Calisthenics Equipment For Your Home Gym
G’day!
Below, you’ll find the most common calisthenics equipment that will get you started in no time.
I’ll explain later my selection criteria, the benefits, and some pros and cons of each item to help you make an informed decision.
Disclaimer: the following are affiliate links, I’ll receive a small commission at no cost to you. My commission will help to keep this site running and maybe buy me a coffee 😉.
What Are The Best Calisthenics Equipment For Home?
Here they are!
Pull Up
Bar
Parallettes
Bars
Calisthenics
Rings
Dip
Bars
Resistance
Bands
Weighted
Vest
Dips
Belt
Power
Tower
Foldable
Pull Up Bar
Speed Jump
Rope
Abs
Roller
Liquid
Chalk
Table of Contents
Selection Criteria
The selection criteria I used to pick the best calisthenics equipment from Amazon, is just like if I would buy them for myself, I would look at these things:
1) Number of reviews – I would naturally gravitate towards those products with the highest number of reviews
2) Price – I wouldn’t always go for the cheaper one unless I have used it previously and I already know it is of good quality
3) Benefits – I find which one has the most benefits, OR if the benefits they advertise are what I am looking for
4) Pros and Cons – self-explanatory
Related read: How to start? Calisthenics For Beginners With Program
Pull-Up Bars
A pull-up bar is the most basic equipment for calisthenics that we want to have in our home gym.
You’ll need this one to perform exercises like pull-ups and chin-ups to target your back and biceps. You can also do hanging leg raises with this equipment.
Number of user ratings:
More than 2.3k
Number of Stars:
Benefits:
- Supports up to 300 pounds (as indicated by the Amazon seller)
- Sturdy and durable construction material: alloy steel (as indicated by the Amazon seller).
- The bar fits doorways from 24 to 36 inches wide
- Expandable bar ends to fit various door widths
- Customers mentioned that it doesn’t leave marks on their doorframes
- The pull-up bar offers various grip positions, including wide pull-ups, and regular chin-ups
- 10-year warranty with US local support (as indicated by the Amazon seller). I like this!
Pros:
- It is considered very sturdy by previous customers
- Easy to assemble and to install
- Options for various grips, which means you can do pull-ups, chin-ups, you go nuts!!!!
- It has expandable bar ends
- Thicker bar for improved grip strength
- A user reported it can be used for suspension training but I’d be very carefull as these are not attached or fixed to the door frame, they only rest on the frame.
- You can attach elastic bands to aid you with your pull-ups
- Users report a very responsive customer support
Cons:
- Some customers reported that the force applied to the wall above the door frame during use may cause damage. In my opinion, this will be the case for any similar pull-ups bar, to avoid this, you may want to add some DIY padding.
- The contact points may scratch paint on wall or door frame, but this can be mitigated with padding.
- Not suitable for doorways greater than 36 inches wide.
Parallettes
This one is another common equipment amongst calisthenics practitioners when doing workouts at home.
I like the parallettes because they do not take up much space.
You’ll want to have parallettes for when you are ready to start practicing: L-sits, advanced handstands and chest push-ups with more range of motion.
These are great when your bodyweight workout includes exercises like push-ups for your chest. You can use these for your handstand to train your shoulders, arms and may help to build muscle.
Number of user ratings:
More than 659
Number of Stars:
Benefits:
- Supports up to 330 pounds (as indicated by the Amazon seller)
- Sturdy and durable construction, alloy steel (as indicated by the Amazon seller).
- Comfortable hand pads
- Nonslip legs. Important when you are trying to nail those handstands against the wall, you don’t want the paralletes to slip forward.
- Light weight = 4 pounds. Portable due to its small size, 16-inch max length when pulled apart.
Pros:
- Customers appreciate the industrial-grade solid steel construction, mentioning that it adds to the product’s longevity.
- The anti-slip feet are often praised because they provide stability during exercise
- Customers frequently mention the top foam grip support, stating that it protects their hands and promotes proper form during workouts.
- Several customers have expressed satisfaction with the money-back guarantee offered by Rubberbanditz.
Cons:
- I couldn’t find any specific quality-related issue on this product, and if anything, nothing that a product replacement offered by the seller or Amazon return wouldn’t fix.
Gymnastic Rings
First off – never underestimate the gymnastic rings. Anything to do with these rings is super hard and challenging, as they require you to engage every stabilizer and auxiliary muscle in your body and require a lot of trial and error.
Your muscles basically need to learn how to work with the rings. Not easy!
These are great to perform various exercises such as pull-ups, dips, muscle-ups, push-ups, and rows. You can use these to train at home or outdoors.
Number of user ratings:
More than 223
Number of Stars:
Benefits:
- This is my favorite feature! – They are adjustable, allowing you to perform exercises at various heights. This is pretty much the case for most gymnastics rings. The instructional video on the Amazon site shows how easy it is to adjust!
- Fit well in the hand with an outside diameter = 9.25 inch and inside diameter = 7.05 inch. With 1.1 inch thickness (as per seller information)
- Lots of load capacity, with straps load capacity = 1.700 lbs, and rings load capacity = 660 lbs (as per seller information)
- Carabiner load capacity = 3.300 lbs ( as per seller information)
Pros:
- One customer said: The rings are an excellent product for their price, holding up well for around 5 months without wear. They are durable and worth the money.
- They can be mounted on a power rack, and because they come with real carabiners, high-quality straps and strong stitching, they can securely hold up the weight
- Users report: They are aesthetically pleasing and offer peace of mind regarding safety
Cons:
- One user reported that the fabric of the straps is slightly abrasive, requiring you to wear something on your arms for comfort. This tells me how sturdy the straps are. I’m not sure this is really a con, but I thought you would want to know this.
Dip Bars
Dip bars are another useful calisthenics equipment that helps to develop upper body strength through regular use at the comfort of your own home or anywhere really.
These can be used to perform dips, which work the triceps, chest, and shoulder muscles. You can also use them to perform back rows, making it a great addition to your calisthenics home gym.
Number of user ratings:
More than 1,170
Number of Stars:
Benefits:
- 1,200LBS capacity allows advanced users to do weight-bearing exercises!
- The 8 loading points with adjusted foot covers make these dip bars stable on all kinds of floors.
- 6 adjustable heights from 30.51″ to 45.28″
- Sturdy construction material: Alloy Steel
- The seller offers lifetime support
Pros:
- Users mention the solid build quality and heavy-duty steel frame, which provides good stability, even for heavier individuals.
- Users have found the dip station to be durable, with a powder-coated finish that protects it from scratches and corrosion over time.
- The foam-padded handles offer a comfortable grip.
- Many users found the assembly process to be easy and straightforward.
- The ability to adjust the width and height of the bars is seen as a positive feature, providing customization options for different exercises.
Cons:
- Users mention that if the bars are pushed too far, there’s a risk of the dip bars tipping over. In my opinion, this would be the case for any dip bar that is not attached to the floor.
- Some users would prefer more padding on the handlebars for added comfort during workouts, but this could be his / her own preference.
Resistance bands
The main benefit I really love about using resistance bands is that they can make an exercise easier or more challenging depending on how they are used.
They can also be used during warm-ups and stretching.
Resistance bands should be added to your workout equipment.
Number of user ratings:
More than 256
Number of Stars:
Benefits:
- Various resistance: Light Band (5 – 15 lbs), Medium Band (20 – 35 lbs), Heavy Band, (30 – 50 lbs), Robust Band (40 – 80 lbs), Power Band (50 – 120 lbs), Strong Band (60 – 150 lbs)
- Free e-book included
- Natural rubber latex
- Seller claims – lifetime warranty
Pros:
- Seller claims: anti-snap features
- Users, in general, share that the bands are of good quality and do not deteriorate easily
- Due to their length, they are effective for assisting with pull-ups and home workouts
- Users claim they are affordable compared to other brands that are known for their toughness
- These bands have been selling on Amazon since 2017, which has given the seller enough time to improve and refine the product
Cons:
- Minor complaint about the hardness of the rubber edges
Read my article No Gym? No Problem: Best Calisthenics Biceps Workout For Home and download the workout program NOW.
Weighted Vest
A weighted vest is an equipment that you can use to add resistance to your bodyweight exercises.
Weighted vests are great because they come in different weights and are perfect for increasing strength, and endurance.
Number of user ratings:
More than 1,647
Number of Stars:
Benefits:
- It has a zipper to make it easy to put on and take off
- It is machine washable, just remove the weight before you put it in the machine
- The seller claims the vest uses a hybrid material to keep your body cool during workouts
- The weights are all removable, start light and work your way up
- Solid iron weights – weights that are meant to last a lifetime
- Seller claims – Lifetime support
Pros:
- Uses a softer, more comfortable material instead of the hard scratchy material
- Users claim this vest is easy to use and comfortable to wear
- Another user liked the short length of the vest “it is perfect”
- The front zipper is great for easy wearing
Cons:
- A user reported that dye from the vest may rub off when wet
- I read some cons from the users, but I found them subjective and dependent on each individual, so take them with a grain of salt.
- Nothing that an Amazon return wouldn’t fix.
Dips Belt
Dip belts are good for calisthenics because they allow you to add resistance to bodyweight exercises like pull-ups, dips, and push-ups, making them more challenging and allowing you to progressively build strength as you increase the added weight.
Number of user ratings:
More than 239
Number of Stars:
Benefits:
- 36 Inch Length x 7 Inch Width, the seller claims this is the most optimal length for dips and pull ups
- You can adjust the weight belt size according to your waist circumference (Range: 63.5-115cm/25-45.3in), for the perfect fit
- The length of the chain for hanging weights can also be adjusted by using the chain links and the carabiners, the total length of the chain is 98cm/38in
- Contoured design and soft back support
Pros:
- Amazon claims that customers usually keep this item. This product has fewer returns than average compared to similar products
- Users claim it is comfortable to use
- Easy to load weights when using the carabiners and chain links
- Compact when not in use
- Users claim it is strong, the Amazon product description states it is made of neoprene and soft cotton
Cons:
- One user claimed that the belt may feel a bit loose for individuals with a smaller waist size (24 inches) and can slip down
Power Tower
You can do multiple calisthenics exercises and train multiple muscle groups in one station, and this piece of equipment is known as the Power Tower.
It has a pull-up / chin-up bar, bars for chest / triceps dips, and leg raises, which means you can train different muscle groups.
Because you can train multiple muscle groups, I find the power tower is the perfect addition to your home gym if it fits your budget.
Number of user ratings:
More than 305
Number of Stars:
Benefits:
- Heavy-duty construction with its durable steel frame
- Non-slip rubber grips
- Paddings available for your back and arms comfort
- The power tower material is alloy steel. It has a weight capacity of 300 lbs
Pros:
- Users report it is very easy to assemble when following the instructions
- As per product reviews, post-sale customer support is fantastic
- Multiple grips to allow you to perform pull-ups, chin-ups, hanging leg raises, chest dips, tricep dips, and push-ups
- Users report that it feels sturdy after it is assembled
Cons:
- A user reported that it has a fixed height, which may not fit everyone
- The backrest pad might get in the way during pull-ups
Foldable Free Standing Pull-up Bar
A foldable free-standing pull-up bar is an excellent choice for those with limited space or if you prefer to take your workout outdoors.
It is a portable equipment that you can set up anywhere just make sure the surface is even because some users reported stability issues on uneven surfaces.
It can be used for various exercises like pull-ups, hanging leg raises, etc.
Number of user ratings:
More than 528
Number of Stars:
Benefits:
- Your toes don’t touch the ground. Very few portable self-standing pull-up bars for home/office in the market are higher than 92.5 inches. This one is 100.4” tall
- It can withstand max of 771.6 Lbs and enables you to do the strongest exercises without being collapsed or bent
- It can be folded up quickly in 08 seconds, allowing you to free up the space after exercise
- 5 Years Warranty
Pros:
- Due to its width, it is great for various types of pull-ups and chin-ups
- Users claim it is easy and quick to assemble
- You can adjust its height, and it is suitable for tall users
Cons:
- Some users have reported stability issues on uneven surfaces
Speed Jump Rope
What I like about the jump rope is that it is an equipment to get you warmed up quickly, plus it is a great addition to your cardio sessions with a reasonable level of difficulty.
Number of user ratings:
More than 11,266
Number of Stars:
Benefits:
- For a smooth and fast use, this rope has a patented 4 bearing system. Two bearings in handle and two on the tips to hold the coated steel cable.
- Handles: Articulating swivel bearing. 6.75″ long with a tapered end for a tight grip.
- Cable: 2.5mm coated cable that can be easily adjusted with a cable cutter
- Comes with a 10-foot length cable. Spare cable INCLUDED!
- Convenient Carrying Bag: Comes with a nylon carrying bag so you don’t have to worry about it getting tangled up in your gym bag or locker.
Pros:
- Most users highlight its suitability for single unders, double unders, and triple unders.
- They mentioned that the rope is smooth, fast, and provides good momentum during swings.
- The inclusion of a spare rope and replacement hardware was appreciated.
Cons:
- A customer highlighted that the steel cable rope should only be used indoors, as it can get damaged on asphalt or concrete surfaces. It is to note that the seller recommends to use the rope on a soft surface.
- They also mentioned that the high-speed steel cable could cause injuries if it hits your legs during a missed jump, especially for kids.
Abs Roller
The abs roller is an equipment you need to include in your calisthenics workout routine if you want to really target your abdominal muscles.
Using the abs roller looks so easy, but once you try it, you’ll discover how challenging it really is.
Number of user ratings:
More than 19,774
Number of Stars:
Benefits:
- The 3.2 inch dual-wheel ab roller offers extra support and stability compared to the common single ab wheel
- High-strength stainless steel shaft of the ab roller for abs workout can hold a maximum weight of 500 pounds
- The rubber cotton handles provide a nonslip and comfortable grip
Pros:
- Lightweight (<1.41 pounds) and stable due to the 3.2 inch dual-wheel configuration, providing quality and smooth movement
- A user reported that it has durable handles made of rubberized foam that last even after months of daily use
- Considered the “best” among other abs rollers
Cons:
- Apart from the main photo in the product description shows an exercise that looks very awkward (I don’t think the model knew what he was doing), here are some of the main users’ reports:
- The shaft may have sharp edges. Be careful during assembly.
- Users don’t like the mat that comes with it. Me, personally, I wouldn’t use the mat.
Liquid Chalk
Liquid chalk helps to improve your grip strength by reducing slippages due to sweat or grease on your hands
Number of user ratings:
More than 4,510
Number of Stars:
Benefits:
- Seller claims it is a fast-drying formula to get you ready to perform in no time
- It washes right off with a little soap and water
- No messy powder or dust in the air, and you won’t have to worry about sharing equipment
Pros:
- Users found this product to be highly effective in creating a dry grip, even when lifting heavy weights
- Customers appreciated that it’s easy to clean off clothing, hands, and weights with minimal mess when compared to normal chalk
- Users liked that it doesn’t produce dust, making it cleaner to use
- Many users found it helpful for many sports, not only for calisthenics
- Some users noted that one application can last around 45 minutes, providing a decent duration of grip
Cons:
- Some users mentioned having to reapply the product several times during activities due to sweating. I don’t think this is an issue IF there is a considerable amount of sweating going on. Any chalk would come off in extreme sweat situations
- It’s more expensive than traditional chalk
Conclusion – that’s all folk!
The beauty of calisthenics is that you don’t need a lot of equipment to get started.
Starting calisthenics don’t need to be overwhelming, with only few equipment you can start a workout.
For example, with just the pull-up bar you can perform core calisthenics exercises using your body weight.
Body weight squats can be part of your workouts, and you don’t need any equipment for this.
Good luck in your journey!
