Save money on your home gym by maximizing the potential of your preexisting equipment with these 8 home gym accessories.

Seat belt for leg extensions

Price: 20 Euros (without shipping)

After getting my leg extension seat belt from KraftKniff, I find it indispensable. Now, I can’t imagine not using a belt for heavy leg extensions. It really secures my butt to the bench. When I only have handles, I struggle to keep my butt in the seat on heavy sets. Similar belts are available at GymPin. But their version doesn’t have the magnetic slider that the seat belt by KraftKniff has. This magnetic slider makes the seat belt stay attached to the machine between sets (see video below).

But, these seat belts are not limited to leg extension machines. They can be used on heavy sets on most back machines where you do vertical pulling. In conclusion, a cheap accessory that increases the user experience of several machines.

Fat grips – a home gym classic

Price: 10-40 Euro (without shipping)

This is a classic and simple product. You place these rubber grips around your barbell, EZ-bar or dumbbell to achieve a thicker grip. For some this can be a way to do grip training. While some people just enjoy a thicker grip on biceps movements.

You can buy the original Fat Gripz through their distributors in Europe for around 40 Euros. But there are many cheaper copies available. I have the original Fat Gripz and they are indestructible. Lastly, N-Gage Grips is a similar product that transforms a straight barbell into an EZ-bar. They were once available in Europe via Amazon. But as I am writing this article, they seem to be unavailable on Amazon.

Uclips

Price: 40 Euros (without shipping)

This was a product that came out during “The Great Pandemic Equipment Shortage”. Initially, it was made for 30 mm barbells. It was mainly a product that allowed you to use your dumbbells as weights for your barbell movements and for gymnastics. Back then, I mainly saw its potential for weighted gymnastics.

I actually received the original version back when I had just started HGVE. And I still can’t understand why I didn’t think to tell the owner to make the holes compatible with 50 mm barbells. Luckily, he figured that out by himself. And that made the product MUCH more relevant. Now it can be used for several more exercises (see video above). Happy

GymPins

Price: From 40 Euros (without shipping)

A simple solution to an expensive problem. Selectorized machines are much more expensive than plate loaded machines. But there is no doubt that selectorized machines are quicker and easier to use than plate loaded machines. But, if your functional trainer comes with several weight stack options. And you know that you will only max out the stack once in a while. Then a GymPin might be able to save you some money. You can opt for the lighter and cheaper stack and then bring out your GymPin for stuff like seated rows.

To my knowledge GymPin was the first company to sell them. Yet, many copies exist today. But, a great thing about the original GymPin company is that they sell several different versions. And they have tables on their website that show which GymPins are compatible with which brands of machines.

Dumbbell add-on weights

Price: 20-90 Euros (without shipping)

You don’t really like the feel adjustable dumbbells? But buying a full pair of dumbbells will ruin you? Consider Dumbbell add-on weights. You have the cheaper rubber coated options from companies like ATX. Or you can get the significantly more expensive but more elegant option from Micro Gainz.

Personally, I think adjustable dumbbells have been improved so much over the last 5 years. So, I would really urge people to reconsider adjustable dumbbells. But, if you do functional fitness/Crossfit, and you need hexagon dumbbells for your workouts. Then dumbbell add-on weights is a great option.

Angles90 or Kensui grips

Price: 30 Euros (without shipping)

Do you want more variations on pulling movements? Or do you prefer to have the freedom to rotate your hands during pulling movements? Or do you want more range of motion on pulling movements? Well, you should consider buying the Angles90 or the Kensui 360 Grips. I have used the Angles90 for years. I initially thought they were a gimmick. But they have been a essential accessory in my home gym since buying them.

Kensui sells a ton of different well-priced grips that are all light weight, strong and relevant to home gyms.

Rack and bench attachments in general

A less specific but important thing to remember. Rack attachments include pulley stations, dip stations, landmine attachments point etc. This is also why I always recommend buying a rack system that has a big selection of available attachments. Or a rack that is compatible with another brand that has a big selection of attachments. You can use my Rack Compatibility Table to guide you here.

Bench attachments are finally getting some attention from equipment manufactures. For many years Powertec and ATX were the only companies that did proper bench attachments. But now, more companies like REP Fitness have started as well. There are bench attachments that give you the ability to do leg extensions, preacher curls, leg press, chest flys, dips, pull ups, lat pull downs and decline work.

Pulley handles in general

Another less specific but important thing. And something I am not the first to suggest. Different pulley handles for your cable machines are a great and addition. They offer a cheap way to expand the available movements in your home gym. And for starters you really don’t need all the expensive and special handles. The generic chromed handles are often very decent and cheap. But, I would not recommend the ones with rubberized handles – especially not on handles used for pulling movements.

I hope this was helpful!