Being a dad doesn’t leave you with tons of free time. Between work, family, and daily responsibilities, hitting the gym consistently can feel nearly impossible. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a commercial gym to get in great shape. With the right home gym setup, you can train efficiently, stay consistent, and make real progress—all from the comfort of your own home.
Whether your goal is to drop a few pounds, rebuild lost muscle, or just have more energy for your kids, this guide covers the best home gym equipment for dads. It’s practical, budget-conscious, space-friendly, and dad-life approved.
The Most Popular Home Gym Equipment
1. Adjustable Dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells are the ultimate home gym staple. Instead of having a full rack of fixed weights (which takes up loads of space), a single pair lets you change weight in seconds.
Why it’s perfect for dads:
You can perform a full-body workout with just these—think squats, curls, presses, rows, lunges.
Ideal for progressive overload—start light and increase as you get stronger.
Saves space and money compared to buying multiple dumbbell sets.
👉 Recommended: Exersci Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set
Easily adjustable Dumbbell / Barbell set in multiple weight options. Quick and easy to assemble and adjust. Equipped with easily removable weight plates in a variety of weights!
2. Adjustable Bench
A good bench increases your exercise variety tenfold. You can use it for dumbbell chest presses, incline shoulder presses, single-leg work, or seated curls.
What to look for:
Multiple incline levels (flat, incline, decline)
High weight capacity
Comfortable but firm padding
Foldable design for easy storage
👉 Recommended: YOLEO Adjustable Weight Bench
Sturdy reliable, folds flat in seconds. Holds upto 660lb/300kg.
3. Resistance Bands With Door Anchor
Resistance bands are surprisingly effective. You can mimic most cable machine exercises using a set of bands—great for chest flies, rows, curls, and triceps pushdowns.
Why dads love them:
Portable and lightweight—ideal for travel or holidays
Great for mobility, warmups, and injury prevention
Safe around kids (no heavy plates or sharp parts)
👉 Recommended: Valejoy Resistance Bands Set
Includes everything you need: 5 bands, door anchor, handles, ankle straps.
4. Pull-Up Bar
Few exercises beat pull-ups for upper body strength. And the right bar makes them accessible from home—no drilling or hardware needed.
Pro tip: Use resistance bands to assist if you can’t do full pull-ups yet.
Extra uses:
Hang resistance bands for rows and curls
Leg raises for core work
Static hangs for grip and shoulder health
👉 Recommended: Poskou Pull-Up Bar
Padded grips, no screws, fits most doorways.
Best Home Gym Equipment for Small Spaces
5. Adjustable Kettlebell
Kettlebells are fantastic for functional, explosive workouts. The adjustable kind gives you all the weight options in one sleek tool.
Why dads love it:
Excellent for cardio and strength combined
Great for HIIT workouts (swings, cleans, snatches)
Takes up minimal space but delivers maximum intensity
👉 Recommended: AtivaFit Adjustable 20kg Kettlebell 7 in 1
One kettlebell = 7 weight options (2kg-20kg).
6. Foldable Treadmill or Walking Pad
Walking pads and compact treadmills let you stay active even on the busiest days. Great for walking while working or watching the kids.
Features to look for:
Quiet motor
Compact folding design
Speed settings
Safety lock
Ideal for:
Dads working from home
Morning or late-night walks
Boosting daily step count without going outside
👉 Recommended: City Sports Folding Treadmill
Slim, sturdy, and stores under a bed or sofa.
Top Equipment for Strength Training at Home
7. Barbell & Weight Plates
Barbell training builds serious strength. If your goal is muscle growth, testosterone support, and functional strength, this is a top-tier choice.
Great for:
Squats, deadlifts, bench presses, overhead presses
Progressive loading for long-term gains
More advanced training plans like 5×5 or push-pull-legs
👉 Recommended: Strongway Barbell Olympic Set
Affordable, durable, and ideal for a garage gym setup.
8. Power Rack or Half Rack
Training heavy at home? A power rack adds safety, stability, and versatility. Some even include attachments like dip bars and cable pulleys.
Why it matters for dads:
Safety first: train alone without a spotter
Confidence to go heavier
Build a legit home gym foundation
Tip: Choose a rack with a pull-up bar and optional attachments.
👉 Recommended: Sunny Health & Fitness Power Cage
Top-tier build quality, trusted by athletes.
Top Equipment for Cardio & Fat Loss
9. Rowing Machine
Rowers are low-impact, full-body cardio machines. Unlike bikes or treadmills, rowing also works your back, arms, and core.
Why it’s effective:
Burns serious calories
Improves posture and endurance
Joint-friendly (great for dads over 35)
👉 Recommended: Concept2 RowErg with PM5
Industry-standard rower. Reliable, smooth, and best on the market.
10. Jump Rope
If you’re tight on time and space, a jump rope delivers fast results. 10 minutes of skipping can torch calories and boost coordination.
Benefits for dads:
Incredible cardio and fat burn in little time
Easy to travel with
Builds calves, grip, and stamina
👉 Recommended: Amazon Basic Skipping Rope
The cheapest and most underutilised piece of cardio on the planet.
Best All-in-One Home Gym Machines
11. Marcy Eclipse (Compact Home Gym)
The Marcy Eclipse home gym enables you to train your entire body directly from one location. You can perform a variety of different exercises, including both upper and lower body. With the compact home gym, there is no need to wait for machines or drive to the gym.
Why dads love it:
Compact and modern
Can perform a variety of exercises
All-in-one home gym
👉 Recommended: Marcy Eclipse Compact Home Gym
- This piece of kit lets you target all major muscle groups without needing to go anywhere or change machines like you would in the gym.
Budget-Friendly Picks
If you’re starting from scratch or just want the essentials, here are smart buys under £100.
Push-Up Bars – Reduce wrist strain, increase depth
Ab Roller – Strengthens your core fast
Suspension Trainer – Full-body training using bodyweight
Core Sliders – Perfect for abs, hamstrings, and mobility
Yoga Mat – For stretching, mobility, or floor work
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a flashy gym membership or loads of space to get in the best shape of your life. With the right tools—and the right mindset—your home can be your gym.
Start small, stay consistent, and scale up when you’re ready.