Planning / BUYING GUIDE

What to buy for your first home gym

Build around the exercises you do, keep the gear that works, and add the rest as you need it.

Rack & RoomUpdated 17 Oct 20263 min read

How we choose equipment About our buying links

Keep equipment that already does its job. For a first dumbbell setup, start with the BodyIron Studio FID bench and a pair that covers your working weights. For barbell training, Revolution’s HR3260 includes the rack fittings needed for an internal lifting position. Add cables or a Smith when those exercises earn a regular place in the week.

In this guide

The shortlist

A pair and stand in one order

LSG V1 24 kg pair with stand

The LSG V1 package includes two 24 kg dumbbells and a stand. It is a straightforward starting point when that per-hand limit covers your presses and rows.

A$449Listed 17 Oct 2026

Details & retailers

A practical first adjustable bench

BodyIron Studio Utility FID Multi Bench

World Fitness listed this bench at A$399 on 17 October 2026, including a decline leg stabiliser. Its eight back positions cover flat, incline and decline; the leg-curl attachment costs extra.

A$399Listed 17 Oct 2026

Details & retailers

A conventional rack with the fittings included

Revolution HR3260 Power Rack

Southside’s HR3260 package includes J-hooks, internal spotters and a multi-grip pull-up bar. Add a bench, bar, plates and collars to make a complete barbell station.

A$799Listed 17 Oct 2026

Details & retailers

A permanent rack and cable room

Rogue FM-6 Twin

FM-6 Twin brings the rack, adjustable cables and dedicated lat/row connection together. Choose the height, depth, stacks and anchoring as one installation.

Details & retailers

Keep the useful equipment you already own

An existing Smith machine, curl bar or adjustable pair can remain the centre of the gym. Write down what the current setup prevents you doing. A missing cable movement, an awkward bench position or a dumbbell weight limit gives the next purchase a clear purpose.

Starting from nothing? Use one of the routes below. Each should let you finish a normal session before you add a second station.

Your regular training	First complete purchase
Dumbbell presses, rows and split squats	A pair at your working weight, an adjustable bench and somewhere to set the weights
Squats, bench presses and deadlifts	Rack, safeties, bar, plates, collars and bench
Smith work plus free weights and cables	A combined station such as G3 V2, with the required plates, bench and free barbell
Cables with guided workouts	The selected digital-gym package, including a bench when the base package omits one

Spend where the first setup falls short

A smaller dumbbell package only saves money if you can keep using it. The LSG pair stops at 24 kg per hand; Ironmaster’s selected pair supplies about 34 kg. If you already row more than 24 kg, price the heavier pair from the beginning.

HR3260 gives you a conventional full rack without buying a cable system. If cables are already part of your programme, G1 V2 combines them with a rack and uses your existing compatible plates. Choose that extra mechanism because you will use it; the bench, bar and weights still need their own budget.

Make the room work before the next order

Mark the bench and loaded bar on the floor. Leave access to both sleeves and a clear way into the rack.
Put delivery, flooring, assembly and required fixings beside the equipment in the budget.
Leave a place for plates and handles between sets. Storage that blocks the bench is in the wrong place.
Add the next machine when you can name the exercise or shared-session problem it will solve.