Everybody knows that working out is good for you physically and mentally, but knowing and doing are two different things.

Going to the gym is a problem for many reasons. Some people feel uncomfortable at the gym; others need more time to drive back and forth and get a good workout. No matter the reason, having a functional home gym in your house makes it easier to get a good workout in the comfort of your home.

If you are contemplating a home gym in your home, these ten pieces are must-haves for most home gyms. 

Must-Have Equipment

Cardio Equipment

No one-size-fits-all cardio equipment exists, so this is up to your preference. If you have the room to do more than one, it is nice to have variety, but you should have a treadmill, exercise bike, elliptical, or something similar for your cardio work. 

Free Weights

Also known as barbells and dumbbells, free weights are essential for any home gym because of their versatility. If space allows, you can get a rack with different-sized dumbbells; if not, many adjustable dumbbell companies allow you to have an entire dumbbell rack in the footprint of two dumbbells. 

Kettlebells

Some people may think that kettlebells and dumbbells can be interchanged, but kettlebells are in their own category, and you will want a separate set of them for a well-rounded workout. 

Bench

Many exercises require vertical space, like a bench press, for instance. A flat bench is a must, but an adjustable bench is the best option to determine how many exercises you can perform. 

Rubber Mat

When you take your workout to the ground, you want a high-quality mat that cushions your body and protects your joints. This isn't just for any groundwork exercise like pushups and sit-ups, it can also serve as a yoga mat.

Step

A step is another versatile piece of equipment that can be used for both cardio and strength training. Aim for an adjustable step to give yourself more exercise options. 

Exercise Bands

Exercise bands are one piece of equipment everyone should have, no matter how much space they have. This versatile equipment allows you to do almost any exercise anywhere, and they are easy to store. 

Pull-up Bar

Sometimes all you want is a good old fashion workout, and there are few more complete exercises than a pull-up. A wall-mounted pull-up bar is the best option, but doorway pull-up bars are also widely available if you don't have the space or structural integrity to mount a pull-up bar. 

Exercise Ball

An exercise ball is a fun piece of diverse equipment that can be used for anything from yoga to squats. Every home gym should have at least one exercise ball per user. The best way to find the right exercise ball size is to sit on the ball with your feet flat on the floor. If the exercise ball is the right size for your height, your feet will be at a 90-degree angle. 

Mirror

You are probably wondering how a mirror is exercise equipment, but it may be the most critical piece of equipment on this list. Having a mirror in your home gym allows you to consistently check your posture and technique so you are getting the most out of your workouts and now putting yourself in danger by performing an exercise with bad form. 

Have Fun

Working out is work; it's in the name, after all, but that doesn't mean that it can't be fun too. Exercise is a journey, and you need to have a little fun along the way, to reach your goals. If you deck out your new home gym with all the equipment on this list, you won't just have fun; you will have everything you need to get a kick-butt workout every time.