Building a home gym is one of the smartest investments you can make in your health. No queues, no membership fees, no commute – just your own space, set up exactly the way you like it, ready whenever you are. But a great home gym is only as good as the equipment in it. Cheap, flimsy gear wobbles, wears out, and ends up in landfill within a year. High quality home gym equipment is built to last, feels better to train on, and holds its value.

At Fitbiz, we’ve been helping Australians build proper home gyms since 1989. From our Rydalmere showroom near Parramatta we stock over 2,000 products, deliver Australia-wide, and back everything with a price match promise and expert, Sydney-based support seven days a week. This guide walks you through the core equipment categories so you know exactly what to look for – and what to buy – before you spend a dollar.

Why quality matters more than quantity

It’s tempting to fill a room with as much gear as your budget allows. Resist it. A small selection of well-made, versatile equipment will out-perform a garage stuffed with cheap machines every time. Quality equipment is safer (stable racks and benches don’t tip under load), more durable (commercial-grade steel and motors survive years of daily use), and more enjoyable (smooth bearings, solid frames and proper cushioning make every session better). It also costs less over time, because you buy once instead of replacing budget gear every season.

A good rule of thumb: spend on the pieces you’ll use most and load most heavily – your rack, bench and weights – and scale up the rest as your training grows.

The essentials: what every home gym needs

Most home gyms are built around a handful of foundational pieces. Here’s how to choose each one.

Dumbbells

If you only buy one thing, make it a set of dumbbells. They train every muscle group, suit beginners and advanced lifters alike, and take up almost no space. Your choice comes down to how you want to store and progress them:

• Rubber hex dumbbells – the home-gym workhorse. The rubber-encased heads protect your floor, resist rolling and stay quiet. Fitbiz sells rubber hex dumbbells by the pair from around $10, so you can build the exact weight range you need from 1kg up to 50kg.

• Adjustable dumbbells – the space-saver. One pair replaces a whole rack. The EFit 24kg Adjustable Dumbbell (around $399) dials from 2.5kg to 24kg with 15 weight combinations – ideal if floor space is tight.

• Pre-set sets – great value for beginners. The Bodyworx 20kg Dumbbell Set (around $199) is a popular, affordable starting point.

• Multi-function options – the YBell Neo works as a dumbbell, kettlebell, medicine ball and push-up stand in one, perfect for compact functional setups.

Benches

A solid adjustable bench unlocks dozens of exercises – presses, rows, step-ups, split squats and more. Look for a stable frame, a high weight capacity and multiple backrest angles (flat, incline and decline). Don’t skimp here; a bench that flexes or slips under load is a safety risk.

• Orbit FitClub Adjustable Weight Bench (around $248) – four backrest and four seat positions; a great-value entry bench.

• Orbit Heavy Duty Adjustable Weight Bench (around $379) – eight backrest positions from flat to 90 degrees for serious variety.

• Body-Solid Full Commercial Adjustable Bench (SFID425) (around $899) – a 1,000lb-rated commercial bench for those building a setup to last a lifetime.

Racks and cages

If you plan to barbell train – squats, bench press, overhead press – a rack is non-negotiable. It holds the bar at the right height and, crucially, catches it safely if you fail a rep. Squat stands and racks suit smaller spaces and budgets; full power racks (cages) you step inside offer the most safety and the most attachment options (pull-up bars, dip handles, cable pulleys).

• Entry / compact: Bodyworx Squat Rack (around $299) or the Body-Solid Powerline Squat Rack (around $399).

• Mid-range: Orbit Max Squat Rack (around $649) with 35 bar-catch positions and a multi-grip chin bar.

• Full power racks: Body-Solid Power Rack (around $1,095) with 20 adjustment levels and 75mm uprights, up to the premium Inspire Power Rack (around $2,249) in 11-gauge steel.

Weight plates

Plates are where a barbell setup comes to life. The first decision is bar size: Olympic plates have a 50mm (2-inch) centre hole for Olympic bars, while standard plates use a 25–28mm hole. Match your plates to your bar. From there, choose a finish:

• Cast iron (hammertone) – the most economical option. Fitbiz stocks Olympic hammertone plates from as little as $4.38 each, in increments from 1.25kg to 25kg.

• Rubber-coated (EzyGrip) – quieter, floor-friendly and easier to handle. The Olympic EzyGrip rubber-coated plates (from around $8.25 each) are a popular home choice.

Buy plates individually so you can build the exact load you need and add more as you get stronger.

Treadmills

A treadmill is the most popular piece of home cardio gear for good reason – it works rain, hail or shine. Fitbiz carries everything from compact Bodyworx walking treadmills for beginners, through value-packed Horizon models, to premium folding Sole and Matrix machines. Because choosing a treadmill involves so many factors – motor size, running surface, folding, cushioning – we’ve written a dedicated Treadmill Buying Guide to walk you through it. Start there if cardio is your priority.

Exercise bikes

Low-impact, joint-friendly and easy to use while watching TV, an exercise bike is a brilliant cardio option – especially for those returning to fitness or managing injuries. Look at flywheel weight (heavier feels smoother), resistance levels and maximum user weight.

• Lifespan Delta 2.0 Exercise Bike (around $597) – 15 magnetic resistance levels and a 150kg capacity; superb value upright.

• York C410 Exercise Bike (around $749) – 32 resistance levels, an 8kg flywheel and 16 programs.

• York C415 Exercise Bike (around $857) – a step up with a heavier 10kg flywheel and 140kg capacity.

Gym flooring

Flooring is the piece people forget – and the one that protects everything else. It absorbs impact, cuts noise, protects your slab or floorboards, and gives you a stable, non-slip surface. It also reduces treadmill and bike vibration that can travel through a house.

• Interlocking EVA foam tiles – cushioned, easy to install and reposition. A 12-tile EVA gym mat set (60×60cm, 2.5cm thick) (around $460) covers a generous training area.

• Heavy rubber mats – best under racks, treadmills and bikes. The 2m rubber floor mat (around $192) is made from recycled rubber and specifically reduces treadmill vibration.

Build your home gym in stages

You don’t need to buy everything at once. Here’s a sensible order that gives you a fully functional gym at every budget:

1. Stage 1 – Foundations: a pair of adjustable or hex dumbbells, an adjustable bench, and some flooring. This alone covers hundreds of exercises.

2. Stage 2 – Barbell training: add a rack or power cage, an Olympic barbell and a set of plates for squats, presses and deadlifts.

3. Stage 3 – Cardio: add a treadmill or exercise bike to round out conditioning and fat loss.

4. Stage 4 – Accessories: kettlebells, resistance bands, a pull-up attachment and functional gear to keep training varied.

Why buy your home gym equipment from Fitbiz

Buying gym equipment online should be easy and low-risk. When you shop with Fitbiz, you get:

• 35+ years of expertise – trusted since 1989 and one of Australia’s longest-running fitness retailers.

• A real showroom – view 2,000+ products in person at our Rydalmere store near Parramatta before you buy.

• Australia-wide delivery – fast dispatch on in-stock items, anywhere in the country.

• Best Value Guaranteed – our price match promise means you won’t pay more than you should.

• Buy Now, Pay Later – spread the cost with Afterpay, ShopHumm or LatitudePay.

• 14-day returns and Sydney-based customer support seven days a week.

• Installation and recycling – we can install your new equipment and responsibly recycle the old.

Ready to start building? Browse the full range at fitbiz.com.au, drop into the Rydalmere showroom, or call our team on 1800 817 418. Your fitness, your body, your health – it starts with the right equipment.

Prices and product availability mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of writing (June 2026) and may change. Visit fitbiz.com.au or call our Sydney team on 1800 817 418 for current pricing and stock.

 

Treadmill Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Treadmill for Home Use

Your complete guide to buying a treadmill in Australia – from Fitbiz, trusted since 1989

A treadmill is the most popular home cardio machine in Australia – and it’s easy to see why. It lets you walk, jog or run any time of day, regardless of the weather, traffic or how busy life gets. But treadmills vary enormously, from compact walking units under $1,000 to commercial-grade running machines over $10,000. Buying the wrong one means either overspending on power you’ll never use, or outgrowing a machine within months.

This guide breaks down everything you need to consider, then compares the key brands Fitbiz stocks so you can match a treadmill to your goals and budget. We’ve been helping Australians choose the right gear since 1989, and treadmills are one of our strongest categories – so let’s find yours.

How to choose a treadmill: 8 things that matter

1. Motor power (HP)

The motor is the heart of a treadmill, rated in horsepower (HP) – ideally continuous horsepower (CHP), the power it sustains, not just peak. As a guide: up to 2.0 HP suits walking; 2.5–3.0 HP handles regular jogging; and 3.5 HP or more is best for frequent running and heavier users. A motor that’s comfortably above your needs runs cooler and lasts longer.

2. Running surface (belt size)

A bigger belt means a safer, more comfortable stride – especially for taller users or runners. Walkers can be happy with a shorter deck, but runners should look for a belt around 50–55cm wide and 150cm or more long. Premium machines like the Sole and Spirit ranges use a generous 22×60-inch (roughly 560×1525mm) surface.

3. Incline (and decline)

Incline lets you simulate hills, burn more calories and build strength. Most quality treadmills offer 0–15% motorised incline. A few premium models, such as the Sole F89 and TT8, add decline to mimic downhill running and recruit different muscles.

4. Cushioning

Good deck cushioning reduces impact on your joints compared with running on the road – Sole’s Cushion Flex deck, for example, reduces impact by up to 40%. If you have knee or hip concerns, prioritise cushioning, or consider a slat-belt design like the Sole ST90.

5. Folding design and footprint

If your treadmill shares a room or needs to tuck away, a folding treadmill is invaluable. The deck folds up to reclaim floor space between sessions. Sole and Matrix both make excellent folding models (more on these below). Always check both the in-use and folded dimensions against your space.

6. Console and technology

Consoles range from simple LED readouts to large Android touchscreens with streaming apps, Bluetooth, WiFi and app integration. Decide what you’ll actually use – a built-in screen and Zwift or SOLE+ app support can make indoor running far more engaging, but you pay for it.

7. Maximum user weight

Always check the rated user weight and choose a machine with comfortable headroom above your bodyweight. Higher-capacity treadmills (170–205kg) are generally built with sturdier frames and last longer for everyone.

8. Warranty

Warranty length signals how much faith the manufacturer has in the build. Premium brands like Sole offer lifetime frame and motor warranties on many models. A longer warranty is genuine peace of mind on a big purchase.

Treadmill brands at Fitbiz: which is right for you?

Fitbiz stocks five standout treadmill brands, each suited to a different type of user and budget.

Bodyworx – best for walkers and budget-conscious beginners

Bodyworx is the go-to for affordable, reliable entry-level treadmills. The Challenger series (1.5 HP, 1.75 HP and 3.0 HP models) and the JTX2.75 cover walking and light jogging at the friendliest prices. If you’re starting a walking habit or want a no-fuss machine for the whole family, Bodyworx is a smart, low-risk choice.

Horizon – best value for joggers

Horizon hits the sweet spot between price and performance for regular joggers. The range spans the entry 

• Horizon T202 (around $1,649) – a great-value starter for walking and light jogging.

• Horizon 5.0AT (around $1,799) – Bluetooth-enabled and app-ready.

• Horizon 7.0AT (around $2,679) – more motor and a larger deck for committed runners.

• Horizon 7.4AT (around $3,979) – the flagship, built for serious daily running.

Sole – best premium home and folding treadmills

Sole is one of the most respected home treadmill brands in the world, repeatedly rated best-in-class for value at the premium end. It’s the range to look at if you want commercial-grade feel at home, often with folding convenience:

• Sole F65 (around $2,699) – a 3.0 HP folding treadmill with a 22×60-inch deck; outstanding entry into the Sole range.

• Sole F80 (around $3,699) – a 3.5 HP folding model with a 10.1-inch Android touchscreen, Cushion Flex deck and lifetime motor warranty.

• Sole F89 (around $4,899) – the flagship folder: 4.0 HP, a huge 21.5-inch touchscreen, incline and decline, and a 170kg capacity.

• Sole TT8 (around $6,999) – a light-commercial machine with incline and decline and a 22kph top speed.

• Sole ST90 Slat Belt (around $8,449) – a slat-belt design for the most durable, road-like, low-impact run.

Matrix – best premium folding treadmills

Matrix is a global commercial fitness name, and its home folding treadmills bring that quality into the house. They pair a sturdy 3.25 HP Johnson drive with smart consoles and a genuinely space-saving fold:

• Matrix TF30 Folding Treadmill (around $4,899) – folding, with an optional 16-inch HD touchscreen console and 159kg capacity.

• Matrix TF50 Folding Treadmill (around $6,297) – a step up in build and console, still folding for easy storage.

Spirit – best for serious runners and light-commercial use

Spirit builds genuinely tough, near-commercial treadmills. The Spirit XT385 (around $4,199) offers a 3.5 HP motor, a 22×60-inch deck, 15% incline and Spirit Fit app connectivity – ideal for a dedicated home runner. For home studios, PT spaces or buildings that need to withstand heavy daily use, the Spirit Commercial CT800+, CT850+ and CT900 series step up to 3.0–5.0 HP commercial motors and matching warranties.

Folding vs non-folding treadmills

Folding treadmills (like the Sole F80/F89 and Matrix TF30/TF50) are the right call when space is shared or limited – the deck lifts and locks to free up floor area, and most modern folders are just as sturdy in use as fixed frames. Non-folding treadmills (such as the Spirit commercial range) suit dedicated gym rooms where the machine stays put; they often have the heaviest-duty frames. If in doubt and space is precious, choose folding – you rarely regret the flexibility.

Match the treadmill to your goal and budget

Caring for your treadmill

A little maintenance keeps a treadmill running smoothly for years. Keep it on a rubber floor mat to reduce vibration and protect your floor, wipe it down after sweaty sessions, vacuum around and under it regularly, and lubricate the belt as the manufacturer recommends – Fitbiz stocks treadmill silicone lubricant for exactly this. Following the manual’s service schedule also protects your warranty.

Why buy your treadmill from Fitbiz

A treadmill is a significant purchase, so buy it from a retailer that stands behind it. With Fitbiz you get:

• Trusted since 1989 – 35+ years of fitness expertise and honest advice.

• Try before you buy – test treadmills in person at our Rydalmere showroom near Parramatta.

• Australia-wide delivery with fast dispatch on in-stock models, plus installation and old-equipment recycling.

• Best Value Guaranteed price match, 14-day returns, and Buy Now Pay Later via Afterpay, ShopHumm and LatitudePay.

• Spare parts and servicing – we support your machine long after the sale.

Browse the full treadmill range at fitbiz.com.au, or call our Sydney team on 1800 817 418 for a personal recommendation. The right treadmill is waiting – let’s help you find it!

Prices and product availability mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of writing (June 2026) and may change. Visit fitbiz.com.au or call our Sydney team on 1800 817 418 for current pricing and stock.