Hey! A few years ago (when I first started with calisthenics) I spent $700 on a home gym setup.
Pull-up bar screwed into a hallway, sketchy parallettes from Amazon, yoga mat that smelled like burnt rubber, and resistance bands which had this weird sticky feel to them.
I thought I was saving time and money.
But I was doing the classic beginner move: buying gear before I understood what actually works. Fast forward to today — I can tell you exactly what’s worth it (and what’s BS), because I’ve tested everything myself.
If you want to train calisthenics at home, this is the no-fluff list you need.
1. Parallettes — Your Upper Body Secret Weapon
Parallettes unlock push-ups, L-sit, planche progressions, and handstand work. They also save your wrists — which you’ll thank me for later.
Look for:
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Stable wooden parallettes or metal parallettes (plastic = wobble = trash)
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Non-slip base
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Height around 10–30 cm depending on goals (the higher they are the more range of motion you have, but they also become harder to travel with)
I personally use these parallettes - our bestseller, built like a tank and don’t budge.
2. Resistance Bands — The Most Underrated Progression Tool
Forget what you’ve seen on TikTok. Bands aren’t just for warmups. They help with pull-up progression, mobility, front lever holds, and even leg work.
Why they matter:
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Great for both beginners and advanced athletes
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Help you unlock movements faster (like dips and pull-ups)
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Add joint-friendly resistance without weights
Tip: Get a set with 4 resistance levels. This bundle has all you need.
3. Pull-Up Bar — No Excuses, Even on Lazy Days
No home setup is complete without a bar. It’s your gateway to strength — from basic pull-ups to muscle-ups.
Don’t overcomplicate it.
You want a pull-up bar that:
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Mounts securely (doorframe = super unsafe)
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Has enough width to do neutral and wide grip
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Has a good grip to it (slick bar = frustration)
The bar I use daily is this one. Simple. Sturdy. Good grip, and width + it looks good.
Optional: Gymnastics Rings or Dip Bars
Got more room or budget? Rings or dip bars are the final element (read: more gains). Both let you train dips, L-sits, australian pull ups. Gymnastic rings require a bit more practice cause you will have to get used to keeping balance, but they are more versatile + don't take that much space. You can hang them on the pull-up bar.
Note: get rings that come with easy hook system. Not the old fashion "regulate your self" clamp, cause you can never get them perfectly even..
I personally use our dip bars, and here are the perfect gymnastic rings.
But if you’re starting out — stick to the essentials above. You can get the rings or dip station later on.
Final Thoughts
If your goal is to build a powerful, lean, athletic body — you don’t need 20 pieces of equipment. You need the right 4.
→ Parallettes
→ Resistance bands
→ Pull-up bar
→ Rings/Dip bars
Invest once. Use for years.
Skip the junk. Build strength that lasts.
