My Best Minimalist Home Gym Equipment for 2023 | Dumbbells and Resistance Bands

[@whenhen]

I really appreciate this video. I’m moving into a small rental away from any general gym and so many of the home gym setup videos assume that it’s possible to just put in a full squat rack, even when searching for small space. This gives me a lot of ideas regarding what to buy to maximize overall efficiency

[@GamerBody]

There are some other minimalists out there, but I agree not everyone has space for it, and for most people, it isn't required.

[@jwd0503]

I was really surprised you liked the Vitruvian so much. I bought one as well and also returned it. There was just so much involved in getting set up just to do a simple curl, for example, that I got completely aggravated with it every time. I never really understood why I was putting up with their frustrating half-baked software and awkward positioning when I could just pick up my dumbbells or resistance bands in 1/20 the time and hassle. Anyway, thanks for another great year of content! More than anyone else, you’ve shown me that a minimalist home gym can be just as effective and motivating as a bigger or more expensive one.

[@SteelerY360Nation]

I just ordered that Step Platform!! I needed this!! Thank You!!

[@KnightProfessional]

Thanks for this very useful minimalist gym I have studio it’s kinda tough to carry so much equipment

[@joshuamontgomery2298]

You pitch ideas I never even thought about. Got the core fitness dumbells and resistance bands. Never knew about any of the other things you mentioned. Thank you! This video is under rated.

[@minaexperiment]

Great video, you inspired me! I will be getting the Ironmaster Super Bench Pro i think. The Pull up and Dip attachments seems very handy when not having much space for equipment.

[@MAllen-ng8pl]

My minimalist gym: a barbell and plates.

[@GamerBody]

If you got room, that is all you need.

[@HeadCannonPrime]

If you are a gamer, I would recommend the Meta Quest for cardio. The boxing games and workout games like beat saber will absolutely tire your ass out! You can even get weighted controllers for more effort. Anything to gamify cardio is a big win for me. I use a version of just about everything you have shown (except the bike). I also recommend a set of tube style resistance bands with grips in addition to loop bands. I find grips more comfortable than those J hook things. But that is just personal preference.

[@GamerBody]

I have the Meta Quest. Cardio is OK, but getting the device all sweaty isn't a great experience. If you enjoy it though that is all good.

[@calisthenicsbeliever7602]

Happy new year🎉 I haven’t commented for a while but I did finally get a bench earlier today so I will for sure have a wider variety of exercises

[@GamerBody]

Happy New Year! What bench did you end up getting?

[@calisthenicsbeliever7602]

@@GamerBody cap barbell utility bench

[@Bargawd]

I see you popped the new christmas hoody on for this one. Happy new year mate.

[@GamerBody]

Haha yeah. It was actually really cold here in TX the last week (back up to 60s-70s now).

[@darrellanthonyalvarez4154]

Happy New Year Darrick and more plans for 2023 and more advises for home setups

[@GamerBody]

Happy New Year and thanks for being a part of the community!

[@danderson5084]

I have the exact same bands set up, just a different brand of bar. All works brilliantly. Might get the J-hooks at some point, don't have those yet.

[@GamerBody]

Which bar do you have and do you like it?

[@danderson5084]

@@GamerBody Bionic Body, it's a two-piece but is solid and doesn't unscrew. The D-rings are essential though as the standard carabiners are useless for flat bands.

[@ramontorres5889]

Nice video! I enjoyed it. Could you please make more videos about how to work out at home with those bands and bands only? and also... what would you recommend to a truck driver that's on the road all the time which only has access to the resistance bands? could you make a video of that? Thank you, I really appreciate it. Keep up the good work and happy New Year 2023.

[@GamerBody]

I probably won't make any with just the bands (as I will be using at least the J hook handles) but you can take the exercise and mimic the movement patter while just standing on the band. For progression, you will need to remember your foot placement anchoring the bands, but you can do all of it. I would start with the workout here and mimic what you can: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnbGlWyvesyflac

[@kod4130]

You are one of the few youtubers who promote dumbbell only programs. The others use barbells, dumbbells and machines

[@GamerBody]

They all have their place and it kind of depends what the person likes to use. Also, each have their advantages and disadvantages. I kind of like rotating through them all, but getting all of them is pricey and may take time to acquire.

[@richardvivas2181]

Thought about Squatz Apollo board? About $2k less, but also only goes up to 260 lbs total. Thanks

[@GamerBody]

I just saw this today and I am interested in it. Going to do some research and see where it might fit into my programming.

[@scottyb159]

Have you ever tried the X3 bar workout program? Your set up could easily replicate it but wondering if you have tested the actual technique.

[@GamerBody]

I reviewed the one on the website before it went into membership only. It is OK, but if you are really training to failure, I wouldn't workout every day as there is a systemic effect that fatigues the entire body, regardless of what was worked. I'd leave at least a day in-between. It was a PPL from when I say his before. I personally prefer full body as skipping a day doesn't throw off my schedule.

[@mikec1571]

Have you seen the Harambe system? It looks like a better version of the X3 resistance bar and board.

[@GamerBody]

I have been following it for a bit. I'm not thrilled by how the bands are connected, but I haven't personally tried it yet so I can't say too much against it.

[@mikec1571]

@@GamerBody I agree the rope system is a little weird. Maybe they’d give you a big discount since you’re a fitness influencer. I didn’t know anything about it until the Garage Gym Reviews video.

[@stevedrake380]

Thanks for this video. What exercise programs would you recommend with the equipment? It would be disappointing to buy all of this and not know how often (and how many times) I should be using it. Thanks.

[@GamerBody]

You can make it work for a lot. I have my starter program on gamerbody.com which is all free and you can download the worksheet right from the site as well. I am working on a progression from there, but it is a good place to start. You probably won't need all that, but take a look and see what you think.

[@stevedrake380]

@@GamerBody Cool. Thanks for responding!

[@Woodyworld7410]

have you had any problems with your ez bar rubbing off to your palms? my palms would get all black and dirty after using the bar which is kind of annoying

[@GamerBody]

I have not and that sounds really weird. Was it doing that since day 1? I would see if you can switch it by reaching out to Jayflex support.

[@Woodyworld7410]

@@GamerBody yes, right out the box.i'll try to reach out to them and see what they can do about it.

[@kirtperez8048]

do you feel that 80lbs on the nuobell is enough for bench/back exercises?

[@GamerBody]

I think this will depend on the person, but for my goals, yes. You can manipulate the rep speed to make it harder as well. It's not so much the weight, but the tension to recruit as many muscle fibers as possible and fatigue them during the set to create an anabolic response to build at rest.

[@apcfitness]

I knew you would not like the Vitruvian it is not even in the same league as the Tonal. I know Tonal also has a subscription but its the best piece of equipment for a small gym.

[@GamerBody]

I would still go back to Vitruvian over Tonal any day. More available resistance, better for storage when not in use (hide in closet), and it is not attached to my wall. It does have the one major benefit of pull-down exercises though. However, Tonal still has the same membership problem that Vitruvian has once it ends.

[@fakhrimasmoudi4671]

Hi Darrik i just know your channel and i instantly subscribed cuz you make such a great content. I think this equipment is too expensive for me so i saw your old video (best equipment 2020) and i think i can buy this equipment so i want to ask you: i leave in Tunisia 🇹🇳 can i found this equipment in my country and how much do you think are? I hope you read my comment

[@GamerBody]

Not sure what the cost will be in your country. If you are low on funds, I recommend starting with bodyweight, control the movement, train hard, and then focus on nutrition and recovery. Save your money and use it only when you have the funds to do so.

[@itayos2]

If you're a beginner start with resistance bands, you can get cheaper ones from amazon\aliexpress\etc than the undersun ones and these are still effective (I own the fitbeast ones for two and something years and I'm happy). A door pull up bar and dip station is also very worth the money. If you're more advanced and care less about space consider to buy cement plates and barbell etc.

[@fakhrimasmoudi4671]

@@GamerBody sorry but i would to ask you another question working on your body weight can make muscles and make muscles and make your body lean

[@GamerBody]

@@fakhrimasmoudi4671 yes as long as you can continue to progressive overload over time. I recommend slowing down the rep speed and really focus on form and contraction throughout. Legs tend to be the one issue with just bodyweight as you quickly become too strong and can do a lot of reps per set making the workout take a long time. Start bodyweight, go as close or to failure for each body weight exercise, and find ways to make that movement pattern harder. Eventually you may need weights to continue, but it can go a long way. Note, being lean just comes down to being in a calorie deficit for a long enough period of time.

[@fakhrimasmoudi4671]

@@GamerBody Darrik i want to Ask you a lot of questions i hope you answer them to me do you think upper/lower body workout is a good Split to build muscles fast

[@seriousblue6017]

If get a chance can review the Apollo by squatz, also goes by the name Aopen shg 500, it an AI based smart home gym like virtruvian, but it's foldable and does not require a monthly subscription. Thanks for the great reviews and happy new year!

[@GamerBody]

This looks awesome. I'm going to do some digging into this, but looks really cool. Do you know if they are going to add any pull-down options?

[@seriousblue6017]

@@GamerBody Haven't seen any pull down options for this device, but looks like they are actively working on its utility so I wouldn't be surprised if they make one in the future. This would effect its small footprint though.

[@Niels12345]

Its not realy minimalist in Money but i Hope U make more videos about the Vitruvian . I think about to buy it since month

[@GamerBody]

I did end up returning it, but only because of the membership requirement for stat tracking and progression. If you let it expire, those features are lost, and for $3K+, that is not acceptable (at least to me).

[@Niels12345]

@@GamerBody oh okay. Sure, lifemembership is expensive too,890€ in Europe. Yesterday i buy online the Same single handle Grips for resistance band that U use. I think it is the better financial decision 😅

[@allwillberevealed777]

I got a used $40 pull up tower and use my regular grip bands with it. Probably one of the best combos available for band exercises! The support beams for the vertical knee raises or the mainframe can be use for many different combinations! Changing from one exercise to another is quick and simple. It just works beautifully. *Note:* Just do the pulling from the front or back of pull up tower, never from the side or possibly risk tower tipping over. I also put some dumbbells on the base of tower for extra safety, but probably not needed. And I'll be getting some loop bands soon though. Having a combination of both type of bands can only be better. Edit: I'll never use a door for any type of exercise 😂

[@GamerBody]

Which tower did you get? That is a really low price and appears to be a steal! Was it on Amazon or somewhere else?

[@allwillberevealed777]

@@GamerBody Marcy Power Tower TC-3515. This type of pull up tower is great for many variations. I bought it from an OfferUp/Craiglist sale. Plenty of like new equipment sold due to people moving out, quitting 😅 or selling to buy newer equipment. I actually got this from a man selling his son's tower since his son had moved out to join the 🪖 forces.

[@GamerBody]

Nice find! While it is too big to fit in my room, if you have the space, it should be great.