We understand that those who are super passionate about their Fitness journey also tend to be really determined in the gym, never wanting to miss a day and feeling like it is a real loss whenever they do not have a choice but to skip.
However, it’s actually really important to pace yourself so as to avoid overworking yourself and putting yourself in real danger.
Besides, isn’t it so much more fun if you engage with your Bodybuilding hobby in other ways as well?
For example, you could turn on the TV from time to time and check out some Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime shows that are more than topical!
This way you may even learn some new things about this pursuit or lifestyle and perhaps apply them in the gym yourself.
Rest assured that taking a weekend away from the weights won’t ruin your gains and you’ll be all the better for it.
If anything, some restful time may just be exactly what you require to give your body the break it really needs.
And by watching fitness and bodybuilding documentaries on your favorite platform, you will still feel super productive and inspired to work towards your goals instead of binge watching that one show you always go back to again and again whenever you have some free time or just want to relax.
Thankfully, be it Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu or any other similar platform, you will be happy to realize that there is no shortage of content that still suits your interests.
So whether you wish to learn more about the Golden Era of bodybuilding, keep up with today’s CrossFit scene, or anything else in between, you will find that there is always something for everyone.
Not to mention that you could even combine your passion for binge watching and fitness into one, especially if you have a home gym or are planning on putting one together.
This way, you’ll even be able to watch some inspiring documentaries on these topics while working out at the same time, helping you push yourself further and achieving those goals.
With that being said, we have compiled a number of bodybuilding documentaries and the best workout Equipment you may need to start the home gym of your dreams!
These documentaries are ideal to binge while on the treadmill to help you get through each cardio session much easier but you need a great treadmill as well if you’re not going to use the ones your go-to gym provides, right?
So this guide is here to bring it all in the same place, making things much easier and straightforward!
No more intense searching on tens of different websites, hunting for the most fitting and high quality equipment for your home gym.
Similarly, you won’t have to scroll and scroll until finding a really good documentary to watch – at least not until after checking out everything on this list first, of course, because these suggestions are so good you’ll want to go through all of them!
In the last few years, the concept of having your own gym at home has changed a lot!
It used to be a sign of wealth and luxury but nowadays, there are many people who do manage to dedicate a special space for their daily, or weekly workouts, usually in their garages or basements.
What’s more, putting together your own home gym will actually end up saving you some money you’d eventually spend on gym memberships in the long run.
There are many ways to keep in shape even while working from home, for instance, due to the fact that we now all have access to all kinds of machines and equipment that we can own.
From yoga mats to simple weight to more advanced cardio machines, you can really take your bodybuilding or fitness journey as far as you wish without even setting foot in a gym once!
So how do you pick the best home gym equipment for you?
First of all, make sure you know your budget but there are, of course, other factors to consider such as the type of workouts you may want to focus on, the space you have available and your current level of experience.
That being said, if you are someone who would rather focus on cardio-type exercises, you might want to get a treadmill or an exercise bike – or both!
If, on the other hand, you are more passionate about strength training, kettlebells and dumbbells may be more your style!
After all, they are some of the most popular pieces of home gym equipment for a reason!
Or you may want to do full body workouts, in which case we recommend an elliptical machine or rowing machine since they are able to target a number of different muscle groups at the same time while also getting your heart rate up.
As mentioned before, you should also always think of the size of the machines you want since not everyone has the square footage some of these machines require.
If this is your situation, consider choosing machines that are easily foldable and that can be stored away whenever you don’t need to use them.
Ab rollers and resistance bands for instance, are perhaps the smallest and most portable while also being highly efficient equipment that should not be missing from anyone’s home gym.
Finally, don’t forget about the most accessible pieces of equipment such as jump ropes and yoga mats, which are ideal if you are on a budget but still want to keep active and in shape.
Not only are they fun and efficient, they are also super versatile, being highly incorporable in a number of different types of exercises so you won’t get bored of using them anytime soon.
Now that most of the basics have been established, here are other key factors you may want to consider while picking the perfect equipment for the home gym of your dreams.
- Purpose
As we’ve already established, you should probably know what you want to prioritize before actually ordering everything you need for your home gym.
More precisely, unless you have a lot of square footage and can get all kinds of different machines and pieces of equipment, you should maybe prioritize the items that meet all your current fitness needs, be it strength, cardio or anything else.
- Warranties
Like anything else out there, gym equipment can break as well, which is why it is important to always pay attention to what kind of warranty the manufacturer can provide so that you will enjoy the products you purchase for a really long time.
- Customer reviews.
Of course, in this day and age, it’s already common sense to always check out the customer reviews no matter what you’re planning to purchase and gym equipment is no exception!
After all, by using this method, you can make an educated choice without actually being an expert by simply checking out tens or even hundreds of unbiased reviews by verified buyers willing to provide their honest feedback after testing the product.
By doing this, you will learn about the products’ functionality, durability and design from real customers just like you instead of having to rely on what the manufacturer says.
- Versatility
If you want to save some space in your home and to always be able to put the equipment away and use the same space for something else, go for products that can be used in a variety of different types of exercises.
- Vetting
Vetting is just as important as customer reviews since it means that the equipment you’re considering buying meets Healthline’s business standards. Obviously, to ensure your safety, make sure any gym equipment you purchase has been vetted!
- Materials
Finally, always check the materials and make sure they are reliable, stable and durable.
While all of these things are important to know, we have made the process super easy for you by only picking the best of the best options that meet all of these standards and more!
This way, you can buy whatever suits your fitness needs the most without having to worry about all of these other elements.
All in all, here are some of the best home gym equipment pieces and best fitness and bodybuilding documentaries out there, in alternating order!
- Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike
The Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike features a 49-pound weighted flywheel able to hold a maximum of 275 pounds of weight.
The leather band resistance system has also been designed to give the feel of a real road which is quite a great feature when you’re stuck in the home.
The seat can be adjusted to 4 settings.
The caged pedals come with clips in order to help keep your feet in place and avoid any slipping.
There is also a bottle holder and the assembly is super quick and easy, not taking any more than ten minutes.
Just keep in mind, however, that this is a simpler version compared to others on the market, meaning that it does not have a screen so you’ll have to keep motivating yourself without the help of a guiding system.
In spite of this, it is still a really sturdy, solid product that also has large toe baskets.
In addition to that, it is super quiet so you’ll probably love that, especially if you share the house with family and friends and you all have different sleep schedules.
Another thing to keep in mind is that shorter people may be a little uncomfortable riding this bike.
All in all, despite a few small shortcomings, this is a great bike, especially for beginners.
- Pumping Iron
“Pumping Iron” is a pretty iconic documentary at this point due to the fact that it pretty much legitimized bodybuilding as a respected sport in addition to making Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno big household names in the industry!
That being said, this documentary is just as inspiring as it was when first released more than 4 decades ago.
The fact that this movie ended up having such a massive cultural impact is even more impressive given the fact that it was nearly never made!
- Gaiam Premium Extra-Thick Yoga Mat
The Gaiam Premium Extra-Thick Yoga Mat is a great choice since its padding is super comfortable for the joints and the surface is textured, preventing the risk of slipping.
At the same time, keep in mind that for some, the mat may be a little too thin and that the paint may smudge or come off as well.
There is no doubt that a workout mat is pretty essential when it comes to starting a home gym.
It may be a simple piece of equipment but thanks to its versatility, it’s the ideal choice for many, allowing for stretching and yoga but also high intensity interval training and weightlifting.
Of course, there are many mats of this kind on the market, which means there are many options to choose from but this one is a must try due to the variety of colors and styles it offers as well as the fact that it is so easy to clean.
Furthermore, as mentioned before, it features a textured non-slip surface that will keep you from slipping and possibly injuring yourself while sweating.
The mat also only weighs 3 pounds and is extra thick, featuring 6 mm of padding to keep your comfortable on pretty much any surface.
- Ronnie Coleman: The King
“Ronnie Coleman: The King” is all about the seven-time Mr. Olympia who pushed himself to his very limits in order to become the best in the world of bodybuilding.
The documentary wonderfully explores Coleman’s legacy but also talks about the consequences of his refusal to stop working on his physique even though he probably should have at a certain point.
- Tempo Studio
The Tempo Studio is exactly what you need if you have been looking for something that offers you variety when it comes to your workout needs without having to purchase a number of different equipment pieces.
This is because it’s a home gym in itself, and a smart one at that so you’ll enjoy working on your fitness even more as it will make you feel like you’re living in the future every time!
This smart home gym measures 72 x 26 x 16 inches, features a 42-inch HD touchscreen and the tower measures 100 pounds.
Furthermore, the processor is a 10th-Gen Intel Core i5, the speakers are 60W stereo and it connects via Dual-band 802.11 Wifi.
Weights are also included, the tower design is super attractive and you will be glad to learn that this item comes with great step by step instructions.
The only reasons why you might want to reconsider purchasing this home gym are the fact that you can’t listen to your own music and that you’ll need to pay for a monthly membership – which defeats the purpose of a home gym as far as some people are considered.
Still, for most people, this is still a worthwhile investment, especially if you enjoy weight training when it all feels like a game.
As mentioned before, it will also give your home gym a futuristic vibe since it’s a large mirror-like device able to display recorded as well as live workouts
It comes with a number of different super useful accessories including a workout mat and dumbbells.
What makes the Tempo Studio better than other 3D motion sensors able to analyze your body while working out is that it can also suggest ways for you to improve your form so it might all be worth the investment in the end.
- Muscle and Medals
“Muscle and Medals” is all about all the highs and lows of IFBB pro Romane Lanceford, proving that sometimes, you may need to reach rock bottom before finally climbing your way to the very top.
Lanceford went from a promising bodybuilding circuit upstart to being hospitalized with a dangerous foot infection and putting his whole career in jeopardy.
To learn more about this bodybuilding icon, check out “Muscle and Medals!”
- Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells feature no less than 15 different dumbbells of different weights ranging from 5 to 52.5 pounds.
Furthermore, the set also comes with a free fitness app that you will get a lot of use out of.
For your utmost comfort, the dumbbells have a rubberized grip/knurl and an ergonomic, heavy duty design you can rely on no matter what.
Another advantage is that the set disposes of storage trays that also feature a safety strap.
The only slight inconvenience for some may be that it is somewhat bulky but that’s obviously not a universal issue so you may not care much about that.
There is no surprise why the Bowflex SelectTech 552 are so well reviewed and popular to the point that you may struggle to find them in stock with most retailers out there.
After all, they replace 15 sets of weights and are able to adjust in 2.5-lb increments with the smallest of effort. All you need is to twist a dial!
You will never have to worry about removing and adding plates every again, making it super easy to move through your whole resistance training, from tricep curls, to squats, to chest presses.
Not to mention that the app that comes with the 552 can easily track all your progress and even provide you with some useful, personalized coaching you will definitely love to receive while working out at home.
If you are curious about what customers have to say about this product, here is what a reviewer shared on Amazon: “I’ve been using these for over a year now and they have served me very well.”
Furthermore, a Walmart reviewer stated that the set is “Easy to operate and a pleasure to use. The proper equipment makes for a quality workout. An excellent investment if you want exceptional equipment.”
- Eddie: Strongman
“Eddie: Strongman” focuses on Eddie Hall and his journey to achieving his goal of becoming The World’s Strongest Man.
Hall won his very first championship at the age of only 22 and the documentary is all about two years of his life when he was the most focused and determined to becoming the strongest human to have ever lived.
- Gaiam Premium 2-Color Yoga Mat
Everyone needs a good yoga mat in their home gym! After all, it’s a staple of fitness and should never miss from your workout equipment collection.
That being said, the Gaiam Premium 2-Color Yoga Mat is a perfect option as it’s ideal for beginner yogis just as much as it is ideal for the most experienced of them.
At the same time, whether you practice yoga or not, this can be used as a fitness mat as well, being exactly what anyone needs when they first plan out their perfect home gym.
This mat is 6mm-thick, the surface is PVC and provides great cushioning in addition to being non-slip.
As the name also suggests, this mat is reversible, featuring a different color on each of the two sides.
You will also be happy to learn that Gaiam offers a lifetime guarantee so you won’t have to worry about it getting damaged anytime soon.
According to reviewers on Gaiam’s website, the mat has a “beautiful design” and the quality is superior.
One happy customer wrote that “This is a great mat for a great price. It stays put, the material doesn’t flake off, it’s thick enough but not too thick and my hands and feet don’t slide around. Very comfortable and vibrant colors,” while another said that “This mat has lasted me a few years now and still looks new.”
- Fittest on Earth
If one of your goals in life is to become one of the fittest humans on Earth, you will benefit from learning from the “Fittest on Earth” right?
This production looks beyond the Olympia and the Arnold Classic, focusing on one of the fiercest competitions out there, the yearly CrossFit Games.
As part of the competition, thousands of competitors run a number of really challenging but rewarding feats.
Furthermore, in 2016, a Decade of Fitness celebrated the 10 year anniversary of the games and zoned in on all the trials and tribulations of those who are fighting to become the best in their area of interest.
- Crossrope Get Lean
The Crossrope Get Lean has a really innovative design as well as an integrated app that may just make it one of the best jump ropes out there, if not number one!
You will receive two interchangeable ropes, one weighing 4 ounces, and the other 8 ounces.
Each of them is made in such a way that they click into the handles easily and firmly, helping you diversify your workouts however you want and based on your own unique fitness needs and goals.
In fact, the handles themselves are a huge highlight as well due to the fact that they are slim enough to perfectly fit in smaller hands but still big enough to provide anyone with a firm grip for the best control.
However, beyond all of these great design elements, this product’s biggest advantage is the app it comes with, which is available for both Android and iOS.
While you can pay for a premium membership if you wish, you don’t have to as there is still a lot of useful content you can enjoy with the free version already.
You will be able to find challenge groups, tutorials and many workout programs that require a variety of cope combinations.
- The Redeemed and the Dominant: Fittest on Earth
“The Redeemed and the Dominant: Fittest on Earth” is the sequel to “A Decade of Fitness” and follows the journeys of a number of Crossfit Games athletes, including the winners of the 2017 edition, Matt Fraser and Tia-Clair Toomey.
- FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench
The FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench has a foldable, lightweight design, which means it is perfect for those who don’t have a lot of space at their disposal but is still super, sturdy being made out of steel and vegan leather.
Just keep in mind that because it is lightweight, it might move around a little easier than other options on the market.
Furthermore, it lacks lumbar support and could be too narrow or short for some people.
With that being said, it still has over 12k reviews online and more than half of them are 5 stars so if you know you wouldn’t be bothered by the things mentioned above, you should probably give it a try.
After all, it’s not such a popular choice for nothing!
It features 6 back and 4 seat positions and is easily adjustable whenever you want to get a full body workout.
And, as mentioned before, you won’t have to worry about it breaking or tearing anytime soon since it is made out of high quality steep and durable faux leather.
It weighs only 21.3 pounds and is foldable which makes it really easy to store and move around.
Another advantage is that it arrives fully assembled so you won’t have to worry about putting it together yourself either.
It can support up to 600 pounds or over 272 kg so it will provide a stable and safe workout experience for pretty much anyone.
- The Perfect Physique
“The Perfect Physique” is a documentary available on Amazon Prime and is all about a number of fitness cover models and Olympia athletes, each of them sharing the reasons why aesthetic fitness and bodybuilding mean so much to them.
One of the stars featured is the former Muscle and Fitness cover star and fitness model icon, the late Greg Plitt, to whom the movie is also dedicated.
- Lululemon Double Roller
The Lululemon Double Roller has a firm texture and features 20.5 inches deep waves but it is also available in other options if you are looking for different lengths.
The diameter measures 5 inches and you will receive two rollers for the price of one.
For easier storage, it has a nested design and the length is also appropriate for use in most areas so you don’t have to worry about your limited space either.
The only reason why some users may want to avoid this product is the inner roller density and texture that may be too intense for some.
It is one of the most versatile foam rollers out there.
Thanks to the interlocking design made up of a softer exterior, it provides the ideal pressure for your overworked muscles, being perfect whether you need to use it on your arms or legs.
As for the interior roller, it is tougher and denser, being able to dig into tougher to treat spots in the back.
Many foam rollers on the market can be used on the hips and lower body in general since those are thicker tissues but rollers that work so well on the upper body are much harder to find.
And that is exactly where this roller shines!
The wavy texture of the inner roller can target all your stiff back muscles without any issues but can also be used to target the tense spots in the quadriceps and hamstrings.
In conclusion, this is a genius 2-in-1 item that can really aid in targeting all kinds of areas of your body and you’ll definitely get a lot of use out of it in your home gym.
- Legends of Strength
“Legends of Strength” is a series available on Rogue’s Website that follows the lives of Eugen Sandow and Apollon – two historic fitness legends.
The docu-series is filled with intriguing and useful information about these old-school fitness icons and features experts and historians to remain as accurate as possible.
With that being said, if you are planning on becoming one of the biggest history buffs as well as a buff person, this series is definitely not to be skipped.
- FITVEN Freestanding Punching Bag
The FITVEN Freestanding Punching Bag is one of the best of its kind since it is able to reduce noise, absorb shock and still remain really sturdy thanks to a series of springs.
At the same time, just keep in mind that it may be a little difficult to fill and may even leak water.
But if you really love things like mixed martial arts, kickboxing and boxing, a heavy, freestanding bag like this one is definitely a great investment.
It measures 177.8 cm in height and is durable and flexible, offering you the best home gym experience.
As mentioned before, this is a freestanding boxing bag which means you won’t have to worry about the headache that is anchoring it to the ceiling.
Furthermore, you can also fill the base with water if you wish but the manufacturer recommends you go for sand instead as it provides better stability.
- The Game Changers
“The Game Changers” can be viewed on Netflix and is a controversial documentary that focuses on the increasing popularity of plant-based athletes in the fitness world.
The film claims that by getting rid of animal products from your diet, you will not only become healthier but also stronger than ever!
Whether you will feel the same by the end of the documentary or not is less important as it’s still an interesting perspective to check out, especially since icons such as Strongman Patrik Baboumian and Arnold Schwarzenegger are also featured, sharing their own perspectives on this alternative.
- TRX Home2 System
The TRX Home2 System is portable, durable, adjustable and lightweight so what more could you want?
The only thing that may be a turn off for some is the fact that installation is not the easiest, requiring a really strong anchor point.
Other than that, it’s great as this suspension training kit allows you to complete a full-body workout pretty much at anytime and anywhere you wish!
It was designed with a number of handles and straps to allow for resistance workouts without the need for any weights.
Instead, it uses a combination of gravity and body weight to create resistance during workouts, including exercises such as squats, pull-ups, lunges, pushups and planks.
The suspension straps can also increase difficulty because of the instability of bodyweight movements which leads to the increased use of core muscles.
Not to mention that this is an ideal purchase if you have a small space for a home gym since it is adjustable and lightweight.
This kit is an especially great option for beginner fitness fans, and the same company also offers a more advanced option if you ever feel like upgrading when you become more experienced.
It comes with a TRX suspension training strap, door anchor, suspension anchor, a mesh travel pouch as well as a comprehensive and extensive workout guide that is 35 pages long.
- Westside vs. the World
“Westside vs. the World” is available on Netflix and is a deep dive into Louie Simmons, the legendary strength coach and his iconic gym – Westside Barbell – which pretty much changed the very definition of powerlifting!
- PRx Performance Profile Squat Rack with Kipping Bar
The PRx Performance Profile Squat Rack with Kipping Bar is perfect for small spaces as it requires minimal space to be used.
The design is also foldable which means you can easily put it away whenever it’s not in use.
The only con is that it is not really suitable for lower ceilings so make sure you check all the measurements carefully before purchasing it.
Otherwise, if you love lifting heavy, this might just be the perfect product for you.
This power rack gets bolted to the wall and can fold up after every workout, unlike many other similar options on the market.
Naturally, this is a great advantage for those who don’t have a lot of square footage at their disposal.
This piece of equipment also features a choice of a kipping, traditional or multi-grip pull-up bar.
The weight capacity it has is of up to 1,000 pounds or over 453 kg so this really is for everyone!
It also comes with 2 heavy-duty J-cups in order to protect your barbell, which, along with the weight plates, will have to be purchased separately.
You can find a series of related editorials below:
Best Bodybuilding Documentaries On Netflix And Other Streaming Services
Yoga On Amazon Prime And Netflix – Top Workout Videos You Should Try Out
Best Workout Videos On Netflix That You Must Watch To Get In Shape
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