Decision tree
What’s next?
Updated September 10, 2026
Follow the branches. Prefer spend order over a shopping list. Or skip ahead to Build My Gym.
Do you own adjustable dumbbells that still cover presses and rows?
No
Buy adjustable dumbbells first. That is the Starter path.
Yes
Go to mats and pulling.
Are mats down under the work area, and do you have a pull-up option?
Missing mats
Floor mats before steel.
Missing pull-ups
Doorway or wall bar until a stand replaces it.
Both done
Ask whether you need a barbell station.
Do you need a barbell station yet?
No — dumbbells still limit
Stay on the Builder path. See don’t buy a barbell yet.
Yes — bar on hooks
Prefer a power stand before a full rack.
Stand vs rack — and can you anchor?
Stand is enough
Stay on Barbell-ready. Add a folding bench only if the room needs the floor back.
Need a catch / cage
Read don’t buy a rack yet first. If you still need it: flat-foot vs bolted.
Can bolt?
Yes → bolted examples (e.g. T-3). No → flat-foot (e.g. X-3). Compare T-3 vs X-3.