The 12 Best Budget Home Gym Equipment of 2023

If you’ve thought about building your own home gym, you’ve likely had that wallet-draining feeling that potentially scares you away from the blueprints. Yes, you can spend too much on home gym essentials — as you can on workout apparel, high-protein foods, or any fitness-related expense. The best budget home gym equipment can make your training layout as engaging and effective as your favorite gyms in the world without the strain on your finances.

Naturally, there’s no one-size-fits-all category when it comes to building your home gym. Some athletes may prefer a strength training setup, while others lean more toward a layout showcasing the best cardio machines. So, to cater to as many home gym enthusiasts as possible, we’ve gathered our notes from testing hundreds of training essentials, consulted with customer reviews, and dove deep into our research to come up with our favorite budget picks for home gym equipment available today.

The Best Budget Home Gym Equipment of 2023

• Best Budget Weight Bench: REP Fitness FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench
• Best Budget Squat Rack: Titan T-3 Series Tall Squat Stand
• Best Budget Barbell: Living.Fit Barbell
• Best Budget Weight Plates: REP Fitness Old School Iron Plates
• Best Budget Adjustable Dumbbells: Ativafit 66-Pound Adjustable Dumbbells
• Best Budget Kettlebells: Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell
• Best Budget Resistance Bands: Living.Fit Resistance Bands
• Best Budget Treadmill: Horizon Fitness T101
• Best Budget Exercise Bike: Yosuda YB001R Magnetic Exercise Bike
• Best Budget Rowing Machine: Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower
• Best Budget Elliptical: Sunny Health & Fitness Premium Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine
• Best Budget All-in-One Home Gym Machine: MAXPRO Fitness Cable Home Gym

How We Tested

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. For this round-up, we combed through our experience with hundreds of fitness equipment options across multiple training disciplines, taking a multi-point methodology to land on a rating for each chosen budget-friendly profile based on a 1 to 5 scale. 

Naturally, looking at all of the best home gyms is a chore in and of itself — comparing the best barbells to the best treadmills is like comparing apples to oranges. So, the metrics had to be adjusted based on the products at play, but we were able to find some common components across the board.

We viewed each chosen budget home gym staple based on how large of a footprint it consumed in our training space. Could this be a cog in the machine or the sole structure in our setup? We also looked for the best home gym equipment that would be versatile enough for multiple exercises and training sessions, as well as profiles we’d actually enjoy using day in and day out. 

Finally, a “budget-friendly” list implies that price played into the decision making process. As such, we looked for home gym equipment that was capable of high-quality, hard-nosed workouts while still being easy on our wallets.

Best Budget Weight Bench: REP Fitness FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench 

A weight bench can be a great place to start when building out the home gym of your dreams, and if you’re looking for a great quality-to-cost ratio, we’ve yet to find a silhouette as impressive as the FB-5000 Competition Weight Bench from REP Fitness. The durable 11-gauge steel can support loads up to 1,000 pounds, and the sturdy vinyl pad is plenty comfortable across a slew of movements — all for less than $240. For these reasons, we give the FB-5000 a 4.5 out of 5 for overall construction.

The only reason we didn’t give this profile — one of the best weight benches available today — a perfect construction score was due to the absence of leveling feet. While they are coated in rubber to protect your home gym flooring, there aren’t any toggles to stabilize the unit when placed over an unlevel floor. Because of this, some customers have stated that the bench can feel wobbly at times, so we recommend having some rubber or cardboard shims at the ready if your space isn’t as level as a freshly-poured concrete slab.

Despite the slight shakiness over uneven flooring, we’ve found no signs of durability issues with this weight bench, meaning your minimal investment can carry you through years of training and progress. “I’ve used the FB-5000 for three years now, and it’s still as strong as the day I received it,” says our tester. “It’s that good.” 

Additionally, we appreciate how REP offers a standard 12-inch pad as well as a wider 14-inch Thompson Fat Pad with this setup (available for $30 more). This can be great for wider-backed athletes who need a little more support across their shoulder blades and torsos during hard presses. REP also has a convenient wall-mounted flat bench hanger that pairs with this unit. The $39.99 accessory can help ease any storage qualms you may have, taking the FB-5000 off your floor and onto the wall when not in use.

Of course, this competition-grade weight bench does have its limits — we do not recommend this flat bench for those wanting to perform inclined or declined workouts. We’d, instead, recommend an adjustable bench for those needs (REP’s BlackWing Weight Bench is one of our favorites). But if you’re looking for a rock-solid foundation to build your cost-effective home gym around, this can be an excellent starting point.

Read our full REP Fitness FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench Review.

Best Budget Squat Rack: Titan T-3 Series Tall Squat Stand

The best squat racks can upgrade your home training setup by creating a secure, stable environment for performing the back squat and other heavy lifts. Unfortunately, though, these bulky apparatuses can eat up a good chunk of space, as well as a large portion of your budget. Thankfully, squat stands can be worthwhile for athletes looking to save across both parameters, with the T-3 Series Tall Squat Stand being one of our favorites on the market.

This impressive piece of exercise equipment comes in at just under $350 — a savings of roughly $240 compared to Titan’s T-3 Series Power Rack. Additionally, you’re only sacrificing a little bit of weight capacity with this squat stand, as this budget-friendly unit is still capable of supporting racked loads up to 1,000 pounds. For reference, the T-Series Power Rack can support 1,100 pounds of loaded weight.

Having used this T-3 Series Tall Squat Stand in previous years, I can attest to its sturdiness and build quality. I was able to perform a wide range of squat variations, both light and heavy, and had no issues with sliding a weight bench into the interior for bench press and other pressing motions. I’ll admit, though, that my weight bench is a little narrower, so athletes with a bench wider than 42 inches will be unable to create a similar setup. Because of this, I give this Titan Fitness squat stand a 4 out of 5 for versatility.

It’s also worth pointing out that this squat stand comes equipped with a pull-up bar capable of reaching 89 inches in height. This can be great for athletes wanting to add some bodyweight training to their regimen. Be mindful, though, that while the pull-up bar height can be adjusted, the overall height of the squat stand cannot, which is why I rate this squat stand a 4 out of 5 for accomodations. 

You’ll need ceilings measuring at least 7’8.5” tall to accommodate this profile. Thankfully, Titan offers this rack in a smaller silhouette measuring 72 inches tall, but this profile doesn’t feature a pull-up bar attachment.

[Related: Power Rack vs. Squat Stand: Which Piece of Equipment Do You Need?]

Best Budget Barbell: Living.Fit Barbell

When it comes to keeping your home gym setup as versatile as possible, a barbell can be the perfect tool for the task. We’ve gotten hands-on with tons of barbells — including well-known profiles like the Rogue Ohio Bar and REP Fitness Colorado Bar — but in our opinion, Living.Fit’s Barbell takes the cake for home gym needs. This unit’s 200,000 PSI tensile strength and 1,500-pound load capacity are impressive in their own respects, but the low price of $199.99 is what really catches the eye when comparing barbells for your own needs.

We also like the attention to the build quality within this versatile piece of gym equipment. “I really like how there are bronze bushings but also bearings in the loading sleeves,” says Jake Herod, BarBend’s lead video reviewer. “It gives you that really solid spin rate which really comes in handy as you go to turn the bar and get under it during your Olympic movements.”

Additionally, we give this barbell a 4.5 out of 5 for usability thanks to its comfortable yet grippy volcano-style knurling. The 1.2mm knurls are tacky enough to give you plenty of control during presses, yet the grip won’t absolutely shred your hands when throwing the bar overhead for a snatch or clean and jerk. Our tester also enjoyed the dual-banded knurling rings that gave them excellent guidance when finding their ideal hand placement for a given lift.

We docked this barbell for usability, though, because it’s not a complete standout for all strength training disciplines. The tensile strength and multi-use nature can be great for most garage gym enthusiasts, but it may be underwhelming for athletes seasoned in a specific discipline like powerlifting or Olympic lifting.

Being more versed in powerlifting-centric training, I would have appreciated a center knurling patch for more control during squats, but I get why it was omitted. It’s a multi-use bar, and that patch could be uncomfortable during cleans or overhead presses.

Read our full Living.Fit Barbell Review.

Best Budget Weight Plates: REP Fitness Old School Iron Plates

There are plenty of top-tier weight plates on the market, but we recommend sticking with cast iron options for the sake of keeping costs low. These profiles are typically less expensive than their synthetic rubber or urethane brethren, but that doesn’t mean there’s a drop-off in quality. Take these Old School Iron Plates from REP Fitness, for example, offering a great vintage aesthetic and sturdy makeup perfect for achieving that desirable progressive overload in training.

I’ve trained with these weight plates in a handful of gyms and always appreciate the deep-lipped design around the edge. This gives you a great sense of control when loading a barbell or placing your gear back onto its storage rack. Additionally, the raised silver lettering is a stylish touch that gives every rep a vintage, gritty vibe.

These REP Fitness plates also earn our high regard thanks to their purchasing structure. You can order paired packages of 2.5-pound, 5-pound, 10-pound, 25-pound, 35-pound, or 45-pound profiles if you’re only in need of a few weights for your setup. Additionally, REP offers six bundled sets at 175lbs, 245lbs, 265lbs, 335lbs, 355lbs, 425lbs, which can be great for getting all your needed resistance in one fell swoop.

REP’s Old School Iron Plates can be great for training on a budget, but naturally, their cast makeup comes with a few precautions. For one, we recommend doing your best to control these plates throughout every movement. Dropping a barbell loaded with these plates from the top of a deadlift can not only damage your flooring but your gear as well. These also make a lot more clanging and banging than other weight plates, which may be less ideal for athletes with napping children or nosey neighbors nearby.

Additionally, I give these weight plates a 3.5 out of 5 when it comes to accuracy. While I haven’t encountered a plate being completely off its listed total, the ± 3 percent weight tolerance and single-cast nature does give some room for less precise profiles. This may be a detriment to some, especially strength sport athletes who want to train at accurate totals in prep for the competition platform.

[Related: Bumper Plates vs. Metal Plates]

Best Budget Adjustable Dumbbells: Ativafit 66-Pound Adjustable Dumbbells

If you want to utilize dumbbells in your quest to build muscle, an adjustable set can be your best solution to maximizing performance while limiting upfront costs. These profiles can help replace multiple pairs of standard dumbbells in one silhouette, and we feel these Ativafit 66-pound options are some of the best for a wide range of athletes.

In testing, we appreciated the weight range at play with these adjustable dumbbells. A maximum total of 66 pounds should be enough to suit most athletes, and the 5-pound increments across the range offer noticeable adjustments when dialing in your training intensity. Naturally, though, stronger athletes capable of lifting heavy weights over 66 pounds will find these units a bit underwhelming.

As far as the adjustment mechanism is concerned, we rated these Ativafit dumbbells at 4.5 out of 5 for ease of use. Our tester loved the inclusion of the red-buttoned safety lock, too. “It ensures that your weight plates are locked in before hopping into a set. I really enjoy this added security that’s not as pronounced with other adjustable dumbbells,” they said.

The quick dial controls at both ends of the dumbbell also operate smoothly with a clicking feedback that lets you know you’re scrolling toward your desired weight. We knocked this setup one half of a point, though, because of the need for two hands to make said adjustments.

These adjustable dumbbells also boast a soft, rubberized knurling patch at the center, which gives your workouts an added sense of grip. In my experience with these profiles, I found this component to be efficient enough for repeated use. Don’t get me wrong, I still prefer a metal, toothy knurling patch often found with other top-tier dumbbells, but for this budget-friendly design, I’m okay with the rubberized rendition.

Lastly, we appreciate Ativafit’s inclusion of storage trays with these adjustable dumbbells. The slotted plastic silhouettes make weight adjustments a breeze and also serve as a nice way to keep your weights elevated off of the dusty floor. That said, though, it’s best to take some precautions when placing the dumbbells into the grooves. The plastic storage trays are thinner than others we’ve tested, which could lead to some breaks and cracks if you’re not careful. For this reason, we rate the adjustment process at a 4 out of 5.

Read our full Ativafit Adjustable Dumbbells Review.

Best Budget Kettlebells: Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell

Focusing your home workouts around kettlebells can also be a great way to facilitate strength and conditioning progress. Like dumbbells, though, having a variety of bells in your space can begin to add up — both physically and financially. We recommend this Adjustable Competition Kettlebell from Bells of Steel because it takes both challenges head-on thanks to its approachable $299.99 price tag and 41-in-1 profile.

The Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell is available in two sizes: 12 to 20.5 kilograms and 12 to 32 kilograms. While the 20.5-kilogram profile does come in cheaper ($199.99), I recommend opting for the heavier model as it gives you 41 different weight options as opposed to 18 for just $100 more. 

Regardless, both are more financially sound than building out an equivalent kit of standard competition kettlebells. For reference, Bells of Steel’s Standard Competition Bells start at $49.99 and only go up in price based on the listed weight. 

I’ve been using this adjustable kettlebell in my own home training program for a few months now and love how versatile the setup is. The 35-millimeter handle feels comfortable in the hands, and I appreciate how well it holds chalk when I need to elevate my grip. The bare steel is less tacky than other textured, powder-coated units I’ve experienced with other best kettlebells, but for my needs, it does the job plentily.

The major drawback to this budget-friendly home gym equipment, though, rears its head when you need to make adjustments. I rate this Bells of Steel profile a 3 out of 5 for usability because it takes tooled accessories and a bit of time to swap out weight totals. You have to open the base, unscrew the plates, ensure your math is correct, and then tighten everything back into order. This is much more of a process than other adjustable dumbbells on the market that typically showcase a quick lock setup for on-the-fly adjustments.

[Related: Can You Train With Kettlebells Every Day?]

Best Budget Resistance Bands: Living.Fit Resistance Bands

Resistance bands can be excellent accessories to have on hand when building out your workout space. They’re lightweight, more compact than free weights, and allow you to up the ante across upper body, lower body, and core exercises. Living.Fit makes some of the best resistance bands on the market, and we really enjoy the brand’s looped band bundle that brings six bands for less than $130.

I’ve personally used these bands for years and really enjoy their design. Each band is color coded — Red for 5-25 pounds of resistance, Black for 25-65 pounds of resistance, Purple for 40-80 pounds of resistance, Green for 50-125 pounds of resistance, Blue for 60-175 pounds of resistance, and Orange for 70-200 pounds of resistance — and they’re all uniform in length at 41 inches. I appreciate the color-coded system as it makes identifying band intensity easier, especially since there aren’t any stamped measurements across the profiles themselves.

I routinely use the lighter Red and Black bands for warm-up stretches and rely on the thicker Green, Blue, and Orange bands when performing banded pull-ups. The looped design allows me to easily get each band into position, and anchoring the profiles under my feet or around a structure is a breeze. Additionally, our tester noted, “I feel safe using them. I can perform multiple stretches and workouts, and I never felt like they’d snap on me.”

I do need to point out, though, that there aren’t any handles or extra attachments available with these bands, which may make gripping for presses and pulls somewhat uncomfortable. For this reason, I give these Living.Fit Resistance Bands a 4 out of 5 in terms of comfort and versatility. You can still perform these movements, but the band structure can make for some awkward hand positioning — especially when working out at higher resistance poundage.

Finally, if you’re looking to take these bands with you on the go, I recommend having an extra mesh bag at the ready. Storing these bands in your home gym is as easy as tossing them on an open hanger or J-hook, but Living.Fit doesn’t offer a carrying case for the bundle itself. A small inconvenience, indeed, but one worth calling attention to, especially if you’re more of the jetsetting athlete that likes to take their training with you on the road.

Read our full Living.Fit Resistance Bands Review.

Best Budget Treadmill: Horizon Fitness T101

Do your fitness goals have a cardio theme? There’s an abundance of cardio equipment worth considering for your home gym, but few carry the same status as treadmills. Yet still, while some of the best treadmills can cost thousands of dollars — and eat up a ton of floor space in the process — there are still some options on the market, like this T101 from Horizon Fitness, that balance performance and costs. 

We appreciate how user-friendly this unit is across the details, which include Easy Dial controls for quick settings adjustments, Variable Response Cushioning across the deck for comfortable strides, and a convenient media shelf for streaming your favorite online workout programs.

Our tester also highlighted how maneuverable and storage-friendly this profile is. “I appreciate the hydraulic folding mechanism that helps save space when not in use,” they said. “Plus, the built-in wheels and 180-pound frame make it easy to move around, especially when compared to other treadmills.”

We also give this treadmill a 5 out of 5 when it comes to delivery and setup. According to our tester, the entire unit comes well-protected, and the instructions are simple and easy to follow. “You just need to screw on the uprights that hold the screen into place. It’s a smooth process, and you’re ready to go within minutes,” they said.

From a performance standpoint, the T101 is not the most powerful model on the market, but the 10-mile-per-hour max speed can be enough for most light jogging paces. Additionally, you can adjust the incline to up to 10 percent for uphill jogging. We don’t recommend using this unit for all-out sprints, though. The max speed isn’t as accommodating for this intensity, and the shorter 55-inch running deck may leave you reaching off the platform for longer strides. The running deck dimensions should also be considered for taller athletes.

Finally, while this is a great piece of home gym equipment for budget-minded athletes, it’s not built for every need. The weight capacity is only 300 pounds. If you need a unit capable of supporting heavier loads, it may be best to invest in a profile more suited for heavier athletes. Thankfully, we’ve gotten hands-on with some of the best treadmills for heavier people, so you’re not on your own when trying to find your ideal cardio machine.

[Related: The Top Tips for Running on a Treadmill, According to Running Coaches]

Best Budget Exercise Bike: Yosuda YB001R Magnetic Exercise Bike

Athletes wanting a low-impact form of exercise for their home gym can also consider indoor cycling. These rideable home gym machines can be great for facilitating efficient training while also being easier on your joints. (1) In terms of cost-effective rides, though, we recommend the Yosuda YB001R Magnetic Exercise Bike.

We love this minimalist setup and enjoy how there are few features to distract you from your workouts. A simple LCD display allows you to measure your calories burned, speed, ride time, and distance. If you do want to follow along with your favorite live and on-demand fitness classes, though, this exercise bike has a convenient media shelf across the handlebars to create your tech-accommodating setup.

When it comes to riding, our tester said the operation is fairly smooth and straightforward. The belt drive system churns along without much fuss, although there are durability concerns when comparing this mechanism to other chain drive systems on the market.

Speaking of durability, the Yosuda YB001R is not the type of fitness equipment that will last you a lifetime. We rate this machine a 2.5 out of 5 for durability because our tester quickly began to notice weak points across the build. “After just a few rides, I could already see some tears and cracks along the seat. Additionally, the LCD display is held on by a thin piece of plastic, and I feel like it could fall off at any moment during high-intensity workouts.”

Despite this less resilient makeup, we still feel the YB001R is a worthwhile exercise bike for the price — even if you’ll need to replace the unit after a few years of training. We also recommend this profile because the listed $439.99 price tag is often discounted further online. For example, we’ve seen this exercise bike on Amazon for prices closer to $300, which is quite the deal when you consider other exercise bikes can cost over $1,000 and beyond.

[Related: The 8 Best Exercise Bikes for Home Use of 2023]

Best Budget Rowing Machine: Bells of Steel Blitz Air Rower

Rowing is one of my favorite disciplines for its ability to generate full-body workouts while also carrying cardiovascular benefits. (2) For budget-minded athletes looking to add a rowing machine to their training setup, the Blitz Air Rower from Bells of Steel is a profile worth considering.

It takes one look at this latest addition to the rowing machine category to see which silhouette it’s trying to compete with — the Concept2 Rower (which we’ve also reviewed). Both rowers utilize an air-driven resistance system, chain drive, and simplified console. The main difference, though, and what gives the Bells of Steel model a nod in this round-up, is the price. You can pick up the Blitz Air Rower for less than $850, whereas the Concept2 silhouette will run you nearly $1,300.

In testing, we found the Blitz Air Rower to be comfortable and appealing, allowing us to cozily power through sessions with the ergonomic seat cushion and foam-padded handlebar. Our tester also noted that the handle felt thinner than other rowers they’ve used in the past, which could be a benefit for smaller-handed athletes.

We did find out, however, that the comfort has a shelf life in training. “I began to experience some discomfort during endurance workouts,” our tester said. “I attributed this to the hard plastic makeup of the seat, so I wouldn’t recommend rowing atop this machine for long sessions each day.”

Additionally, we rated this rowing machine a 4.5 out of 5 in terms of footprint and portability. The rower itself covers 15.99 square feet of flooring in use, which we feel is on par with other top rowing machines in the category. Plus, the front transport wheels made moving the machine around our workout space a breeze. The half-point reduction, though, lies in the fact that you cannot house this unit vertically for more convenient, out-of-the-way storage.

As far as programming is concerned, you’ll need to have a plan in place before hopping on this exercise equipment. There are no built-in workouts available across the console, so you’ll need to think about how long you want to train before getting into a sweat session. Despite this need, we still think there are plenty of performance benefits to be had with this air-powered rower.

[Related: 10 Benefits of Rowing Machines for Strength Athletes (and Everyone Else)]

Best Budget Elliptical: Sunny Health & Fitness Premium Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine

Ellipticals can easily topple $1,000, and more often than not, they’re some of the largest pieces of fitness equipment because there’s no convenient way to store the arms, flywheel and legs. Thankfully, this affordable Sunny Health and Fitness profile shrinks the equipment footprint to just 7.64 square feet — smaller than your typical bath towel.

We like this cardio machine for its ability to pack in solid workout potential without a lot of spacial needs. We attribute this to its hybrid operation that has you move vertically and horizontally in a given rep. This essentially combines the benefits of an elliptical and stair stepper into one impressive profile.

Additionally, this Premium Cardio Climber Stepping Elliptical Machine comes with a built-in display capable of measuring your time, RPM, speed, distance, calories burned, and pulse through the handle sensors. Other ellipticals at this price point typically forgo this added tech, which helps this budget elliptical earn its 4 out of 5 rating for value.

Of course, though, there are limitations to a machine that’s so financially efficient. For one, this Sunny Health and Fitness elliptical uses a 13-pound flywheel. For reference, other machines typically use a unit weight between 16 and 20 pounds. This can lead to louder training operations, as the lightweight wheel can spin more rapidly during sessions leading to more vibrations internally.

Online feedback has also noted issues with the guide rails and matching rollers. “After three months with the device, using it for about an hour a day, six days per week, the wheels that glide on the rails started coming apart. They were pitting badly,” says one customer review.

Lastly, this compact elliptical is only capable of supporting up to 260 pounds. Larger athletes will need to pay close attention to this rating, as pushing this machine to its limits could lead to issues and breakdowns mid-use.

[Related: The 7 Best Compact Ellipticals of 2023]

Best Budget All-in-One Home Gym Machine: MAXPRO Fitness Cable Home Gym 

All-in-one home gym machines can be the ultimate convenience for your space. One silhouette allows you to train nearly every muscle group in varying activities, but all that versatility can prove stressful on your budget. The MAXPRO Fitness Cable Home Gym is still a hefty investment at nearly $980, but when compared to other top cable systems, it’s easy to see the savings at play.

We don’t hold this profile’s small stature against it, and for good reason. Even though the MAXPRO takes up just 1.11 square feet of space and weighs just 9 pounds, you’re still able to train against cabled pulley resistance between 5 and 300 pounds. For reference, the Force USA G12, one of the best cable machines on the market, has two 200-pound weight stacks for 400 pounds of built-in resistance … but costs over six times that of the MAXPRO.

In trying out this portable home gym, our tester admitted that they used this machine more often than they expected. After turning to this machine for daily exercises like rows, curls, and overhead presses, they said, “I can see this being an ideal solution for someone who’s endlessly on the go. The entire unit is lightweight and easy to take with you to the beach, hotel room, or a nearby park. You’re definitely paying for that convenience and portability, though.”

We did find that the performance of this machine wasn’t immediately exhibited, though. According to our tester, the cables are somewhat rigid during your first few workouts. To achieve that buttery smooth operation, you’ll need to pull the cables throughout their travel a few times to get everything woke up and firing on all cylinders.

Additionally, our tester noted that the cables do not work eccentrically, meaning you’re only pulling against the listed resistance instead of training against it throughout your entire rep. This is why we rated the MAXPRO at a 4 out of 5 for in-use functionality, as we’d prefer to see a cable system that supports as much time under tension as possible. Studies have shown that eccentrically loading exercises can help support maximal muscle strength and power. (3)

[Related: Your Guide to Concentric Vs. Eccentric Training]

How We Chose the Best Budget Home Gym Equipment

We won’t sugarcoat it — there are a lot of home gym equipment options out there, so curating this guide was quite the undertaking. Because of the enormity of the home gym space, we had to set a few parameters before diving into testing and research. Naturally, the cost of each item was considered — this is a “budget-friendly” round-up, after all — but we also compared our barbells, weight benches, rowing machines, and other picks against one another in the following categories.

Product Dimensions

When thinking about building out your home gym, you need to search for items that fit your space. While we understand that a weight bench will likely take up less flooring than, say, a treadmill, we wanted to ensure that our chosen picks were accommodating enough for most spaces.

We measured each silhouette and included their dimensions where appropriate to give you a good idea of how much open space you’ll need to house the home gym equipment. We also compared our picks to their respective categories — if a profile was more compact or more cumbersome, we made note of it in our product analysis.

Frequency of Use

When you start to procure some home gym essentials, it helps to focus on items you’ll likely use on a regular basis. In crafting this guide, we kept our eyes on products we typically use in our own regimens, as well as units that could be the main piece in a given workout. Sure, we’d love to include the best plyo boxes and top punching bags in our list of essentials, but these aren’t going to be the same beacons of daily training like a weight bench, adjustable dumbbells, and other foundational gear.

That said, we understand that every athlete has different tastes when it comes to training, and there’s always room for adding on (provided you have the free space). When trying to create a worthwhile home gym that fits your budget, be sure to focus on high-quality essentials that fit your training best.

Training Versatility

When crafting this budget-friendly home gym round-up, we sought to include products that would give athletes the most bang for their buck. Naturally, this led us to durable, well-made profiles across a variety of fitness equipment categories, but it also made us search for items that could be used in multiple exercises and workouts. The above picks can be used for multiple exercises and training regimens, allowing you to utilize the gear efficiently throughout your sessions.

Price

Finances logically play a major role in crafting a budget home gym. So, we tried our best to include products that showcased a great sense of value without completely blowing up your wallet. Chosen items were compared to other price points in their respective category, since we can’t really compare the costs of, say, a weight plate to an exercise bike.

That said, we did set a cap for our chosen picks regardless of their silhouette. All of the fitness equipment included in this guide can be purchased for under $1,000.

Benefits of Budget Home Gym Equipment

Having a home gym is the dream of many fitness enthusiasts, but many don’t take the plunge due to the upfront costs. Thankfully, budget-minded home gym equipment can allow you to achieve your aspirations without stressing out your finances. Below are a few key perks that can come with filling your available space with wallet-friendly training essentials. 

Improved Access to Training

When you have access to your personal home gym, there’s no need to plan your day around getting to a dedicated training center. The commute shrinks greatly from a crosstown drive to a quick walk down the hallway. You don’t need to fight for parking in the lot or fight for your turn on a machine. Additionally, there are no opening or closing hours to worry about — you can literally work out whenever you please.

Home gyms can also be ideal for your specific training regimen since the equipment you choose to add to the space (should) cater to your wants and needs. There’s no wasted space with large machines or unused silhouettes, and everything has a purpose and placement to help you get the most out of your workouts.

Potential Savings Vs. Commercial Gym Memberships

Studies show that the average gym membership hovers around $30 monthly or $360 per year. (4) While home gym equipment may be more of an upfront cost, it could save you some coin in the long run, especially if you opt for budget-friendly essentials like those included in this round-up.

Additionally, equipping your space with budget home gym equipment eliminates secondary costs like gas, car maintenance, and even fitness apparel. Of course, though, every athlete has different finances, so always be sure to opt for the scenario and setup that suits your budget best.

More Time with Friends and Family 

Tying back to the notion of working out whenever you want, having a home gym also opens your schedule for more time spent with the ones that matter most to you. Being able to train whenever your schedule allows for it eliminates the need to plan a window into your daily regimen between work, errands, and other activities. 

Additionally, it can be easier to get your friends and family involved in your passion for fitness with a home gym. You don’t need to think about day passes or matching your schedules to the center’s hours. You don’t need to fear them fitting in with the various personalities you’d find in a gym. A home gym is essentially your own workout playground — and you have the key to let whomever you’d like in on the fun.

[Related: 14 Benefits of Owning a Home Gym to Convince You to Build Your Iron Oasis]

How to Choose the Best Budget Home Gym Equipment

Deciding on the best budget home gym equipment for your space can be a tough task to accomplish if you don’t have a plan from the start. Below are some key factors to consider while adding top-performing machines and essentials to your cart.

Training Discipline

When thinking about which items to include in your personal workout space, a good starting point is to look at how you train currently. If you enjoy lifting with free weights or pushing through cardio sessions, be sure to match those interests with your chosen equipment. There’s no sense in purchasing a full-fledged weightlifting setup if your normal workouts are quantified by distance rather than pounds, right?

Of course, there are layers to training regimens, and many athletes can dabble in multiple disciplines simultaneously. When building out your home gym on a budget, think about which activities you prefer the most and begin from there. 

For personal reference, I tend to enjoy strength training with free weights accompanied by indoor cycling on cardio days. So, in theory, I’d build my home gym with foundational equipment like a weight bench and adjustable dumbbells, along with an affordable exercise bike. Naturally, I can expand my equipment options in the future based on my budget and available space, but honing in on your favorite disciplines from the start is always the best approach.

Available Space

It can be easy to draft up your ideal layout with weight benches, squat racks, cardio machines, and more, but always remember to think about how much available space you have before crafting out your training setup. Take some pre-purchase measurements and make sure the gear you want can actually fit within your floor plan.

Additionally, it can be wise to think about where you want your home gym to live. If you want to turn an extra bedroom on the second floor of your home into a workout cave, make sure that the equipment you stuff the space with can be easily toted up your stairs. Home gym equipment can also be heavy, so ensure your flooring can withstand the extra load if you plan to place your equipment anywhere other than ground level.

Versatility

You don’t want your budget home gym to be filled with one-trick ponies, i.e., fitness equipment that only supports one movement or exercise. When looking for suitable machines and equipment, it can be helpful to look for gear that allows for a variety of exercises, as this can help you get the most bang for your buck.

Price

Home gym equipment costs can vary from category to category, so comparing the prices from one silhouette to the next can be tricky. When trying to stay within your financial bounds, it’s best to have a set number before choosing products and then crafting a shopping list based on those metrics. 

Also, remember that you can always add to your setup when money becomes available, so don’t feel like you need to purchase all of your fitness essentials in one fell swoop. Focus on your foundational needs first, as this can help you maintain motivation and home gym use as you let your budget grow.

If you’re really looking to stretch your dollar, some brands offer payment plans that allow you to make lower scheduled payments over a set time period. This can be a good option for athletes with less available funds, too, as the upfront cost is parceled out rather than a lump sum.

Final Word

Budget home gym equipment can be great for athletes looking to get their foot in the door when it comes to curating their personal training center. Regardless of your interests and fitness discipline, there are countless options that can fit your space, regimen, and (most importantly) your wallet.

When thinking through which budget home gym essentials to add to your layout, it’s best to consider how you intend to train. From there, you can look for foundational pieces that suit a variety of workouts and exercises. Use this guide as a jumping-off point and start your celebrations — your personal training oasis is just a few shipments away.

FAQs

References

1. Chavarrias, M., Carlos-Vivas, J., Collado-Mateo, D., & Pérez-Gómez, J. (2019). Health Benefits of Indoor Cycling: A Systematic Review. Medicina, 55(8), 452. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6722762/
2. Shin, K.-Y., Choi, E.-H., Lim, J.-Y., Cho, A.-R., & Lim, Y.-H. (2015). Effects of indoor rowing exercise on the body composition and the scoliosis of visually impaired people: A preliminary study. Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, 39(4), 592.
3. Vogt, M., & Hoppeler, H. H. (2014). Eccentric exercise: Mechanisms and effects when used as training regime or training adjunct. Journal of Applied Physiology, 116(11), 1446–1454.
4. Rizzo, N. (1970, November 2). Average gym membership cost 2021 [gym price analysis]. RunRepeat. https://runrepeat.com/gym-membership-cost

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