There’s no question about it: strength rack power cage, rowing machine, stationary bike, elliptical machine, and other bulky fitness equipment do help you get fitter and healthier.
However, they often come with a hefty price tag.
The good news is that you don’t have to spend big bucks to create an effective home gym.
Here, we narrowed down some of the most cost-effective pieces of home gym equipment that are worth buying!
Best Inexpensive Home Exercises Equipment
1. Exercise Mat
An exercise or yoga mat makes you feel comfortable with your workout because it provides a non-slip surface.
Aside from that, it serves as a cushion to your joints and spine while performing the exercises.
An exercise mat will also provide you support when doing different poses, especially for yoga.
Some mats are thinner so you can still feel the floor for balance and proper execution of movements.
Moreover, using an exercise mat is more hygienic as there’s a layer of protection between your body and the floor.
2. Kettlebell
Kettlebells are another affordable piece of gym equipment that serves as an all-in-one body conditioning tool.
No wonder, even commercial bodybuilding gyms have kettlebells. From traditional weightlifters to pro athletes and CrossFitters, almost every fitness enthusiast is using it!
A kettlebell is also great to get your heart rate up and to work your muscles. You can do a goblet squat, walking lunge, Turkish get up, and other traditional kettlebell exercises.
You’ll be swimming it around – to your side, above you, side to side, or in between your legs. Kettlebell movements are so dynamic that it enhances your coordination and body awareness.
3. Fitness Board
Unlike an ordinary exercise mat, a fitness board uses your own body weight as resistance and can make your workout more intense.
It’s because its surface has a friction resistance that allows you to do multi-directional exercises.
The friction from the fitness board (found between the pads and the plate) makes it easy to maintain precise control of movement and you can even activate several muscle groups without using weights!
4. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are great for strengthening and stretching your muscles, whether that be for physical therapy, athletic performance, or aesthetics.
But why should you buy them? Well, training with elastic bands provides the same muscle activity as weight training but less chance of injury.
The constant tension from resistance bands also helps you activate your core for balance. Plus, resistance bands are inexpensive, lightweight, and don’t take up a lot of space to store.
They may be small, but they are mighty as they can take your workouts to the next level.
So, go ahead and try side plank leg lifts, squat with side raise, wall lateral pulldown, triceps extension, bicep curl, and many other resistance band exercises.
5. Medium-Weight Dumbbells/ Adjustable Dumbbells
Having a pair of dumbbells in your home gym has a lot more health benefits than most people think. You can either buy the classic or the adjustable form.
Either way, dumbbells can help you build a leaner body.
Once you implement a proper workout program, this piece of equipment can also be your ally in losing that excess pounds in your body.
6. Full-Length Fitness Mirror
Many fitness studios and gyms have mirrored walls as they allow exercisers to keep an eye on their form and correct it if necessary in real-time.
Checking your form during your workout is important to properly build strength and prevent injuries too!
That is why we included it in our list of cheap buys for home gyms to help you be mindful of your posture during each exercise.
7. Jump Rope
Another best affordable thing in fitness is a jumping rope, especially ones with a digital counter.
If you want something that is easier on your joints or you’re not a big fan of running, then a jumping rope is a great exercise tool for you.
It can be used for a cardio workout or in combination with resistance training so you can create an interval with your exercise program.
8. Grip Trainers
Grip trainers may seem old-school, but they can be used for base conditioning, injury rehabilitation and prevention, and addressing muscular imbalances.
They can also be used for improving the strength of your grips. And did you know? Grip strength is a predictor of overall strength and muscular endurance!
There were even studies that linked stronger grip with a lower risk of stroke and heart attack. And the best part about this piece of equipment? You can just take them anywhere.
9. Adjustable Workout Aerobic Stepper
Are you familiar with step aerobics? It’s a classic cardio workout, where you step up, down, and around a raised platform in different patterns. The movement helps boost your breathing and heart rate and strengthens your muscles.
And what’s nice about step aerobics is that it has the benefits of a high-intensity cardio workout and improves your overall fitness without putting stress on your joints.
So, an adjustable workout aerobic stepper will be a great addition to your home gym.
10. Door Frame Pull-Up Bar
It’s also called a “door gym” because you’ll be setting up your pull-up station over a door frame. This piece of equipment is easy to install and remove when you’re done.
Plus, you can do various exercises that will strengthen your back muscles, improve your grip strength, and improve your overall fitness level and body strength!
What to Consider When Setting Up a Home Gym
- Function – Determine which exercise equipment will serve the most function to your personal fitness goals.
- Cost – Don’t get fooled thinking that you’ll get more satisfaction in equipment just because it’s above the market price. Also, buy only the gym equipment that you can afford.
- Space – Analyze your available space first before buying equipment. It would even be better if your home gear can be stored away or be folded up for later use.
Wrap Up
Improving your shape and appearance doesn’t really require you to spend a fortune. Sure, you can spend more to install a fully decked-out home gym in your garage but it doesn’t mean it’s necessary.
So, whether you’re building a home gym on a budget or you just want add-ons, these home gym equipment are some of your cheapest options!
Hey guys thanks for reading, let us know your thoughts on the article. Questions are welcomed in the comments as always.
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Author Bio:
Nathan Lloyd is a personal fitness coach and trainer with a Master’s degree in Health and Exercise Science. He is passionate about helping his clients become the happiest and healthiest version of themselves.
When he’s not coaching clients online or in person at ONE Boulder Fitness Gym, he writes about his favorite gym equipment at ExpertFitness.org.
