Athlean-X now features more than a dozen aesthetic training programs, from the wannabe athlete’s AX1 to the frustrated hard gainer’s Max Size to the ego-lifter’s Ultimate Arms.
It’s the science-backed approach to training that recruited the die-hard groupies in the first place. But it’s the home-gym-friendly programs that keep them begging Cavaliere for more!
(Yes, even after the whole fake weight saga.)
Are you ready to try Wolverine, Total Beast, or really any Jeff Cavaliere-branded program without fighting the gym crowds? Then what you need is these eight pieces of equipment:
Table of Contents
1. Bowflex SelectTech D-Bell Adjustable Dumbbells
While Cavaliere’s stance on “muscle confusion” is still unclear, Athlean-X workouts are almost always unpredictable. That’s especially true in the unilateral and isolation exercise department.
For example, in Ultimate Arms, “Doubling Sets” calls for rapid-fire rest between hammer curl sets while having the weight in a matter of seconds. A regular dumbbell set simply won’t do.
But with an easy-twist dial, 2 ½-pound increments, and a maximum of 52 ½ pounds per handle, the Bowflex SelectTech D-Bell Adjustable Dumbbells are the bread and butter of Athlean-X.
That’s because Bowflex stuffed 15 traditional dumbbell sets into this luxurious two-dumbbell pair. Simply place the handles in the holster, turn the dial, and follow Cavaliere’s every whim.
The rubber grip is gentle on the palms and non-slip, adding a tinge of safety and comfort during every exercise, from incline bench presses to Romanian deadlifts.
Storage is also an unexpected perk. At a portable 15 ¾” long and 9” tall, this set can fit under a high couch or tuck away into the hall closet for a discreet hideaway.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Version 2
Each dumbbell adjusts from 5 to 52.5 pounds. Rapidly switch from one exercise to the next. You don't need multiple dumbbells cluttering up your home gym.
2. Fitness Reality Bench
The bench press at the gym is always crowded for one reason or another: it’s “Chest Monday” (an unspoken gym rule), it’s peak hours, somebody’s live-streaming their PR attempt, whatever.
The Fitness Reality Bench brings that same luxury to your garage or basement gym while leaving the phrase “Can I hop in?” in the depths of your darkest memories.
This bench is the definition of versatile. With 12 adjustable positions ranging from -20 to 80 degrees, Cavaliere can throw any curveball in the book without catching you unprepared.
We’re talking about upper-body exercises from flat-bench dumbbell pullovers to incline bench presses to lying triceps “X-tensions.”
It’s also sturdy enough to follow you through the beginner-friendly Max Shred as you advance on to the intermediate-level Max Size and fluff your PRs.
This adjustable bench supports up to 800 pounds against its durable steel-tube frame. It also offers a “locked-in” leg hold-down bar and extra-wide 15.3” seat for a solid base.
Fitness Reality 1000 Super Max Weight Bench
Use this 12-position adjustable weight bench to perform popular exercises from bench presses to tricep kickbacks. Its 800lb weight capacity can take anything you throw at it.
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3. Fitness Dreamer Resistance Bands
Cavaliere’s brewing obsession with resistance bands means nearly every Athlean-X program will feature these bad boys somehow. (Plus, they double as swap-ins for cable exercises!)
These Fitness Dreamer Resistance Bands will keep you on your toes when Cavaliere tosses in his famous face pulls (his “non-negotiable”) or oblique-chiseling woodchoppers.
Portable and convenient, this band set offers an impressive amount of stackable resistance with a touch of snap-free confidence. Each band set includes five 4 ½-millimeter thick bands:
- 5–35 pounds
- 10–60 pounds
- 25–80 pounds
- 50–125 pounds
- 65–175 pounds
Whether it’s the anti-lateral anchors and kneeling jackhammer holds of Core4 or an assisted pull-up on back day, these bands will change your opinion on resistance band training forever.
Fitness Dreamer Resistance Bands
Premium quality resistance bands for training almost anywhere. Combine different bands to give different levels of resistance. Plus a 100% satisfaction guarantee with a 90-day warranty.
4. Extreme Over the Door Pull-Up Bar
When the Athlean-X Program Selector tool asks, “How many pull-ups can you do?” you just know it’s an aesthetic program. (What’s a ripped physique without a wide V-taper anyway?)
With 12 grip options, a 40” bar, and up to 300 pounds of support, this Extreme Over the Door Pull-Up Bar is compatible with any program in the Athlean-X line-up.
The secret to bulging biceps and wide lats is every pull-up variation in the book. Luckily, this pull-up bar is compatible with Beastmode’s negative, creeping, and weighted pull-ups.
All you need to do is latch it over the door frame when the back day arrives or lie it on the floor for a makeshift triceps dip set-up. Or strap a resistance band to the bar for DIY cable pulldowns.
Titan Fitness Extreme Over the Door Pull-up Bar
Ready to take your upper body to the next level? Do pull-ups and chin-ups safely and effectively with this durable and multifunctional pull-up bar. It's easy to assemble and attach to any standard door frame.
5. URBNFit Exercise Ball
As the former physical therapist for the New York Mets, it’s no surprise that exercise balls (or “physioballs,” as Cavaliere calls them) make quite a few guest appearances in Athlean-X.
So when those rogue balance and core exercises take the spotlight, the URBNFit Exercise Ball — and its 600 pounds of burst-free and non-slip support — is the most reliable choice.
URBNFit includes a range of size and color options to match your height and home gym color scheme (you know you have one!). The table below explains how to select the correct size:
| Exercise Ball Size | Ideal Height |
| 55 centimeters | 5’1” to 5’8” |
| 65 centimeters | 5’9” to 6’2” |
| 75 centimeters | 6’3” to 6’7” |
| 85 centimeters | 6’8” and taller |
On top of being safe and easy to pump up, this durable ball is Athlean-X-friendly. Just keep it nearby at all times for exercises like AX1’s reverse hyperextensions or “Punches & Crunches.”
6. DEGOL Jump Rope
While most Athlean-X programs focus on lean mass, others lean toward the opposite end of the spectrum: shredding fat and enhancing aesthetic definition. Enter Ol’ Faithful, the jump rope.
This DEGOL Jump Rope is 9’ of adjustable, durable cardio goodness. Now, you’re finally ready to tackle each of Max Shred’s Athlean Burst jump rope variations (twist, high knees, side hops).
Its ball-bearing system prevents awkward rope-twisting known for ruining bounce rhythm and streaks. Plus, the 6” foam handles won’t dig into your palms or cause session-ending cramps.
Repetition after repetition, this PVC-coated steel wire will maintain its strength. So whether your training floor is a living room carpet, cement garage, or asphalt driveway, this rope is a must!
DEGOL Skipping Rope with Ball Bearings
This skipping rope runs smooth and fast thanks to quality-designed ball bearings and the rope is coated with PVC to avoid wear and tear through hundreds of workouts. Plus, the ergonomic handles feel very comfortable in your palms.
7. CAP Barbell 300-Pound Olympic Set
The barbell set is optional for the classic AX1. But once you graduate to the more advanced AX2, Inferno, or Ultimate Arms, those dumbbells or resistance band swaps lose their touch.
So when you’re ready to join the Athlean-X big leagues, the CAP Barbell 300-Pound Olympic Set is the most noob-friendly choice. (It’ll also support future PRs of up to 500 pounds!)
This Olympic set includes a 7’ bar, 14 plates, spring collars, and a black oxide finish. These features add up to a long-lasting, corrosion-free set to follow along on your Athlean-X journey.
With easy-loading and 2 ½ and 5-pound plates, this bar is ready for any Cavaliere program at any specific %1RM, including Beaxst’s deadlifts, barbell curls, reverse lunges, and more!
CAP Barbell 300-Pound Olympic Set (Includes 7 Ft Bar)
Ready to take your home gym seriously? Here's a great starter Olympic barbell set complete with 300lbs of plates made by CAP Barbells, one of the most trusted brands in weight lifting.
8. Fitness Reality Squat Rack Power Cage
The finishing touch on an Athlean-X-themed gym is — surprise, surprise — a squat rack. This Fitness Reality Squat Rack Power Cage will bring your major lifts and gains to life.
This power cage is nothing short of a beast at 83” tall, 43 ¼” wide, and 50” deep and boasting an 800-pound weight capacity.
Its 18 adjustable bar heights and various pull-up grip options (hammer, wide, and narrow) allow for complete training customization as you tailor that Athlean-X program to you.
This power cage is a fantastic companion for traditional exercises, like pull-ups, shrugs, deadlifts, bench presses, squats, and rack pulls.
But there’s no telling how Cavaliere will ask you to use ‘er. So if it’s inverted rows to failure in Max Size or inclines presses in T.N.T. Chest Containment, this power rack can handle it.
Conclusion
This equipment list doesn’t only cover every Athlean-X program ever. It also opens the door to other gym workouts.
But if you’re convinced Jeff Cavaliere is the second coming of Jesus, but don’t have the money or space to buy all eight of these:
- Start with Athlean Xero, the platform’s only equipment-free program, to get a taste for Athlean-X! Or try Cavaliere’s FREE core workout.
- Buy the must-have equipment first. (We organized the list in order of necessity, factoring in potential equipment swaps, too.)
- For more simplistic programs like AX1 Training Camp, visit the gym for any workouts requiring a barbell, plates, and squat rack.
Need help choosing the best Athlean-X program to match your aesthetic goals? Check out our Ultimate Athlean-X Review (All Best-Selling Programs) to learn about our top picks!
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