Get Fit Without Breaking the Bank!
Working out at home is one of the best ways to stay consistent and save money—but many people think they need expensive gym gear to get results. That’s not true! With a few affordable essentials, you can build a killer home workout setup for a fraction of the price of a gym membership.
This guide will cover budget-friendly workout equipment that delivers real results, so you can train effectively from home without spending a fortune.
🏋️♂️ Why Work Out at Home?
Before we jump into the best cheap fitness gear, here’s why a home gym might be your best investment yet:
✅ Saves money – No monthly gym fees, no travel costs.
✅ More convenience – Work out whenever you want.
✅ No intimidation – Skip the crowded gym and exercise comfortably.
✅ Customizable setup – Build a workout space that fits your needs.
Now, let’s check out the must-have budget equipment for your home workout setup!
1. Resistance Bands – The Ultimate Budget Workout Tool
Vexloria Resistance Bands – £14.99
Why these? Because I find these ones are a little sturdier than their wider counterparts which are more likely to snap. These are only slightly more expensive with a lot more longevity.
💰 Price Range: £10–£30
Why You Need It:
Resistance bands are one of the most versatile, affordable, and space-saving fitness equipment you can buy. They’re perfect for strength training, mobility work, and even injury recovery.
How to Use Them:
- Attach them to a door for lat pulldowns
- Wrap around your legs for glute activation exercises
- Use for assisted pull-ups or shoulder mobility work
2. Jump Rope – The Best Cardio for Less Than $15
Cordless Skipping Rope – £14.99
Why cordless? You don’t even have to know how to skip and you’re getting in a hardcore workout.
💰 Price Range: £5–£15
Why You Need It:
Jump ropes are insanely effective for burning calories, improving coordination, and boosting endurance—all while taking up almost no space!
How to Use It:
- Basic skipping for full-body cardio
- Double unders for an intense HIIT session
- Jump rope circuits combined with bodyweight exercises
3. Adjustable Dumbbells – The Best Bang for Your Buck
Yaheetech 30kg Dumbbells – £27.99
Why 30kg? You can get in so many different exercises with 30kg dumbbells and these are under £30. There are so many which are £100+ but why spend so much when you can get the same benefits for so cheap.
💰 Price Range: £30–£80 (depending on weight)
Why You Need It:
A good set of dumbbells is the closest thing to a gym in a box—they allow you to train your entire body and scale your workouts as you get stronger.
How to Use Them:
- Upper body – Bicep curls, shoulder presses, chest presses
- Lower body – Goblet squats, lunges, Romanian deadlifts
- Full-body – Dumbbell snatches, thrusters, clean & press
4. Yoga Mat – Not Just for Yoga!
Why this Mat? You don’t want to get one of those flimsy uncomfortable mats. Especially when you’re resting your arms and legs on the mat, leading to sores. This is why I recommend the maximum thickness mat at 15mm. You will be making sure you’re comfortable during your workout, it’s easy to carry and won’t leave you regretting the purchase at all.
💰 Price Range: £10–£25
Why You Need It:
A high-quality yoga mat isn’t just for stretching—it’s great for floor workouts, core exercises, and preventing slips during high-intensity training.
How to Use It:
- Core training – Planks, sit-ups, Russian twists
- Bodyweight exercises – Push-ups, lunges, burpees
- Mobility & Recovery – Yoga, stretching, foam rolling
5. Pull-Up Bar – Your Key to a Stronger Upper Body
Why this one? You want one where you can comfortably do wide grip pullups which is very difficult with the in doorway ones. This way you can do dead hangs, you can do close grip to work on your biceps and it’s literally in your doorway so you will never miss pull-ups again.
💰 Price Range: £25–£50
Why You Need It:
A doorway pull-up bar is an amazing tool for building upper body strength. If pull-ups are too tough, pair them with resistance bands for assistance!
How to Use It:
- Pull-ups & chin-ups for back and arm strength
- Hanging leg raises for an intense ab workout
- Attach resistance bands for assisted pull-ups
You Don’t Need an Expensive Gym to Get Fit!
Starting a home workout routine doesn’t mean spending hundreds of dollars on fancy equipment. With just these five pieces of equipment, you can build an effective, affordable home gym and achieve your fitness goals without leaving your house.
- Vexloria Resistance Bands – £14.99
- Cordless Skipping Rope – £14.99
- Yaheetech 30kg Dumbbells – £27.99
- KG Physio Yoga Mat – £24.99
- Door Frame Pull-up Bar – £35
Which of these budget-friendly pieces are you adding to your home gym first? Let me know in the comments! 👇
