Equipment Database Guidelines

What Counts as Gym Equipment on Gym Radar

Gym Radar is built around one core idea: documenting gym equipment used in real home gyms. To keep the database useful, searchable, and consistent, we focus on equipment that makes up the physical training environment. Below is a breakdown of what is included, what is not, and how special cases are handled.

What Is Included

Gym Radar focuses on gym equipment, the tools and structures used to train. This includes (but isn’t limited to):

  • Racks, stands, and benches
  • Barbells, specialty bars, and handles
  • Weight plates, dumbbells, kettlebells
  • Machines and attachments
  • Equipment storage solutions
  • Flooring and platform components
  • Strongman equipment
  • Conditioning and specialty training tools

If it’s something you’d reasonably list when describing what’s in your gym, it probably belongs here.

What Is Not Included (For Now)

To keep the database focused and avoid turning it into a general fitness catalog, some categories are intentionally excluded.

Wearables & Personal Gear

These items are important but they’re not gym equipment.

  • Belts
  • Wraps and straps
  • Sleeves
  • Shoes
  • Clothing or apparel

Consumables

Items that are used up over time are not included.

  • Chalk
  • Ammonia
  • Tape
  • Supplements

Recovery & Wellness Tools

Recovery tools are valuable, but outside the scope of the equipment database.

  • Massage guns (e.g. Theraguns)
  • Hot tubs and cold tubs
  • Saunas
  • Compression boots/gear

Gym Radar’s focus is on training equipment, not accessories, consumables, or recovery products.

Flags, Banners, and Decorations

Gym Radar’s equipment database is focused on gym equipment, not general decor or branding elements. As a result, items such as flags, banners, posters, neon signs, wall art, and other decorative pieces from third-party brands are not included in the database. You may notice Massenomics items appearing on Gym Radar. That’s because Massenomics created Gym Radar!

Bonus - What Is Included!

Vintage, discontinued and custom/DIY equipment is included. If you’re using it in your gym, it belongs in the database even if it’s no longer made.

Custom & DIY Equipment

We know a huge part of the home gym world is custom-built and DIY equipment and that absolutely belongs on Gym Radar. If you’ve built or modified a piece of equipment yourself, you can add it using the Custom/DIY Equipment option. This allows you to:

  • Upload photos of the finished piece in your review
  • Share general information and specs
  • Explain how it was built or modified
  • Call out materials, dimensions, and design choices
  • Help others learn from your solution

Custom and DIY entries are a great way to document unique problem-solving and inspire other builders.

Vintage & Discontinued Equipment

Vintage and discontinued equipment is allowed and encouraged. This includes:

  • Vintage weight plates
  • Vintage dumbbells
  • Discontinued barbells
  • Legacy equipment no longer in production

Many home gyms are built around equipment that’s no longer made, and that history is part of what makes setups interesting. If it’s gym equipment and you’re using it, it belongs on Gym Radar.

Why These Guidelines Exist

These guidelines help:

  • Keep the database searchable and useful
  • Make comparisons between gyms meaningful
  • Avoid clutter from non-equipment items
  • Highlight what actually defines a gym setup

Gym Radar is a living platform, and categories may expand over time but the core focus will always be gym equipment.