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If you want a workout routine that gives you a good burn without also scorching your wallet, investing in budget home gym equipment is a great place to start. When you build a home gym, you can eliminate the pricey monthly line item of a gym membership, while still getting the benefits of a well-rounded workout. An added bonus: The time saved when you can simply walk over to your garage or backyard, instead of driving to the gym.
The ACTIVE Reviews Team compiled a comprehensive list of the best budget items on the market that meet affordability standards without compromising quality so that you can build out your home gym while still staying on budget.
The Best Budget Home Gym Products - Our Top Picks
- Best Budget Kettlebells: REP Fitness Kettlebells
- Best Budget Dumbbells: Titan Fitness Rubber Hex Dumbbells
- Best Budget Jump Rope: Rogue Fitness Licorice Jump Rope
- Best Budget Weight Bench: REP Fitness AB-3100 Adjustable Bench
- Best Budget Resistance Bands: Rogue Fitness Tube Bands
- Best Budget Treadmill: Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Treadmill
- Best Budget All-In-One Machine: Bowflex PR 1000 Home Gym
- Best Budget Rowing Machine: Sunny Health & Fitness Space Saving Magnetic Rower
- Best Budget Dumbbell & Bench Bundle: Flybird Adjustable Dumbbell Bundle
- Best Budget Yoga Mat: Gaiam Premium 2-Color Yoga Mats
- Best Budget Resistance Workout Equipment: TUT Trainer
- Best Budget Stationary Bike: YOSUDA YB001
- Best Budget Home Gym Flooring: AmazonBasics Foam Interlocking Exercise Gym Floor Mat Tiles
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com’s editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Best Budget Kettlebells - REP Fitness Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a durable fitness tool to have on hand (literally) in your home gym. If you’re tracking your gains and your budget, you definitely want to swing for the REP Fitness Kettlebells. These are available in a broad range of weights, from 9 pounds up to 106 pounds (4 kilograms to 48 kilograms).
One of the best money-saving aspects about kettlebells is that you can perform a variety of strength training and ballistic exercises with just one. However, if you want to add options, REP Fitness color-codes the handles, making it easy to quickly grab your preferred kettlebell when working out in your home gym. They also manufacture them using gravity die casting that results in more durable and precise kettlebells. And, the matte coating keeps your hands from slipping from the handle even when you are sweating.
What We Like:
- Color-coded handles keep you organized when you’re in the zone
- Matte coating prevents slipping
- Wide range of weights
Best Budget Dumbbells - Titan Fitness Rubber Hex Dumbbells
A surefire way to help strengthen and build muscle is to incorporate dumbbells into your workout routine. Getting all of the weights you need can quickly rack up the cost of setting up the actual weight rack––not ideal if you’re trying to get everything you need on a budget. Fortunately, Titan Fitness keeps the cost down thanks to its affordable, rubber-coated hex dumbbells. The rubber coating adds longevity to the dumbbells with additional durability thanks to welded handles.
These no-frills, durable dumbbells withstand intense pump sessions for years to come. The fully-knurled, solid-steel, chrome-plated handle provides maximum grip and it will endure the elements and heavy-duty use. Furthermore, you’re not limited by how little or how much weight you want to lift as these rubber hex dumbbells are available in pairs from 5 pounds to 100 pounds. Considering the hefty shipping costs often associated with dumbbell deliveries, the fact that Titan Fitness offers free shipping is an added bonus.
What We Like:
- Fully-knurled, solid-steel chrome-plated handle
- Weight ranges from 5 to 100 lbs
- Made of strong, durable materials
BUY: Titan Fitness Rubber Hex Dumbbells
Best Budget Jump Rope - Rogue Fitness Licorice Jump Rope
When you are on a budget, finding a piece of equipment that is not only inexpensive, but also simple and versatile, is a treasure trove. And, that is exactly what the Rogue Fitness Licorice Jump Rope is: easy-to-use, cheap, and multi-purposeful.
The Rogue Licorice Rope is not fancy, but that doesn’t mean that it is not effective. The cable is made from relatively thick (5 millimeters) PVC that provides longevity. The flexible plastic can also withstand workouts on concrete and asphalt better than many of its thinner and more expensive cousins (although it is recommended to use your Licorice rope on rubber or non-abrasive floors). This rope is less than $10, and it is available in four sizes, meaning that it will fit almost any budget, as well as nearly any height.
What We Like:
- Durable PVC cable
- Available in four sizes: 7, 8, 9, 10 feet
- Easily portable
BUY: Rogue Fitness Licorice Jump Rope
Best Budget Weight Bench - REP Fitness AB-3100 Adjustable Bench
REP weight benches provide versatility to any home gym, making it a great investment for anyone looking to pump some iron. The REP Fitness AB-3100 Adjustable Bench marries durability, versatility and affordability. The sturdy construction of this bench betrays its $250 price point.
The REP AB-3100 can support up to 1,000 pounds. The various inclines and seat positions provide options for a wide array of exercises, and for targeting seldom-used muscle groups. The in-line wheels on the back of the bench makes it easy to move when not in use, but they don’t make the bench feel wobbly when you are working out.
What We Like:
- Supports up to 1,000 lbs
- Can perform a variety of exercises
- Durable and sturdy
BUY: REP Fitness AB-3100 Adjustable Bench
Best Budget Resistance Bands - Rogue Tube Bands
If you’re looking to add resistance training to your home gym experience without subtracting a lot from your cash supply, the Rogue Tube Bands are an excellent way to accomplish that equation. A package of six color-coded bands of varying resistance is around $75, but they can also be bought in pairs. Resistance bands can be used for exercises such as: rows, bicep curls, tricep extensions, and shoulder presses.
The generous handles provide a comfortable grip, and each resistance band is 48 inches long. The more they are stretched, the more resistance that they provide. Please note that these are latex-based, which is something to be mindful of if you have a latex sensitivity.
What We Like:
- Offered in a six-pack or in pairs
- Soft but sturdy handles
- Color-coded for easy recognition
Best Budget Treadmill - Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Treadmill
Treadmills are synonymous with home gyms. However, treadmills can take a chunk out of your budget faster than Usain Bolt can run 100 meters. The Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Treadmill provides a quality option for a fraction of the cost of its competitors. There is also a 30-day money back guarantee to provide peace of mind to your finances.
This budget treadmill is loaded with features like 12 incline settings, speeds that range from 1-8 miles per hour, and a backlit monitor that allows you to quickly and easily check your time, distance, speed, calories burned, incline, and heart. The programmed interval workouts will add variety to your running regimen. Integrated speakers and Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stream movies or music while you exercise, and the device holder is a convenient way to set up your tablet or phone when you’re getting your steps in.
What We Like:
- 30-day money back guarantee
- Programmed interval workouts
- Bluetooth connectivity and integrated speakers
BUY: Sunny Health & Fitness Smart Treadmill
Best Budget All-In-One Machine - Bowflex PR 1000 Home Gym
Offering more than 30 strength exercises and a sliding seat that provides cardio intensive rowing, the Bowflex PR 1000 Home Gym replaces several pieces of expensive gym equipment, such as a rowing machine, multiple sets of dumbbells, resistance equipment and a barbell. It is a cost-effective one-stop shop for those looking to get the most bang for their buck. This gym uses "power rods" (flexible bars attached to cables) to provide over 200 pounds of resistance.
The Bowflex PR 1000 Home Gym features an integrated media rack that adjusts to fit nearly any smart device. This allows you to either follow along to Bowflex’s trainer-led videos or stream movies or music of your choice. This versatile all-in-one machine works all of your major muscle groups and then neatly folds up for easy storage.
What We Like:
- Bench seat converts to rolling rower
- Variety of exercises that can be performed
- Folds up for convenient storage
Best Budget Rowing Machine - Sunny Health & Fitness Space Saving Magnetic Rower
The Sunny Health & Fitness Space Saving Magnetic Rower provides cardio-intensive rowing workouts without draining your bank account. In addition to being friendly on your budget at under $300, this rower is also safe, comfortable, and space-efficient.
Non-slip foot pads and adjustable foot straps keep you secure even during your most intense rowing sessions. The foam grip handlebars and cushioned seat provides comfort during marathon workouts, while the handy water bottle holder helps you stay hydrated. A built-in device holder allows you to have your phone or tablet at the ready to either stream your preferred entertainment or access the Sunny Health & Fitness online workout database. When you have pulled your last stroke, tilt this budget-friendly rower upright and easily move it to a storage space.
What We Like:
- Space-efficient and compact storage
- Device holder, cushioned seat, non-slip handlebars, adjustable foot pedals, wheels, and floor stabilizers
- Online workouts accessed through smartphone and/or tablet
BUY: Sunny Health & Fitness Space Saving Magnetic Rower
Best Budget Dumbbell & Bench Bundle - Flybird Adjustable Dumbbell Bundle
When you think of home gym equipment, dumbbells and benches are often at the top of the list. However, the cost of multiple sets of dumbbells plus an adjustable bench can quickly add up, making these home gym staples out of reach for fitness enthusiasts on a budget. Fortunately, the Flybird Adjustable Dumbbell Bundle offers the best of both worlds: a versatile bench and convenient budget-friendly adjustable dumbbells.
The dumbbells have five different weight settings that go up to 25 pounds each (there is a slightly more expensive bundle that offers weights up to 55 pounds), and the weights can be easily changed with one hand. Considering that the Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells replace up to 10 pricey individual dumbbells, it’s easy to see how you will save a bundle. The sturdy adjustable steel bench can hold up to 600 pounds and has 10 settings so that you can perform an endless array of exercises. When you are finished, the bench folds for easy storage.
What We Like:
- Quick and easy dumbbell weight adjustments
- Variety of exercises that can be performed
- Bench folds for worry-free storage
BUY: Flybird Adjustable Dumbbell Bundle
Best Budget Yoga Mat - Gaiam Premium 2-Color Yoga Mat
Yoga mats are a worthy inclusion in any budget home gym due to their versatility. Their easy portability makes them great for moving your workout space from room to room, the popular practice of yoga outdoors, and even rolling them up and including them on your travels. The lightweight but durable Gaiam Premium 2-Color Yoga Mat is great for avid yogis who practice multiple styles, or anyone who needs a supportive surface for floor workouts.
With this mat, you’ll find 6 millimeters of stable, non-slip cushioning that will help protect you and your joints. The Gaiam Premium 2-Color Yoga Mat is latex-free, making it a safe choice for those with latex sensitivities. This reversible mat also comes with a lifetime guarantee.
What We Like:
- Lifetime guarantee
- Lightweight and easily transportable
- Use for yoga or floor workouts for extra cushion
BUY: Gaiam Premium 2-Color Yoga Mat
Best Budget Resistance Workout Equipment - TUT Trainer
The TUT (Time Under Tension) Trainer Gym provides effective resistance training that is both easy on your joints and your wallet. Weighing in at less than 12 pounds, this slim tower extends less than 6 inches from where it is mounted (and it easily mounts to nearly any door or wall). The use of resistance bands provides a multitude of strength training exercises that are effective and simple.
It is understandable if you have a little sticker shock when you first see the TUT Trainer’s $800 price. However, when you consider that this one piece of equipment can provide a full-body workout in almost any space without any heavy weights, you can see how it is a good investment. Additionally, if you’re a little unsure of how to get the most out of your resistance trainer, TUT has you covered with its mobile app that provides a variety of on-demand classes.
What We Like:
- Can be mounted to almost any door or wall space
- Provides a multitude of exercise options
- Mobile app has hundreds of on-demand classes
Best Budget Stationary Bike - YOSUDA YB001
The YOSUDA YB001 is a compact and sturdy stationary bike that won’t make your finances spin out of control. Although it is cheaper than many other stationary bikes, you won’t be getting the shaft with the YOSUDA YB001. It has an almost-silent belt drive allowing you to workout without disturbing other members of your household. Additionally, the adjustable seat and handlebars provide a comfortable ride for various heights.
Tracking workout stats such as: time, distance, speed and calories is a breeze with the bike’s multi-functional LCD monitor. The easy-to-turn resistance knob allows you to adjust the difficulty of your workout as you continue to pedal away. The front wheels make the bike easy to move and store away when it is not in use, and the YOSUDA YB001’s heavy-duty steel frame ensures that your investment will be paying dividends for years to come. It is worth noting that the YOSUDA, which comes in under $300 and has free shipping for all US orders, is more affordable than many other stationary bikes.
What We Like:
- Free shipping for all US orders
- Quiet belt drive
- Easy adjustability of resistance knob
Best Budget Home Gym Flooring - AmazonBasics Foam Interlocking Exercise Gym Floor Mat Tiles
Quality and comfortable flooring is the foundation of any home gym, but installing new home gym flooring can be daunting and expensive. The AmazonBasics Foam Interlocking Exercise Gym Floor Mat Tiles eliminate such worries by being both easy to install and budget-friendly.
Each order contains six tiles that cover 24 square feet and quickly snap together. The tiles are made from high-density foam that creates non-skid cushioning. This helps protect your original flooring, as well as being kinder to your joints. The tiles are also water-resistant, easy to clean and help reduce noise when you’re pounding through workouts.
What We Like:
- Textured, water-resistant foam keeps tiles in place and prevents slipping
- Set up and break down easily with puzzle piece design
- Reduces noise
BUY: AmazonBasics Foam Interlocking Exercise Gym Floor Mat Tiles
What to Look for in Budget Home Gym Equipment
Here are the ACTIVE Reviews Team’s best tips for figuring out what exercise equipment to purchase when you are on a budget:
Price
When building out your home gym within a budget, the most important item that you will need to consider is price. However, with gym equipment the old adage, you get what you pay for, often rings true. Therefore, it isn’t necessarily the best idea to always go for the cheapest option as it may mean that you are soon dealing with a broken down or unusable piece of equipment. It is always beneficial to read the reviews. You should factor in return policies and warranties.
Type of Equipment
Before purchasing anything for your home gym, you should research and decide what type of fitness that you’re going to enjoy most. If a yoga practice calls to you, a quality yoga mat and resistance bands are easy and inexpensive items to pick up, while things like jump ropes are good budget boxing accessories. On the other hand, many of the cardio-focused pieces of equipment such as treadmills, rowers, and stationary bikes, come with a bigger price tag. Therefore, you should carefully consider both the equipment and your desire to use them before handing over your cash.
Versatility
If you’re working with a tight budget, finding a versatile piece of equipment is like hitting the lottery. The more options a singular item can offer, the better. An all-in-one machine is a home gym addition that can serve multiple purposes. Whereas adjustable dumbbells can be used for a variety of different exercises, and as you get stronger, you can simply adjust the weight that you’re using rather than worrying about purchasing another set of dumbbells.
Durability
Being on a budget doesn’t mean that you have to settle for equipment that is not going to stand the test of time. Make sure that you consider an item's durability before purchasing. If a piece of equipment can’t withstand everyday wear and tear for a reasonable amount of time, it doesn’t matter how inexpensive it is. The construction specifications will give you a lot of information, but definitely read the reviews too. This is where you will find other people who have actually used the equipment that you are considering purchasing.