setup that lasts.

Coop’s Top 10 Essentials (Quick Breakdown)

  1. Barbell – The foundation of any good gym. Most efficient, most versatile, best ROI.

  2. Weight Plates – Mandatory for your barbell, but also great for standalone exercises.

  3. Squat Rack / Power Rack – Your gym’s central hub. Adds safety, versatility, and attachment options.

  4. Weight Bench – Flat or adjustable, it’s your base for pressing, step-ups, and everything in between.

  5. Adjustable Dumbbells – Save space, still get the range. Ideal for small setups.

  6. Kettlebells – The ultimate hybrid tool. Strength, conditioning, and movement in one.

  7. Pull-Up Bar or Gymnastics Rings – Cheap, effective, and endlessly useful.

  8. Conditioning Device – Think rower, sled, or air bike — not the treadmill graveyard.

  9. Proper Flooring – Horse stall mats > foam tiles. Period.

  10. Leaf Blower – The secret weapon of garage gym dads. Clean space = consistent workouts.

Dad Day Takeaway

Forget $3,000 smart racks. The best home gyms are built one solid piece at a time, gear that’s used, not just owned.

Start simple: barbell, plates, and a rack. Add as you go. The goal isn’t to build the perfect gym, it’s to build the habit.

Watch the full video from Garage Gym Reviews
→ Garage Gym Reviews on YouTube