When first starting your fitness journey, the idea of stepping into a public gym sounds intimidating. So, you decide your next best bet is to start from home, only to realize home gym setups aren’t cheap. But before you throw in the towel, we’re here to tell you there are plenty of budget gym equipment options that provide more than the bare minimum while still saving you money.
Here are the best home gym basics to help you get started while sticking to a reasonable price range.
1. ADJUSTABLE DUMBBELLS
Dumbbells are the ultimate home gym superhero, which makes them a great place to start. If you’re looking to maximize your dollar without taking up too much space, adjustable dumbbells are the most ideal. You’ll be able to increase or decrease the weight as needed without having to invest in a full rack, allowing you to build muscle and endurance with ease. The best part is that you can find a great pair on Amazon for as little as $60.
2. RESISTANCE BANDS
Lightweight, super affordable, and surprisingly powerful, resistance bands are excellent for full body workouts at home and can be just as effective as a cable machine. They add resistance to squats, presses, and rows while taking up virtually no space. Simply fold them and tuck them away into a closet or drawer when you’re not using them. Resistance bands can start as low as $10-$15 and may offer multiple in one pack.
3. JUMP ROPE
Another compact and affordable option that’s perfect for small spaces like apartments; jump roles are an excellent alternative to expensive treadmills. Boost endurance while burning calories, and it’s super simple to get started, making jump ropes ideal for an effective workout on a tight budget. They also start for as little as $8.
4. YOGA MAT
Yoga mats are a valuable investment for any beginner home gym. They provide the stability and comfort your muscles and joints need for a safe and effective workout. From floor exercises to yoga and more, yoga mats are incredibly versatile. You can find a basic beginner yoga mat for as little as $16 or less.
5. KETTLEBELLS
Bored with dumbbells and ready to spice up your strength routine? Through kettlebell swings, goblet squats, and other compound movements, this piece of equipment gets your heart rate up without taking up too much storage space. Grab a kettlebell on Amazon for as little as $20.
6. ADJUSTABLE BENCH
You might be surprised that you can find a decent adjustable workout bench for around $40-$80. This budget workout gear can help you level up your dumbbell game with chest presses, flies, and overhead presses – and you won’t have to wait around at the gym to use it.
7. PULL-UP BAR
Sometimes all you need to build serious muscle is your own body weight. For less than $30, you can start working on your pull up game (which is a lot harder than it sounds). We’re big fans of basic push/pull bodyweight movements as they maximize the challenge quickly without requiring you to spend very much, if anything, at all. If you’re unable to install a pull up bar in your home, many local parks have pull up bars available.
8. MEDICINE BALL
A great option for all fitness levels, medicine balls are great for high-intensity workouts. You can focus on core work, pass to a partner, or use it as an alternative to dumbbells or kettlebells. You can find an excellent medicine ball for around $40.
9. SQUAT RACK
If you’re looking to invest a little more into your home fitness starter kit and have extra room, you can find a solid squat rack for around $250-$300 dollars at the minimum. If that’s out of your price range, many find squat racks second hand through yard sales, estate sales, or online listings. Just make sure to do your research and always stay safe. For around $100 or more, you will likely need to invest in a squat rack bar and bumper plates to add weight to your workouts.
START BUILDING YOUR DREAM GYM
We’re firm believers that getting in shape doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. If you still don’t know where to start or prefer to save more before investing, there’s no shame in going back to basics (we personally love the basics).
All it takes to get healthy is your own body and determination. Bodyweight exercises like squats, pushups, pull ups, and other calisthenic movements are all excellent if you’re not ready for equipment just yet. But if you are ready, our list has everything you need to build a solid beginner home gym.
For more pro tips on fitness and nutrition, read the Blog at Ultimate Nutrition.
The information provided in our articles are meant for informational and educational purposes exclusively and should not be considered as medical advice. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting a new nutritional product and/or making significant changes to your diet and/or starting a new exercise regime. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, and/or prevent disease.
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