Welcome to Part 2 of the "Building Your Own Gym" Series. This series will focus on the top 5 items I believe are best for creating your own "gym" based on your individual situation. As the title indicates, this article is speaking to the apartment leaser who may not have a dedicated space they can build a gym in. Neighbors below the floor and across the walls mean banging of weights may not be acceptable (unless you live in the coolest apartment on the block). Landlords don't usually look kindly on cracked floors or nail marks from mounting pullup bars. If you're trying to figure out how to make the most effective gym possible in your apartment, please read on. Furthermore, recognizing that you may not have the money to afford top-of-the-line fitness equipment like that from Rogue Fitness, I have also added my most recommended picks for those on a budget.
1. Kettlebells:
Incredibly versatile, kettlebells can be used like dumbbells while also mimicking the movements of a barbell much better than a dumbbell ever could. Kettlebells also take up very little space and are extremely fun. If you are going to invest in kettlebells for your apartment space, I suggest you get 2 pairs of kettlebells of varying weights. 1 heavier pair, and a lighter pair to keep your workouts varied!
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On A Budget -
- Weider Cast Iron Kettlebells - fair note: the grip on these kettlebells is not nearly as nice as the Rogue or Kettlebell King Kettlebells. It is wide and can get quite slippery. Try using athletic tape on the handle if you purchase the Weider cast iron kettlebells. Otherwise, no complaints. Solid kettlebell for a great price.
2. Dip Station:
No Bench Pressing? No problem. Dips have got you covered. Probably more so. Dips, when done correctly, can build just as much muscle in your chest, shoulders, and triceps as that Bench Press. No doubt, the bench press can lead to greater absolute strength gains; in terms of functional, total body strength, and athleticism, the dip has the bench press beat. Get a dip station and start telling all your friends how your chest and triceps got so swole all of the sudden.
Top Quality Option(s) -
Budget-Friendly Option(s) -
3. Pullup Bar:
Pullups are the ultimate sign of upper body strength. If you can rip out 10 plus bodyweight pullups, people are impressed. 15? You must know what you are doing. Get to 20 and people suddenly start asking what your secret is. Get a pullup bar. You can never do enough pullups and chinups.
*I am assuming you cannot mount a pullup bar into your wall or ceiling as your landlord would become quite P.O.'ed. If you can, however, Rogue has the answer.
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4. Bench:
"Why would I need a bench? I don't have a barbell in my apartment to do any bench pressing from." You may have just asked yourself this question. My friend, a bench is not just for bench pressing. Benches are extremely adaptive to your workouts. Use it for weighted and bodyweight step-ups; "box" jumps; Unilateral rows; bench dips; bodyweight tricep extensions; Bulgarian split squats. The list goes on and on. A bench is extremely useful for an apartment gym and also can act as an extra storage shelf or sitting space when you are not working out with it. The more you know. Get in the game!
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Budget-Friendly Option(s) -
5. Adjustable Dumbbells:
Look, kettlebells may work for most exercises, but adjustable dumbbells truly are a game-changer for anyone looking to up their bodybuilding apartment gym. 1 pair that can take the place of 10-20 pairs of dumbbells. Space savings, hello. Curls, welcome back.
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On A Budget -
*PRO-TIP:
For those with adequate ceiling space, an excellent piece of equipment that combines the pullup bar and the dip bar is a Power Tower Machine. As an added benefit, power towers will enable you to have more effective ab routines and eliminate the risk of your pullup bar coming unhinged from the doorway mid-set.
The NIMTO Power Tower is an excellent option for those on a budget still looking to get a fantastic piece of equipment
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