King of the Home Gym: 7 Strength Picks You Need to Rule Winter
Posted by Gym Direct,
5th June 2025
Reign Over Winter Gains: Strength Training Equipment Picks for Your Home Gym
Winter is here, and while the weather outside might scream "hibernate," your home gym is calling you to rise and reign. If you’re looking to level up your fitness game without braving the cold, now’s the perfect time to build your ultimate workout kingdom. Whether you're training for aesthetics, strength, or just sanity, ruling your home gym this winter starts with the right tools.
Let’s dive into the 7 essential strength training equipment picks you need to dominate the colder months—no excuses, no frostbite.
When Is the King's Birthday in 2025?
Mark your calendars—Monday, 9 June 2025 is when most of Australia celebrates the King’s Birthday (except for Queensland and WA, who celebrate on 6 October and 29 September respectively). For many Aussies, that means one glorious thing: a public holiday.
And what better way to spend it than reclaiming your fitness throne?
Whether you’re just starting out or already ruling your home gym domain, the King’s Birthday long weekend is the perfect opportunity to clean, reorganise, or upgrade your home gym. While others are hitting snooze or queuing for brunch, you could be making gains and setting your space up like a true monarch.
Think of it as your personal "King of the Castle" moment—except instead of a crown, you’ve got a barbell.
Why Winter is the Perfect Time to Train Like a King
The Power of Routine in the Cold
There’s something about winter that challenges our willpower. It’s dark. It’s cold. And the couch looks extra inviting. But this is exactly why it's the best time to sharpen your discipline and carve out your castle—your home gym sanctuary. Unlock your full potential with our winter arc: go to winter wellness rituals here.
Celebrate the King's Birthday, Rule Your Routine
Around the time we’re lighting candles for the King’s Birthday, why not crown yourself king (or queen) of consistency? A winter training routine at home keeps the fire burning inside—literally and metaphorically.
7 Strength Equipment Must-Haves to Dominate Your Winter Home Gym
1. The Power Rack – Your Strength Training Throne
Why It’s Non-Negotiable
If you could only choose one piece of strength training equipment, the power rack is your ride-or-die. Squats, bench presses, pull-ups—you name it. It gives you freedom, versatility, and, more importantly, safety.
Pro Tip
Go for a rack that includes a pulley system. It instantly adds hundreds of cable-based exercises to your arsenal.
2. Adjustable Dumbbells – The Royal Multitaskers
When space is limited (aka, your garage gym is also your laundry room), adjustable dumbbells are worth their weight in gold. Instead of 10 different pairs, you get one sleek set that clicks from 5kg to 40kg.
Small Footprint, Giant Gains
Perfect for pressing, curling, rowing, and even snatching, these bad boys are a must-have for building serious strength at home without cluttering your kingdom.
3. Olympic Barbell and Plates – Your Crown Jewels
No home gym equipment list is complete without a quality Olympic barbell. Pair it with some rubber-coated plates, and you're ready for deadlifts, cleans, and presses that could wake the ancestors. Check out our weight plate buying guide here.
Choose Plates Wisely
Rubber bumper plates protect your floor and your ears. They're quieter, safer, and built for serious lifts.
4. Flat or Adjustable Bench – The Throne of Gains
You need somewhere sturdy to press, row, and even Bulgarian split squat like royalty. A flat bench is great, but an adjustable bench takes your range to the next level.
Look for Durability
Don’t skimp here—get a commercial-grade bench that won’t wobble under pressure. Your back (and ego) will thank you.
5. Kettlebells – The Royal Rogues
Need a full-body burn with just one piece of kit? Kettlebells are your secret weapon. Think swings, goblet squats, Turkish get-ups—basically, the stuff that turns mortals into warriors. Discover more Kettlebells and Dumbbells here.
What Weight Should You Start With?
Beginners: 8–12kg
Intermediate: 12–16kg
Advanced: 20kg and up
Choose wisely, my liege.
6. Resistance Bands – The Court Jesters That Work
They might look harmless, but these stretchy assassins will humble even the strongest lifters. Use the resistance bands to warm up, add resistance to lifts, or make your push-ups 10x harder.
Best of All? They're Portable
Toss them in a drawer or take them on a trip—no excuses, even on holiday.
7. Cable Machine or Functional Trainer – For the Fancy Monarch
Got the space and budget? A cable machine or functional trainer is the ultimate home gym upgrade. It brings that full commercial gym experience into your domain—with dual pulleys, adjustable arms, and endless exercise options.
From chest flies and tricep pushdowns to rows, curls, and core work, this machine does it all with smooth, joint-friendly resistance. It's ideal for all fitness levels and perfect for year-round strength training. Learn more about our Smith Machines guide here.
Most come with handy attachments like lat bars and ankle straps, keeping your workouts versatile and fun without extra gear.
It’s Luxury, But It’s Worth It
Want to do curls, triceps pushdowns, face pulls, and lat pulldowns without changing machines? This is your ticket.
How to Build a Balanced Winter Routine
Don’t Just Lift – Plan Like a King
Mix up your training with:
✅Heavy lifting days (think squats and deadlifts)
✅Conditioning (kettlebells, bands, or HIIT circuits)
✅ Mobility and recovery (foam rolling, stretching, band work)
Consistency > intensity. Reign steady.
Home Gym Equipment on a Budget? Yes, Your Majesty
Not everyone can afford a castle, but you can still rule your realm. Start with a few basics (bench, bands, dumbbells), then level up over time.
Explore our EOFY Sale to lift heavy and save BIG. You might just score premium strength equipment without draining the royal treasury. Check out our best home gym equipment for small spaces here.
Final Thoughts – Long Live the King (That’s You)
This winter, don’t just survive—thrive. Build a home gym that makes you look forward to training, no matter how wild the weather gets. With the right strength training equipment, you’ll stay fit, focused, and fired up through every storm.
So, adjust your crown, tighten your lifting belt, and let your inner king rule the cold season with strength, grit, and a killer playlist.
FAQs
What’s the best home gym setup for beginners?
Start simple: adjustable dumbbells, a bench, resistance bands, and a pull-up bar. Expand as your budget and training grow.
How much space do I need for a home gym?
You can create a functional gym in as little as 2x2 metres. Prioritise multi-use equipment to maximise space.
What’s the most important strength training equipment to start with?
A power rack, barbell, and bench are foundational. They let you perform compound lifts safely.
Are adjustable dumbbells as good as regular ones?
Yes! They’re space-saving, durable, and perfect for most training styles—unless you're a heavy-duty lifter doing dropsets all day.
Is winter a good time to start working out at home?
Absolutely. It’s the perfect time to build habits, stay consistent, and avoid winter weight gain without stepping into the cold.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general guidance and informational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice or consultation. Always consult with a qualified fitness trainer or healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen or making significant changes to your fitness routine, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or health concerns. The authors and publishers of this article do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the content and shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages arising from the use of information contained herein. You are solely responsible for your health and fitness decisions, and any actions you take based on the information presented in this article are at your own risk.
Shop our EOFY Sale
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Recieve our latest weekly releases, offers, guides and more.