Staying fit and active doesn’t have to mean investing in expensive gym memberships or bulky exercise machines. With just a few essential pieces of affordable home gym equipment, you can create a versatile workout space in the comfort of your own home. Whether you prefer strength training, cardio workouts, or yoga, there’s an option for everyone. Here are some budget-friendly equipment suggestions to complete your at-home workout routine:
- Sliders: Trainer Autumn Calabrese has developed a 20-minute total-body workout that only requires a pair of sliders. These small discs allow you to engage your core and work multiple muscle groups. You can easily perform the moves on your carpet or even on a smooth floor while wearing socks.
Recommended equipment: Super Sliders ($5, available at Walmart)
- Resistance Tube: Skip the weight rack and opt for a resistance tube instead. Brynn Jinnett, founder of the Refine Method studio, has designed an upper-body workout that will leave your arms feeling like noodles. The resistance tube provides the necessary resistance for an effective workout.
Recommended equipment: CanDo 36″ Resistance Tube Set with Handles ($36, available at Walmart)
- Resistance Band: Trainer Rachel Piskin’s ballet-inspired workout utilizes a 60-inch resistance band. This band helps you perfect your posture, strengthen your core, and perform various ballet-inspired movements without the need for additional weights.
Recommended equipment: Black Mountain Products Exercise Band Set ($16, available at Walmart)
- Mini Band: Don’t underestimate the power of a tiny resistance band. Taylor Gainor, co-founder of the LIT Method, has created a challenging butt workout using a mini resistance band. Choose a band that offers enough resistance to challenge your muscles.
Recommended equipment: BalanceFrom Resistance Loop Exercise Bands Set of 7 ($12, available at Walmart)
- Yoga Mat: For yoga enthusiasts or beginners looking to establish a solid yoga foundation, a yoga mat is a must-have. Follow along with a Vinyasa flow for beginners or explore various yoga practices with the help of a reliable mat.
Recommended equipment: Gaiam Print Yoga Mat (starting from $18, available at Walmart)
- Kettlebells: Invest in a small set of kettlebells to build strength and engage in heart-rate-revving cardio workouts. Lacee Lazoff, a StrongFirst level one kettlebell instructor, has designed a kettlebell cardio workout that offers a comprehensive full-body exercise routine.
Recommended equipment: FitnessGear 23-Pound Kettlebell Set ($114, available at Dick’s Sporting Goods)
- Dumbbell: For heavy-weight workouts at home, consider purchasing a single dumbbell instead of a whole set. Trainer Jen Widerstrom has created a challenging single-dumbbell strength workout that maximizes your workout efficiency.
Recommended equipment: CAP Barbell 8-Pound Rubber Cast Iron Dumbbells ($15, available at Walmart)
- Light Dumbbells: If you’re new to strength training or prefer lighter weights, a set of light dumbbells will suffice. Weider Power Dumbbell Set offers different weight options and is suitable for beginners.
Recommended equipment: Weider Power Dumbbell Set ($35, available at Walmart)
- Jump Rope: Jumping rope is a calorie-torching exercise that can be enjoyed by all fitness levels. Incorporate a jump rope into your routine and follow a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout like the 20-Minute Jump Rope HIIT designed by Peloton instructor Rebecca Kennedy.
Recommended equipment: Tone Fitness Adjustable Weighted Jump Rope ($10, available at Walmart)
- Foam Roller: Foam rollers are not only useful for muscle recovery but can also be incorporated into your workout routine. Jordan Metzl, M.D., a sports medicine doctor, has developed a bodyweight foam roller workout that combines compound movements with foam rolling for muscle activation and relaxation.
Recommended equipment: TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller ($35, available at Walmart)
- Exercise Workout Dice: To keep your workouts exciting and varied, try using exercise workout dice. These dice provide an element of surprise, ensuring you never get bored with your routine. Combine them with other equipment like flat bands, resistance tubes, or gliding core discs for a full-body circuit training session.
Recommended equipment: SPRI Exercise Workout Dice ($7, available at Walmart), SPRI Ultimate Booty Sculpt Kit ($20, available at Walmart)
By investing in these affordable home gym equipment options, you can complete a wide range of workouts without breaking the bank. Enjoy the convenience and flexibility of working out at home while achieving your fitness goals.