The start of a new year means two things above all else:
- Actually going through with those health goals, and
- Taking advantage of those sweet New Year deals.
Thanks to rebel, 2025 is kicking off with a “two birds, one stone” scenario. One that’s a prime opportunity for you to build that home gym you’ve always dreamed about, and help you have a red-hot crack at those fitness targets.
We’ve partitioned the following guide into four distinct stations — cardio, strength, combat, and functional movement/recovery — though keep in mind you don’t need to tick every box outlined. Just a few key items can make all the difference.
Your home gym can consist of nothing more than a stationary bike, an adjustable bench, and some free weights, for example. We’ve simply provided an extensive list so you’re not short on choice when you’re planning out your dream home gym.
Clearing Out A Space
Before you do anything, allocate sufficient real estate for whatever kind of gym you’re after. Ideally somewhere with a relatively even surface and minimal obstructions, i.e. load-bearing columns, low-clearance beams, chaotic electrical wiring draping the walls.
Nobody wants to feel restricted or have to be overly mindful of their surroundings when they’re exercising.
Once you’ve tidied up and relegated whatever junk was lying around to storage, pick up a few Celsius Jigsaw Mat Packs ($59.99 per four) to begin with. As a crucial foundation to your home gym, the padding will decrease chances of injury and protect the ground from weights being dropped/machines potentially being dragged around. It’ll also come in handy when you need to sprawl out for a stretch.
If you have a spare mirror, set it against a corner out of harm’s way. Beyond the potent motivator that is vanity — especially under downlighting when you get a decent pump going — a mirror is a great way of enforcing correct form.
The Cardio Station
Given cardiovascular endurance and mobility are two of the core fitness pillars, the right tools to get the heart pumping are non-negotiable. Cardio equipment will be one of your greatest allies when it comes to weight loss and raising your general fitness level.
Sure, you could always make do with a Celsius Deluxe Skipping Rope ($14.99), perhaps even take a lap around the block. But remember: we’re building your dream home gym.
The NordicTrack EXP 5i NT24 Treadmill($1,499, down from $2,499) is a no-brainer with its accommodatingly wide belt; quick speed controls ranging from 1.5 km/h to 16 km/h and 0-10% incline options; balanced rollers and runners flex to limit joint impact; 2×2 speakers and Bluetooth headphone compatibility; and an easy-lift/easy-storage design if you’re short on space.
Whether it opens, closes, or breaks up your workout, a treadmill is the key to burn calories and develop a healthy gas tank.
($899, down from $999)
($2,299, down from $3,299)
If running or going for a brisk walk isn’t exactly your style, fear not — there are equally effective alternatives to raise the BPM and get the blood flowing.
The Proform Sport CX PF22 Bike ($899, down from $999), for one, features 16 levels of intensity you can toggle via the digital smart resistance system and interactive training programs to get you Tour de France ready; while the NordicTrack RW900 NT23 Rower ($2,299, down from $3,299) leverages air resistance to respond to your effort on every stroke.
Both provide a killer lower and upper body workout, respectively. And like the NordicTrack Treadmill, both can be easily stowed away.
The Strength Station
Onto the other core fitness pillars of strength and muscular endurance, the adjustable Celsius BC2 FID Bench ($149.99) and multi-function Celsius RK1 Half Rack ($399, down from $499) will serve as another cornerstone of your iron sanctuary (and prove to be the most worthwhile investments).
The bench requires zero explanation, but you’ll need weights for it. As a baseline, we recommend the easy-to-handle Celsius 20kg Body Toning Set ($59.99, down from $99.99) for its hollow pump bar with two quick-release clips to make swapping plates a dream.
As implied by its name, this six-plate product is intended for high-rep sets of curls, presses, rows, and so forth at a lesser load.
If you don’t want to be restricted by a bar, Celsius Dumbbells ($11.99 to $123.99) ranging from 2kg to 22.5kg are the way to go; the equally utilitarian Celsius Kettlebells ($74.99 to $124.99) begin at 10kg and top out at 24kg. While the Body Toning Set is certainly versatile in its own right, dumbbells and kettlebells will offer an unparalleled variety of movements you can train at home.
The RK1 Half Rack, on the other hand, is where you’ll bang out pull-ups, deadlifts, squats, heavy-duty bench press reps, and assuming you spring for the RK2 Lat Attachment ($199.99), much more — think of it as where all your compound exercises happen from now on.
Naturally, you’ll also need heavy-duty plates and Olympic barbells. Maybe even wraps, straps, belts, and gloves.
The “Rocky” Station
($299, down from $399)
($249, down from $349)
Combat sports are an excellent way to improve fitness in an engaging way if lifting and running alone aren’t mentally stimulating enough.
Consider pairing the ever-stable Everlast Heavy Bag & Speed Bag Stand ($299, down from $399) with an Everlast Powerlock Speed Bag ($99.99) to refine your hand-eye co-ordination and rhythm; as well as a premium loose rag-fill Everlast Nevatear Elite 5FT Heavy Bag ($249, down from $349), which provides quality impact feedback/strike deadening and a durable anti-rip outer shell.
No matter how much of a beast you think you are, we can guarantee the Everlast Heavy Bag will be able to take your jabs, crosses, hooks, elbows, knees, and even kicks without a single issue.
The Everlast Hyperflex Reflex Strike Bag ($249.99)is optional though recommended, in our books, to sharpen your footwork and drill defensive manoeuvres. Speaking from personal experience, it’s also excellent for upping your cardio, hand-eye coordination, and timing. Because unlike a heavy bag, your opponent won’t stand still.
Hand wraps and gloves, however, aren’t so optional: you’ll only hurt yourself bare-knuckled.
The Functional Movement & Recovery Station
Your level of investment in this station will depend on how much functional training is emphasised by your fitness regimen.
Celsius’ PVC 7mm Support Yoga Mat ($39.99) is a good place to start, with unbelievable support and pliability for when you stretch out or take on an ab circuit.
On the subject of abs, the PTP Core Dome ($199.99) and the Celsius Ab Wheel Pro ($34.99) are other valuable inclusions for this department. As is a Celsius Medicine Ball (from $29.99), which you can tone the rig with by pumping out some Russian Twists; and slam against the wall/floor for a full body burn.
If you have a taste for that F45 flavour, and have the luxury of adequate floor space, the Celsius Battle Rope (from $109.99) is a sure-fire way to boost overall body strength, endurance, plus metabolism.
As for the matter of a recovery, no cooldown zone is complete without a Celsius Ezi Roller ($59.99) with its ribbed and easy-to-use design; or the almost obligatory Theragun Prime G4 ($499) for those more stubborn knots — not to mention, general relaxation.
In keeping with the current wellness trend, we’re also prescribing a Celsius Portable Ice Bath ($99.99) to speed up that muscle repair while minimising post-workout soreness.
Whether it’s a simple set-up with some key items or an all-star lineup featuring advanced machinery with all the bells and whistles — a home gym that both suits your space and reflects your needs will create a zone you can look forward to checking into every day.
At rebel, the world (and those New Year’s fitness goals) are quite literally yours for the taking.
This article is presented in partnership with rebel. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Boss Hunting.
