From commercial gyms to boutique studios and home setups, having the right mix of essential gym gear ensures members can perform varied, effective workouts every time they visit. Whether you’re establishing a new facility or upgrading an existing space, here’s a comprehensive guide to a few of the must-have strength training equipment that every gym should have.
1. Free weights
Free weights are versatile, functional and essential for any strength training regimen. They allow exercisers to perform a wide range of workouts that target preferred muscle groups and engage their muscles for stability and coordination. Free weights can also be easily stored in home gyms with limited space.
- Dumbbells – Dumbbells are ideal for beginners and experienced lifters, offering the flexibility to perform isolated or compound movements. Anti-roll dumbbells have flat edges, keeping them from rolling away when set down. This design improves safety, keeps the workout area organised and makes swapping weights easier during workouts.
Check out our range of dumbbells and racks to suit different fitness levels and gym setups.
- Barbells and racks — Barbells are a staple for performing classic weightlifting exercises like squats, deadlifts and presses. With a strong, reliable rack system, members can safely load and unload weight plates to perform barbell exercises with optimal safety and support.
Browse our selection of barbells and racks to ensure your gym has top-tier equipment that’s built to last.
2. Weightlifting machines
Selectorised strength machines are a core part of any essential gym gear collection. They not only make workouts safer for members but also offer the support and stability needed to develop muscles safely.
These machines provide controlled movements and optimum support, making them especially suitable for beginners or members focusing on rehabilitation. These machines are designed to target specific muscle groups, making it easy to isolate muscles without engaging stabilisers.
Here are a few essential machines that every gym should have:
- Chest press machine — The chest press machine isolates the pectoral muscles and allows users to increase upper body strength with a controlled range of motion. This machine is particularly helpful for those who are new to strength training, offering stability and guidance to develop proper form.
- Lat pulldown and row machine — For targeting the upper back, lat pulldown and row machines are fundamental. They offer variety, enabling users to work the back muscles from different angles, essential for balanced upper body strength and posture.
- Leg press and extension machines — Lower body strength is crucial for overall fitness and leg-focused machines, such as leg presses and extensions, offer targeted options for developing leg muscles. These machines allow exercisers to push heavy loads with controlled movement, reducing stress on joints.
3. Adjustable benches
Adjustable benches are simple yet highly effective pieces of strength training equipment. With the ability to adjust the incline, decline and flat positions, benches offer flexibility for exercises targeting muscles from different angles. From bench presses and rows to tricep extensions and seated curls, a quality adjustable bench is the foundation for various exercises.
Adding multiple adjustable benches to your facility enables several members to perform strength exercises simultaneously, reducing wait times for equipment. Benches are highly effective when paired with dumbbells or barbells for a comprehensive strength setup.
4. Cable machines for functional training
Cable machines are vital for functional strength training, offering resistance with different angles and movements. They are popular in gyms because of their versatility, allowing users to work on various muscle groups with one piece of equipment. Cable machines enable exercisers to perform exercises such as chest flies, tricep pushdowns, glute exercises and core twists, which help build balanced strength and stability.
This strength training equipment is also highly adjustable, allowing members to customise the height, weight and angle to suit their workout preferences and body mechanics. Cable machines are perfect for members who want to incorporate functional movements that mimic real-life activities and sports-specific movements.
5. Smith machine
The Smith machine provides a controlled environment for performing exercises like squats, lunges, bench presses and overhead presses. Unlike traditional free weights, the Smith machine stabilises the barbell, reducing the risk of injury. This makes it a valuable addition to gyms catering to members of all experience levels, from beginners who may be intimidated by free weights to advanced lifters seeking a new personal record.
Including a Smith machine in your facility provides members with a reliable and safe alternative for weightlifting exercises, especially for those training solo or without a spotter.
6. Functional training tools
In addition to weightlifting machines, functional training equipment is essential for members who prefer dynamic, high-intensity workouts. Adding items like kettlebells, medicine balls and resistance bands enhances the variety of strength and cardio exercises members can perform. These tools are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for building explosive power, core stability and agility.
Functional training tools are valuable for small group training sessions, HIIT classes or personalised workout plans. They offer diverse exercises that keep members engaged and motivated.
Build a complete strength training experience with Life Fitness
Creating a well-rounded gym space requires the right balance of strength training equipment and functional training tools. By investing in essential gym gear that caters to all fitness levels, you’re positioning your facility as a versatile, supportive environment where members can achieve their fitness goals.
Choose Life Fitness for top-quality equipment that’s designed to meet the demands of modern gyms, home gyms and fitness studios. From free weights and dumbbells to elliptical cross trainers and treadmills, Life Fitness has everything you need to elevate your facility’s offerings. Contact us today to learn more about how Life Fitness can help you build a gym experience that keeps members coming back!
