The number of people with a home gym in the Netherlands is growing every year. And that’s not surprising. No hassle with parking, no queues at the squat rack, no membership fees that vanish from your account every month. Just train whenever you want, at your own pace.
But how do you start? What does it really cost? And will it actually fit in your home?
This guide provides you with all the answers, step by step, without any unnecessary information.
What exactly is a home gym?
A home gym is a personal workout space at home. It doesn't have to be a professional gym. Sometimes it's a corner in the garage. Sometimes a separate room. And sometimes just a few square meters in the living room.
It’s all about setting up the space smartly with fitness equipment that suits your goals:
• Building muscle mass
• Losing weight and improving fitness
• Rehabilitating after an injury
• Staying active at an older age
Every goal requires different equipment. We’ll get back to that in a moment.
The benefits of having your own gym at home
A gym membership costs on average between €30 and €60 per month. That's €360 to €720 per year, just for access. Add to that: travel time, parking costs, and operating hours you have to adhere to.
Your own home fitness space pays for itself. Sometimes within just one to two years.
The most important benefits at a glance:
• Flexible training hours: 6 AM or 11 PM, it doesn't matter
• No waiting times: you always have priority on your own equipment
• Privacy: train without needing to impress others
• Long-term savings: after the initial investment, there are no fixed costs
• Hygiene: you decide when it gets cleaned
What fitness equipment do you need?
This depends entirely on your training goals. Below is an overview by category.
Strength training at home
For strength training, these are the essential basics you really need:
1. Squat rack or power rack: The foundation of any serious home gym. This allows you to perform squats, bench presses, overhead presses, and much more. At StrayShop, you will find several models of squat racks suitable for home use, even in smaller spaces.
2. Weight bench: A good adjustable fitness bench makes dozens of exercises possible. From chest press to seated shoulder press. Preferably choose an adjustable bench so you can train both flat and inclined.
3. Weight plates and barbells: No strength training without weights. Rubber weight plates are ideal for home use because they make less noise and protect your floor.
4. Dumbbell set or adjustable dumbbells: Perfect if space is limited. One set of adjustable dumbbells replaces an entire rack.
5. Cable crossover or cable station: For isolation exercises like triceps pushdowns, cable flyes, and much more. StrayShop offers multiple cable crossover models, including those for smaller home gym setups.
Cardio and functional training
Not everyone just wants to lift weights. Cardio is just as important for good health.
Popular options for home:
• Jump rope: cheap, effective, requires little space
• Kettlebells: versatile and space-saving
• Resistance bands: ideal for warm-ups and recovery training
• Floor or gym mat: indispensable for core training and stretching
Multifunctional fitness station
A multifunctional fitness station or home gym system combines several exercises into one piece of equipment. Ideal if you have limited space but still want to train your entire body.
At StrayShop, you will find an extensive range of fitness equipment, including complete home gym systems, Smith machines, leg press machines, and much more. Everything is available directly via the webshop or in the showroom in Bemmel.
How much space do you need for a home gym?
This is the question that stops most people. But the reality is less strict than you think.
Minimal space (6 to 10 m²)
With this area, you can already set up a great basic home gym:
• An adjustable weight bench
• A set of weights or adjustable dumbbells
• A foldable squat rack
• A gym mat
You don’t need anything more to train effectively.
Average space (10 to 20 m²)
With 10 to 20 square meters, you truly get freedom of movement:
• Squat rack with barbell and weight plates
• Adjustable bench
• Cable station or multi-gym
• Cardio equipment (optional)
Large space (20 m² and more)
Here you can go all out. Think of a complete home gym with multiple stations, a free weight area, cardio, storage space for accessories, and perhaps even a game area.
In addition to fitness equipment, StrayShop also offers pool tables, table tennis tables, foosball tables, and more. A large space? Then you can also combine recreation and sports with your training area. That makes staying active at home just a little bit more fun.
Tips for saving space in a small home gym
Small space, no problem. With the right approach, you can maximize every square meter.
Smart space-saving tips:
• Choose foldable equipment: a foldable squat rack or weight bench takes up almost no space when you are not training
• Use wall brackets for storage: hang barbells, resistance bands, and jump ropes on the wall
• Opt for adjustable dumbbells: one set replaces a full weight rack
• Utilize height: high ceilings? Mount storage racks above shoulder height for accessories
• Use rubber floor mats: protects the floor and visually defines your training zone
What does a home gym in the Netherlands cost?
Honest answer: it depends.
Basic setup (€500 to €1,500)
For beginners or those with limited space:
• Adjustable dumbbells (€100 to €300)
• Weight bench (€100 to €300)
• Gym mat (€30 to €80)
• Resistance bands (€20 to €50)
• Jump rope, small accessories (€20 to €50)
Mid-range setup (€1,500 to €4,000)
For serious home athletes:
• Squat rack (€300 to €800)
• Barbell and weight plates (€200 to €600)
• Adjustable weight bench (€150 to €400)
• Cable station or multi-gym (€400 to €1,200)
• Flooring (€100 to €300)
Premium setup (€4,000 and more)
For those who truly want a professional training space:
• Smith machine or full cable crossover
• Complete weight set
• Cardio equipment
• Professional flooring
• Accessories and storage systems
At StrayShop, all categories are represented, from affordable entry-level models to professional fitness equipment. You can also view and try out the products in the showroom in Bemmel before making a decision. That is a major advantage compared to buying only online.
When setting up a home gym, the quality of the equipment is crucial. Cheap is expensive in the long run, certainly with heavy fitness equipment.
StrayShop works with renowned brands such as:
• Dione: wide range of fitness equipment for home use
• StrongFit: powerful equipment for intensive training
• Garlando: known for durability and versatility
• BuckShot: popular choice for recreational athletes
All these brands are available via the StrayShop webshop or in the store in Bemmel.
Safety in the home gym: do not underestimate this
Training without supervision has benefits, but also responsibilities. Especially with heavy weights.
Basic tips for safe home training:
• Always use a squat rack with safety arms: prevents accidents during failed reps
• Never train to failure without a spotter: or use lighter weights
• Ensure a stable floor: rubber mats are not a luxury but a necessity
• Check equipment regularly: detect loose screws or wear and tear before it causes problems
• Learn the proper technique: watch instructional videos or hire a personal trainer once
StrayShop: your partner for a complete home gym
StrayShop B.V. has been active since 2004 and has developed into a reliable specialist in fitness equipment and game tables. With a physical showroom in Bemmel (Nijverheidstraat 75) and an extensive webshop, they serve both private individuals and businesses in the Netherlands and throughout Europe.
What makes StrayShop different?
• In-house showroom where you can try everything before purchase
• Free shipping on orders over €50
• 14-day return policy
• Fast delivery: 2 to 5 working days
• Multiple payment options: iDEAL, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, Bancontact, and more
• Multilingual webshop: available in Dutch, English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish
There is currently a spring offer active: use the discount code SPRING26 for 5% off the entire assortment.
How do you set up a home gym step by step?
Many people know what they want, but don't know where to start. Setting up a home gym doesn't happen overnight. But with a clear plan, you will get there faster than you think.
Step 1: Determine your training goal
Before you purchase even one piece of equipment, you need to know why you are training. That sounds logical, but it is often skipped.
• Are you training for muscle mass? Then you need free weights and a rack.
• Do you want to lose weight and improve fitness? Think of functional training with kettlebells or a cable station.
• Are you looking for general health improvement? Then a compact multifunctional fitness station will suffice just fine.
Your goal determines your equipment. Not the other way around.
Step 2: Measure your available space
Grab a measuring tape. Seriously. Many people estimate the space and then buy equipment that just doesn't fit. Note the dimensions of your room and keep in mind:
• Ceiling height (important for overhead press and pull-ups)
• Doors, windows, and power outlets
• Ventilation space around equipment
A squat rack from StrayShop has specific dimensions that you can easily find on the product page. Use that information before you order.
Step 3: Set a realistic budget
It is tempting to immediately want the biggest and most expensive items. But start realistically. A good basic home setup costs between €500 and €1,500 and already gives you many possibilities.
Invest first in the equipment you use the most. An adjustable weight bench, a set of weight plates, and a solid barbell are the starting point for most strength athletes.
Step 4: Choose quality over quantity
A cheap squat rack that wobbles at 80 kilos is not a saving. It is a safety risk. At StrayShop, you will find fitness equipment from brands like Dione and StrongFit, which are built for intensive use at home and in professional environments.
Buy less, but buy better. That certainly applies to heavy fitness equipment.
Step 5: Think about the floor and ventilation
Two things that beginners almost always forget: the floor and air circulation.
Rubber floor mats are not a luxury. They protect your floor from scratches and dents, dampen sound, and provide a stable surface for heavy exercises. For an average 10 m² home gym, you are ready with an investment of €100 to €200.
Ventilation is equally important. Training in a poorly ventilated room is not only unpleasant, it is also unhealthy. Ensure an open window, a fan, or a mechanical ventilation system.
The combination of fitness and recreation: more than just working out
A home gym doesn't have to be boring or strict. More and more Dutch people are combining their training space with recreation. Think of adding a pool table, table tennis table, or foosball table to the room.
StrayShop delivers not only fitness equipment but also a full range of play and gaming equipment for the home. Whether it concerns a BuckShot pool table, a Garlando foosball table, or an outdoor table tennis table, the range is wide and the quality consistently high.
A room where you can train and relax also attracts other family members. That makes it easier to actually use the home gym instead of using it to store items.
View the complete range via the StrayShop webshop or plan a visit to the showroom in Bemmel. You can view the products live, test them, and take them with you immediately or have them delivered.
Conclusion: start small, think big
A home gym doesn't have to be perfect on day one. Start with the equipment that fits your goals and your budget. Add more as you make progress.
The investment pays for itself. Not only financially, but also in time, energy, and consistency. Training at home lowers the barrier, and a lower barrier means training more often.
Want to know which fitness equipment best suits your situation? Visit the StrayShop showroom in Bemmel or view the full range on the StrayShop website. There is always someone available via phone, email, or WhatsApp for personal advice.
Your home gym starts here.
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