Now that you’ve decided to get in shape, it’s time to go shopping. But you don’t have to spend a ton of money on all the equipment you need. There are plenty of ways to create your own home gym without breaking the bank.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Building a home gym on a budget is feasible |
| Affordable workout equipment options include resistance bands, dumbbells, and jump ropes |
| You can get creative by using household items, such as chairs or milk jugs, for your workouts |
| Setting up a home gym doesn’t require much space, and it’s possible to make the most of small areas |
| Bodyweight exercises and stretching require no equipment and are great workout options |
Here are some of our favorite affordable workout equipment options that will help you get started!
Foldable Treadmill
Foldable treadmills are a great addition to any home gym. They offer the convenience of being able to fold up and be stored away when not in use, as well as being easily transported from one room to another.
Treadmills can be used for walking, jogging and running and are great for cardiovascular workouts.
You can purchase a foldable treadmill online or at a local sporting goods store.
Looking to build your own home gym on a budget? We’ve got you covered! Check out our list of 15 must-have pieces of affordable workout equipment that will help you achieve your fitness goals without breaking the bank.
Adjustable Dumbbells
An affordable and useful tool for your home gym is a set of adjustable dumbbells. Dumbbells are one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can own, and they’re typically very affordable.
Although dumbbells were originally designed for strength training, they can also be used for cardio workouts and stretching. You can even use them in place of any heavy objects around your house!
Top Adjustable Dumbbells for a Home Gym
| Brand | Model | Weight Range | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowflex | SelectTech 552 | 5-52.5 lbs. per dumbbell | $399.99 |
| PowerBlock | Elite EXP | 5-50 lbs. | $354.00 |
| Yes4All | Adjustable Dumbbells | 40-200 lbs. | $399.99 |
| Ironmaster | Quick Lock Adjustable Dumbbells | 5-75 lbs. per dumbbell | $649.00 |
| NordicTrack | Select-A-Weight | 10-55 lbs. per dumbbell | $599.00 |
Workout Bench
For a workout bench, I suggest you get one that’s adjustable. This way you can use it to do different kinds of exercises.
You can use it for push-ups and sit-ups, but also for dumbbell exercises (in case you want to add more weight). You can also stretch on the bench or do triceps dips on it!
Are you struggling to find the right workout equipment for your home gym? Our ultimate at-home workout equipment guide has got you covered! From cardio machines to weightlifting equipment, we’ll help you create the perfect home gym setup in no time.
Ab Roller
Using an ab roller is a great way to get a full core workout, and it’s also very easy to do at home. The main thing to remember with your ab roller is that you should not use it for the first time without any preparation or warmup.
This isn’t like running on the treadmill for five minutes before you start lifting weights, so be sure that you have properly stretched out and prepared yourself before starting this exercise.
The suggested number of ab rollers needed will depend on how often you plan on using them, as well as whether or not your family members will be using them at all times as well.
If there are only two people using these tools in your household then it wouldn’t make sense to buy more than two units when they can share one between them if need be but if there are four people who want their own equipment then purchasing four may be necessary!
Exercise Ball
A Swiss ball is an inflatable ball that you can use to do push ups, planks, crunches and more. It’s also useful for stretching.
Swiss balls can be used to improve balance and core strength, as well as posture and flexibility. If you’re on a budget but still want to enjoy the benefits of having a Swiss ball at home, there are some things you can do:
- Buy one used
- Buy one secondhand from a store like Craigslist or Kijiji (if you’re in Canada)
Are you new to bodyweight training and not sure where to start? Our Bodyweight Training 101 guide is the perfect place to begin! Learn the basics of bodyweight exercises and how to create a home workout that fits your fitness level.
Skipping Rope
Skipping rope is a great way to work on your cardio, and it can also help with coordination. If you’re just getting started, don’t worry kicks are optional.
There are several different ways to hold the rope, but the basic form starts with holding one end of the rope in each hand and wrapping it around one or both wrists so that there’s enough excess length for you to swing it back and forth.
The jump takes place once you start moving your arms up over your head (or side-to-side if doing alternating skips), so that gravity pulls down on the center of your body and causes your feet to fly up from underneath them.
When jumping high enough for this effect, make sure not only that something soft will be directly below where they land (trampoline mats are perfect), but also that there’s no furniture nearby where they could hit their head if they miss their target distance!
As far as choosing which rope works best for my needs: I need something durable enough that I won’t have to replace it often & light enough so as not burden myself during long workouts sessions.
Top Skipping Ropes for a Home Gym
| Brand | Model | Material | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Survival and Cross | Jump Rope | Steel | Adjustable | $10.00 |
| WOD Nation | Double Under Jump Rope | Steel | Adjustable | $17.00 |
| Crossrope | Get Lean Jump Rope | PVC coated steel | 8’4″ or 9’8″ | $99.00 |
| XYLsports | Jump Rope | PVC | Adjustable | $6.00 |
| RPM Training | Session Jump Rope | Steel | Adjustable | $45.00 |
Push-Up Bars
One of the most effective ways to build upper body strength is with push-ups. Push-up bars allow you to do push-ups with your hands on the bars, instead of having them directly on the floor.
This makes it easier to keep your body straight during a pushup, which in turn helps improve balance and stability.
Push-up bars are also a great way to do push-ups if you have bad wrists or other wrist issues that make regular push ups painful or difficult.
The downside of these is that they’re not portable—you have to install them somewhere permanent in your home gym (like on a wall). The upside is that they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to install!
Stretching is an important part of any workout routine, but do you know why? Our article on the importance of stretching has got you covered! Learn about the benefits of stretching, different stretching techniques, and how to incorporate stretching into your exercise routine
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands, also known as stretch bands or exercise bands, are elastic pieces of tubing that can be used to increase strength and flexibility. They help build muscle mass by increasing the force your muscles must exert in order to move the band. This causes them to contract more forcefully and over a longer range of motion than they normally would.
Resistance bands come in a variety of resistances, so you can choose one suited for your fitness level. Some even come with handles so you can use them like dumbbells or barbells during exercises like squats or rows (pull-ups!). Check out these examples below:
Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a great piece of equipment to have in your home gym. They’re typically made of cast iron or steel, and come in all shapes and sizes. They can be used for a variety of exercises targeting different muscle groups, which makes them versatile.
Kettlebells range from 2 pounds (2 kg) to as heavy as 120 pounds (54 kg). The average kettlebell is about 35 pounds (16 kg), so if you’re just getting into strength training, it’s best to start with something light until you get stronger.
Top Kettlebells for a Home Gym
| Brand | Model | Weight Range | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAP Barbell | Cast Iron Kettlebell | 15-80 lbs. | $34.00 – $109.00 |
| Rogue Fitness | Powder Coat Kettlebell | 13-88 lbs. | $45.00 – $175.00 |
| Bowflex | SelectTech 840 Kettlebell | 8-40 lbs. | $179.00 |
| Onnit | Legend Bell Kettlebell | 18-80 lbs. | $75.00 – $195.00 |
| Kettlebell Kings | Powder Coat Kettlebell | 4-203 lbs. | $24.99 – $578.99 |
Battle Ropes
Battle ropes are a great way to get a full-body workout, improve your cardiovascular fitness and increase grip strength. These ropes can help you build muscle and improve endurance. They’re also inexpensive, portable, and easy to store which makes them perfect for home gyms!
If you’re not familiar with battle rope training, it’s time to get acquainted. Battle ropes are made of coated polyester or cotton rope that’s approximately 1/2 inch thick and 150 feet long (that’s 75 meters).
You’ll need two battle ropes per person: one in each hand as you sprint across the room or around an empty parking lot while holding the ends of each rope taut against your body at all times like you’re pulling on horse reins.
As you move along at top speed which should be fast enough so that both arms are reaching their end points simultaneously your entire body will engage in this intense cardio workout that targets every part of your body from head to toe including shoulders, back muscles as well as biceps/triceps & calves depending on how low or high up on body lifts those arms go during forward & backward motions respectively.”
Resistance training is an excellent way to build muscle and increase strength, but it can be overwhelming if you’re just starting. Our Resistance Training 101 guide is an excellent resource for beginners! Learn the basics of resistance training, the benefits of weightlifting, and how to create a workout plan to achieve your fitness goals.
Conclusion
We hope that you learned something from this article, and we’re happy to help you in any way we can. If you have any questions or concerns about creating your own home gym on a budget, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
We love hearing from our readers and will be more than happy to answer any questions about these items or give advice on other equipment that might be right for you.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about how to build a home gym on a budget, check out these articles:
How to build an at-home gym on a budget: CNET provides readers with a comprehensive guide on how to build their own home gym on a budget, including tips on equipment, setting up the space, and more.
How to Build a Home Gym on the Cheap: This article from the Art of Manliness provides readers with tips on how to create a home gym without breaking the bank, including advice on equipment and space considerations.
Tips for Creating a Home Gym on a Budget: This article from McSport provides readers with actionable tips on how to build a home gym on a budget, including advice on space-saving equipment and ways to create an inspiring workout space.
FAQs
How can I set up a home gym on a budget?
Setting up a home gym on a budget is easier than you think. You can start by investing in a few pieces of essential equipment, such as resistance bands, yoga mat, or dumbbells. You can also get creative by using household items, like chairs or milk jugs, for your workouts.
What are some affordable equipment options for a home gym?
Some affordable equipment options for a home gym include resistance bands, dumbbells, and jump ropes. You can also find affordable cardio machines, like exercise bikes or treadmills, on online marketplaces or secondhand stores.
How much space do I need for a home gym?
The amount of space you need for a home gym depends on the equipment you want to incorporate. A small workout area can fit in the corner of a room if you’re only using bodyweight or resistance band exercises. But if you want to include cardio equipment or weights, you’ll need a larger space.
How can I make the most of a small workout area?
If you have limited space, consider using collapsible or compact workout equipment. You can also use resistance bands or bodyweight exercises, which require very little room. Plus, using mirrors can help the workout area feel larger and more welcoming.
Can I get a good workout at home without equipment?
Yes, you can get an effective workout at home without using any equipment. Bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, and lunges generate sufficient resistance to your body and help in building strength. Additionally, yoga, Pilates, and stretching exercises are also great options for at-home workouts that require no equipment at all.
Hi, I’m Hellen James! I’m a fitness enthusiast who has used her own experience to help others get fit and stay fit. I’ve been writing about home fitness for years, and now I’m finally putting together my own blog.