Fitness coach warns home gym buyers about unused equipment

New York fitness coach Jacob Zemer said many home gym buyers can waste money on bulky equipment they rarely use, while recommending affordable essentials such as bands, dumbbells and a bench for effective workouts at home. A YouGov poll conducted in September 2026 found 31% of Americans were spending more on health and wellness than a year earlier, while 20% expected to spend more in the coming year. A 2026 Garage Gym Experiment poll found 44% of respondents expected to spend at least $1,000 on home gyms. Zemer said building a home gym does not require a complex setup and advised people to begin with versatile equipment before adding more items over time.

"A lot of people think building a home gym requires an elaborate setup, and it doesn't," Zemer said.

The coach said a small selection of equipment can support training for different muscle groups and recommended starting with three basic items. "You can accomplish everything for every muscle group with just three items," Zemer said.

Zemer identified exercise bands as a practical first purchase because of their low cost and portability for different locations. "Just because they're so incredibly affordable," Zemer said.

He added that bands can support strength training for beginners and are easy to bring during travel. "You can do everything you need to with just those pieces of equipment — and you can travel with them, bring them on a plane and to a hotel, which makes them very versatile," Zemer said. The trainer also recommended dumbbells but noted that home gym users should consider available floor space. Adjustable dumbbells can reduce storage needs but may cost more and require careful handling.

"With adjustable dumbbells, you can have a very small floor print — however, they are a little bit more costly, and some of them are slightly fragile, so just be mindful of that," Zemer said.

Zemer said progress in strength training is not only measured by adding heavier weights and that proper form remains important for beginners. "Pushing yourself doesn’t mean adding 20 pounds — it could mean doing one more rep," Zemer said. The coach explained that increasing strength requires gradual progression as the body adapts to training demands.

"You need to progressively get stronger, because your body will adapt to the stimulus you’re using," Zemer said.

For a third essential item, Zemer pointed to a workout bench because some exercises are limited when performed only while standing or lying on the floor. "You can get quite an affordable bench online," Zemer said.

He recommended choosing a bench with multiple positions to increase exercise options. "I would look for one that both declines and inclines, maybe even perhaps sits completely upright. That will give you a lot of versatility," Zemer said.

Zemer said the biggest financial mistake is buying equipment that takes too much space, requires difficult setup or supports only limited exercises. "The most important thing is that it’s quick and easy to set up, easy to grab and therefore more likely to be used. The more setup it requires, the less likely you will to be use it," Zemer said. The coach cited his own experience selling lever arms, attachments for power racks used in exercises including presses, rows and squats, after finding them difficult to move and use consistently.

"The secondhand market of gym equipment is brutal, so if you buy something, and you don't use it, the resale value is next to none," Zemer said.

Zemer said equipment with multiple uses should generally receive priority over devices designed for a single body part. "I always look for equipment that can do multiple things," Zemer said. Cardio machines are not required for every home gym user, according to Zemer. He said walking, running and faster-paced strength workouts can also raise heart rates for people who are mobile.