Best Weight Sets & Home Gym Equipment 2026
2026 Top Picks
Best Adjustable Dumbbells: Bowflex SelectTech 552 - View on Amazon
Best Kettlebells: Rogue Fitness Kettlebells - View on Amazon
Best Budget Barbell: CAP Barbell Olympic Set - View on Amazon
Best Premium Barbell: Rogue Ohio Bar - View on Amazon
Strength training makes you a faster, more injury-resistant endurance athlete. This guide covers the best home gym equipment for runners and cyclists who want to build functional strength without spending hours in the gym.
Why Endurance Athletes Need Strength Training
Research-Backed Benefits
- • Running economy: 2-8% improvement with strength training
- • Cycling economy: 3-5% improvement in power output
- • Injury prevention: Stronger muscles protect joints and connective tissue
- • Sprint capacity: Better kicks and surges
- • Bone health: Critical for long-term athlete health
Best Adjustable Dumbbells
Bowflex SelectTech 552
The gold standard for adjustable dumbbells. Replace 15 sets of weights with one compact system. Quick dial adjustment from 5-52.5 lbs. Perfect for apartment or garage gyms. Proven reliability over millions of units sold.
- • Weight range: 5-52.5 lbs per dumbbell
- • Increments: 2.5 lbs up to 25 lbs, 5 lbs above
- • Footprint: Replaces 15 pairs of dumbbells
- • Warranty: 2 years
PowerBlock Elite
The choice for serious lifters. More compact than Bowflex, more durable construction. Expandable weight range. Feels more like traditional dumbbells. Used in commercial gyms.
- • Weight range: 5-50 lbs (expandable to 90 lbs)
- • Compact design: Smallest footprint
- • Durability: All-steel construction
- • Warranty: 10 years
Best Kettlebells
Rogue Fitness Kettlebells
The industry standard for kettlebell quality. Single-cast construction, smooth handles, accurate weight. Used in CrossFit gyms worldwide. Made in USA. Will last forever.
- • Weights: 9-203 lbs available
- • Handle: Powder-coated, textured grip
- • Construction: Single-cast iron
- • Recommended for runners: Start with 16kg (35 lbs) for men, 12kg (26 lbs) for women
Kettlebell Kings Powder Coat
Excellent quality at a better price than Rogue. Great powder coat finish. Consistent sizing across weights. Highly recommended by kettlebell communities.
- • Weights: 4-92 kg available
- • Handle: Powder-coated for grip
- • Finish: Smooth face, flat bottom
- • Warranty: Lifetime
Best Barbell Sets
Rogue Ohio Bar
The best all-purpose barbell made in America. Perfect for squats, deadlifts, bench press, and Olympic lifts. 190k PSI tensile strength steel. Will last a lifetime. The bar you buy once.
- • Weight: 20kg/45 lbs
- • Length: 86.5" (7.2 feet)
- • Tensile strength: 190,000 PSI
- • Knurl: Medium, passive center
CAP Barbell 300-lb Olympic Set
Complete set to start home gym lifting. Includes bar, plates, and collars. Olympic size (2" holes) for stability. Great value for beginners. Upgrade bar later if needed.
- • Includes: 7' bar + 255 lbs of plates + collars
- • Plate sizes: 2x45, 2x35, 2x25, 2x10, 2x5, 2x2.5
- • Bar weight: 45 lbs
- • Best for: Getting started
Essential Accessories
Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar
No-drill installation fits most door frames. Multiple grip positions. Pull-ups are one of the best exercises for runners (upper body strength, core stability). Takes 2 minutes to install.
- • No screws required
- • 300 lb capacity
- • Multiple grip positions
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Bands Set
Perfect for activation exercises, hip strength, and traveling. Essential for runner-specific exercises (clamshells, monster walks, glute bridges). Takes no space in luggage.
- • 5 resistance levels
- • Great for glute activation
- • Perfect for travel
Home Gym Packages by Budget
Minimalist ($100)
- • Resistance bands ($10)
- • Pull-up bar ($30)
- • Single kettlebell ($60)
Everything you need for basic strength work.
Complete ($600)
- • Bowflex SelectTech 552 ($429)
- • 2 Kettlebells ($120)
- • Pull-up bar ($30)
- • Resistance bands ($10)
Covers all strength needs for endurance athletes.
Full Gym ($1,500+)
- • Rogue Ohio Bar ($295)
- • Bumper plates ($500)
- • Squat stand ($200)
- • Adjustable dumbbells ($429)
- • Kettlebells ($150)
Complete powerlifting and strength setup.
Strength Training for Endurance Athletes: Key Exercises
For Runners
- • Single-leg squats
- • Romanian deadlifts
- • Hip thrusts
- • Step-ups
- • Nordic curls
For Cyclists
- • Back squats
- • Leg press
- • Single-leg deadlifts
- • Core work (planks, pallof press)
- • Upper body rows
Frequency: 2-3 sessions per week, 20-40 minutes each. Focus on compound movements, 2-4 sets of 6-12 reps.
Not Sure What Equipment You Need?
Take our 60-second quiz and get a personalized home gym setup matched to your goals, space, and budget.