Get your home gym on the cheap with this list of budget-friendly equipment! You will be able to train in peace and quiet without breaking the bank.
Picking out what type or piece of exercise equipment you need can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry – we’ve got everything from dumbbells to power racks. So there’s something here for everyone who wants an at-home workout tailored just right to their needs.
We Know Good Equipment, For Less
At The Athletic Build, we have hands-on experience with hundreds of gym equipment pieces. Our objective is to deliver impartial, expert insights on aspects ranging from setup to performance and durability, assisting you in making the most suitable choice for your needs.
Our team of product testers comprises certified personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, marathon runners, and nutrition specialists. Our passion for exercise equipment goes beyond personal interest; our professional mission is to identify the very best options available.
If you’re looking for a premium flat weight bench made by one of the best home gym brands in the world, then we have just what you need. It shows itself off through its build quality and performance as well while being easy on your wallet.
The Light Commercial Flat Bench is a rugged, durable bench that can support up to 811 lbs. Made from VorTex material and backed by rip-stop mesh for maximum durability. You’ll be able to use this utility bench through any of your most intense workouts, and it won’t even blink.
The high-density foam gives you firm support. The powder-coated frame is built solid and backed by an ironclad lifetime structural warranty.
On the negative side, this bench is only available on the manufacturer’s website and is not always in stock.
A good bench is essential for your home gym, this bench is a solid choice for less.
Titan Fitness has always had a stellar reputation for its high-quality home gym equipment, and the adjustable bench is no exception. The Incline Bench V2 offers excellent functionality with a variety of positions that are easy to switch between, so you can workout without hassle.
This adjustable bench is a great piece of exercise equipment. It’s been improved with adjustments to make the seat height lower and more stable, allowing you greater comfort and an easier experience while exercising.
Incline and seat positioning is the name of their game with this bad boy. There are seven positions you can adjust for your back, while three provide a wide range when it comes to adjusting the seat. Not only that, but they have pegs so that doing band exercises becomes easy as pie. Just set them up accordingly, then stretch out into those perfect reps without worrying about how much weight will be transferred from one side or other.
The Incline Bench V2 has a nice price for an adjustable and portable item. At 650 lbs., the max weight capacity is slightly lower than other competitors in this space but still very good!
Pros
Seven positions to adjust the back and three for the seat
The power rack will likely be the centerpiece of your home gym and it will allow you to do squats, bench press, rack pulls, pull-ups, overhead presses, and much more.
The power rack is where you will spend most of your time for most weightlifters, so you don’t want to waste your money on a junky one. The good news is power racks have come a long way, and you can now get a good power rack without spending a fortune.
If you are looking for an incredible power rack that is also cost-effective, then the MyRack Modular Power Rack By Force USA would be an excellent choice.
This rack is available in multiple colors and is fully customizable, with over 20 attachments you can add to it.
Some of the attachments include:
Monolift attachment
Multiple chin-up bars
Safety straps
Landmine attachment
Dip station
Safety spotter arms
A cable pulley system
Lat pulldown/rowing attachment
It looks like this below when you get all of the attachments and options; there are probably 100 ways you can configure depending on your needs.
The MyRack Modular Power Rack is built tough and has a 2000 lb weight rating which is more than you will ever need. This rack also uses Westside Spacing with 54 numbered adjustment points to perfectly position any size user for squats, benching, and more.
On top of all that, there is a lifetime structural warranty so if anything goes wrong, you are covered.
On the negative side, this rack is only available through the manufacturer’s website, and it isn’t always in stock. Sometimes there is also a long wait for it to be restocked.
Squat racks are used mainly for squatting but can also be used for benching, hang cleans and even pull-ups depending on what model you get.
Power racks and squat racks are pretty similar, but you can do more with a power rack than you can with a squat rack and they don’t really cost much more. The only advantage a squat stand has is that it does take up less space. If you are trying to decide between the two for your home gym, I would go with the power rack.
With all that being said, the best squat stand on a budget is the One Piece Squat Rack 2.0, which is available at GetRX.
The One Piece Squat Rack 2.0 is the embodiment of value. It was only a bit over a hundred dollars. Yet, it’s built solidly and allows you to complete semi-heavy squats and workouts with confidence. If price is an issue, we recommend you get this first.
The One Piece Squat Rack is a simple and effective tool for those looking to squat. It can accommodate weights as heavy as 500 lbs, which is more than enough for most people. The footprint doesn’t take up much room because it only has one bar across both platforms, making this unit perfect for any home or garage gym setting.
The upright tubes are 2″ x 2″ with hole spacing on the posts at every 2 inches and the overall footprint is 38″ x 48″.
Let’s face it, there isn’t much to a dumbbell. You have the grip and the shape of the dumbbell and that’s basically it. So why would you not want to get budget dumbbells?
For dumbbells on a budget the best place to look for quality dumbells that won’t have one end snap off (it’s happened to me before). You can look no further than the Rubber Hex Dumbbells from Titan Fitness.
Pound for pound, these are the best value when it comes to dumbbells. They also have most of the different weights in stock and available, which many of the other guys didn’t.
These dumbbells are coated in rubber to protect flooring from scrapes and scratches. They are also made in a hexagon shape, so they won’t be rolling all over the place.
The handles are knurled for a comfortable grip and won’t slip.
One of the best things about the dumbbells is that they ship free! That is huge, considering how much it can cost to ship heavy items.
Pros
Great value
Free shipping from the manufacturer’s website
Cons
Some weights are on backorder, not many though
Black rubber may leave marks on clothes and objects
Adjustable dumbbells may seem expensive when you first see the price tag. But when you consider that one set of adjustable dumbbells can actually replace an entire rack of dumbbells, you can see that the adjustable dumbbell is a great value.
There are many different types of adjustable dumbbells on the market, but I have personally found that PowerBlock’s toolbox-shaped model is worth its weight in gold for two main reasons. First off, it gives you maximum value due to how versatile and expandable they can be with both kits available. They offer 2 kits, one can take the dumbbells up to 70 lbs, and the other can take it up to 90 lbs for those who like to lift heavy.
Not only can these bad boys save you money over an entire rack of dumbbells, but they also take up a lot less room/ The initial expense may look high, but it isn’t when you really look at it.
Pros
Easily adjusts to different weights
Kits available to make the dumbbells go up to 70 or 90 lbs
Better value than a set of dumbbells
Takes up less workout space than a rack of dumbbells
Most people don’t know this. but there are actually different kinds of kettlebells out there. There are competition kettlebells, cast iron, loadable, adjustable and then there are also uniquely designed kettlebells.
I’m going to assume most of you don’t really care about any of that, most people don’t. You just want a kettlebell for cheap. If that is the case, the best kettlebells on a budget are the Cast Iron Kettlebells from Fitness Factory.
These kettlebells are an excellent deal for the money. They have been made from one solid mold, giving them incredible durability that you won’t find with other brands or models on the market today.
Pros
Single piece casting
Available from 5-100 lbs in 5 lb weight increments
Most people think all barbells are the same. Unfortunately, they aren’t, and they can get pretty expensive. The most expensive one I have seen is over $600, which is insane if you ask me.
Most people want a regular barbell that works and doesn’t fall apart. I have actually had them fall apart before with ball bearing coming out and everything. You don’t want that.
The Midway Olympic Bar from Titan Fitness is a solid barbell that won’t break the bank.
This bad boy has a 1500 lb weight capacity. It is designed to handle the abuse of Olympic lifts that can decimate most cheap barbells.
It also has a tensile strength of 165,000 PSI which is related to the barbell’s ability to resist breaking and fracturing. This is a pretty good number, especially for the price.
Overall this is a good barbell for your home gym that will last and costs less.
I don’t know why you would want to pay more for weight plates. Cheap plates sit on the bar and weigh the same amount as expensive plates.
The reason we suggest the Rep Fitness Iron Plates is pretty simple, they’re some of the best-priced iron plates with consistent and standard sizing on the internet.
The Rep Iron Plates are a cast iron, budget-friendly option that will probably be around longer than you will. These plates also come with an extra lip for picking up from ground or rack storage.
Why pay more for a round piece of metal with a hole in it if you don’t have to?
Pros
Old school design
Shipping is free from the Rep Fitness website
Cons
Metal edges can damage floors that don’t have mats or gym flooring
Do you need the best bumper plates on the market for your garage gym? Probably not.
99% of the population will do just fine with budget bumper plates, don’t be fooled into spending more than you need to.
We recommend the Color Urethane Bumper Plates from Titan Fitness for budget bumper plates.
These rubber plates are just what you need to protect your garage floor. They have a durable steel internal ring that helps maintain the plate’s shape, surrounded by an even more durable rubber coating which will keep it in good form for years,
The plates also have a rubber lip to make them easier to pick and color-coded, so you don’t have to guess which ones are.
These bumper plates also have free shipping and a 1-year warranty.
Pros
Color-coded
Lip around the edge for easy lifting
Free shipping
Cons
Full weight sets on backorder, individual pairs only
‘Best Budget Treadmill’ is pretty subjective. There are treadmills out there that are over $16,000, so compared to that, a ‘budget treadmill’ is up for interpretation,
With that said, we decided to go with our top-ranked treadmill under $500, which is the ADVENOR Treadmill.
The budget machine is a capable 3HP motor that can churn out the max speed of 8.7 mph with a 220 lb max weight on its 17-inch running width, and it features an anti-shock system for those who want to keep their knees safe from harm! All things considered, this money-saving power tool will go a long way in helping you get a great workout without breaking your bank account.
The most significant feature of this product is the ability to customize your workout. You can choose from 64 pre-set workouts or create your own custom program. It also includes a 5-inch backlit monitor displaying data such as calories burned during exercise. All in an easy format, it won’t be too much trouble keeping track either way once things are going smoothly during every session at home.
This is the perfect model if you’re looking for a treadmill that can take up very little room. It has an easily foldable design and wheels, so it’s easy to transport from room to room or even move around your house if needed! The deck lowers easily when folded, making unfolding effortless with no risk of damaging anything.
It also has safety features like sensors regarding heart rate tracking and control handles at each end near where people would stop their run (when they want). All these great qualities come at such an affordable cost, too – what more could someone ask?
For this looking for a stationary bike on a budget, the YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike would be a good buy.
This bad boy features a 40lb flywheel and silent belt drive for ultra-quiet workouts. It also has an LCD monitor that tracks your time, speed, RPMs while you ride, which is nice because many bikes under $500 don’t give you any kind of display at all.
If you are looking for a great bike that is affordable and gets the job done, then this could be it! It has received mostly positive reviews, with some noting minor parts missing or incorrect. Regardless, most were happy with their purchase since Amazon currently shows 4 1/2 stars out of 5 customer feedbacks which means they’re primarily satisfied.
Many reviewers say these bikes work just fine right off the bat–overall, this bike is a solid buy, especially for the money.
Good news, the best rowing machine and the most popular is also the best on a budget so you can’t go wrong with this pick.
One of the best things about this product is how well it has been designed and constructed. Not only does it stand up to whatever you throw at it, but there are no compromises made when building the Rowerg.
Good news, the best and most popular rowing machine out there is also the best on a budget, so you can’t go wrong with this pick.
One of the best things about this product is how well it has been designed and constructed. Not only does it stand up to whatever you throw at it, but there are no compromises made when building the Rowerg.
The best rowing machine is one that emulates the feel of actual water resistance. The flywheel in front creates realistic drag, and you can adjust pneumatic dampers for different strokes to match your preference. It makes noise minimal while providing smooth motion at all times. There will be no need to worry about loud noises keeping people up at night or distracting others around you during workouts like other machines might.
The PM5 is another excellent addition to the Rowerg. It’s powered by a flywheel and two DD batteries. It gives users everything from strokes per minute data all the way to downstrokes on how many calories they burned during their workout.
This is the rowing machine you will see at most gyms. It’s also the best option for a budget rower for your home gym. It blows all of the other rowing machines in its price range out of the water. You won’t find rowing machines that are much cheaper anywhere out there, and the ones you do find will be junk compared to the Concept 2 Rowerg.
The price of weighted sleds has gone up a bit lately, so finding one on a budget can be challenging.
I use the Rogue Echo Dog sled at my garage gym. That’s actually my sled in the picture above. The price of sleds has gone up significantly lately all across the market. I bought this sled a year ago, and the price has gone up by $75 since then, and many others on the market have gone up by even more.
That means the Rogue Echo Dog Sled is still the best option on a budget. This bad boy is built solid, and it will be able to handle anything you throw at it.
You can attach a harness to it for pulling the sled, which I also have. It provides a slightly different workout than pushing the sled and is better for building acceleration in athletes.
here are skis you can get with the sled, I would definitely recommend those. I made the mistake of getting it without skis to save a few bucks, and the sled would mark up the concrete on our driveway, and it was also pretty loud. The skis are definitely the way to go for use on concrete, and it probably works better with the skis on most any surface. I am surprised they don’t just automatically include them.
The entire base is 1 solid piece which makes for easy assembly, just add the poles, and the post for the weights along with a bracket, and you are all set. The total assembly time on this piece of equipment was less than ten minutes.
Lastly, I should mention this sled is made in the USA which is nice to see.
I’ve shied away from using any Amazon products on this list up to this point. In my opinion, Amazon fitness products tend to be sub-par, but the trap bar is one thing you can get on Amazon and get something decent.
The HulkFit Olympic Trap Bar is a good bar for not a ton of money.
This bad boy has a 1000 lb maximum weight limit which is enough for pretty much everyone. It is also made of solid steel, not hollow like some bars are, so it can handle whatever abuse you can throw at it.
It has raised handles and flat handles so you can use whichever you prefer, and both handles are knurled for a solid grip.
The only real negative with this bar is the sleeve length. If you are using bumper plates, you will only be able to fir 3-4 on there depending on what kind you use, which limits the amount of weight you can use.
The Titan Pull-Up is a well-designed pull-up bar. It’s the classic design that can be found in many high schools across America, making it perfect for your home gym or garage gym. The depth from the wall to a hanging position on this unit measures 32 inches, so you will have plenty of space when doing your pull-ups, and you can still cheat by using your feet on the wall if you need to. Just like you did in the 9th-grade pull-up challenge.
This bad boy has a 500 lb weight limit, so it can handle pretty much everyone, even if you are doing kipping pull-ups, muscle-ups, and other bodyweight exercises. The bar uses a matte black powder-coated finish, giving you an excellent grip even when your palms are sweaty.
This pull-up bar can be mounted on 16″ wood studs for custom widths at 16″, 32″, or 52″ apart, which fits the 16′ studs in most homes. It can also be mounted into the ceiling or into concrete if need be.
Titan gives you free shipping so there are no extra expenses with this bar. Overall it is a great value.
Pros
500 lb weight capacity
No-slip grip
Can be used above window or door frame
Free shipping
Cons
Not always in stock. When this article was written there was a 2-week backorder
Whether you’re just starting out or well into your fitness journey, having a home gym or garage gym can benefit people who don’t have time to go to the gym. Some may think this is too much money and unnecessary equipment. However, with everything that comes with an expensive gym membership at a typical “big box” gym, it’s hard to beat the convenience and comfort of a home gym.
One of the main benefits of having a budget home gym is that you can customize it to fit your needs. This means that you can have equipment that you’re actually going to use instead of wasting time sorting through machines you’ll never touch. You’ll also avoid the crowds and long wait times at the gym.
Another benefit of doing home workouts is that you can workout whenever you want without worrying about anyone else. This is great for people who have busy schedules and those who travel frequently. You’ll also save money on gas and parking fees.
Of course, one of the most significant benefits of having a home or garage gym is that you don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home. This can be especially helpful during the winter months when it’s cold outside. You’ll also avoid all the germs that tend to be at the gym. Not to mention years of gym membership fees.
A home gym doesn’t have to be expensive, either. You can find budget home gym equipment online or at second-hand stores. If you’re really strapped for cash, you can even use household items and things that you may already have in your home.
Having a home gym is beneficial for both beginners and experts. Beginners will learn proper form and technique without the distractions of having someone next to them. Experts also benefit from having their own equipment and space to work out, which means they won’t get bored or tired of the same old gym routines.
Home gyms and garage gyms can save money in the long run; however, if you don’t keep your equipment maintained and in good condition, it could end up costing you more than it’s worth. Ensure that everything works properly before using it and schedule regular tune-ups with a professional mechanic or repairman. The last thing you want is your equipment to break down and leave you stranded.
The Equipment We Recommend You Start With
Honestly, you don’t really need a ton of workout gear for your garage gym. You could even get in great shape just using body weight exercises and no equipment at all. What fun is that, though?
The first pieces of budget home gym equipment you should look to get are:
Power Rack – A power rack will let you do a wide range of exercises and give you somewhere to rack the barbell. If you plan on doing like back squats, you will need a power rack or squat rack, and dollar for dollar, the power rack is the better buy. I would also recommend that you get a power rack with a pull-up bar, which most do. That will be one less thing to buy.
Weight Bench – A workout bench is another necessity that will allow you to perform strength training exercises like the bench press, seated shoulder press, and every other seated exercise you can imagine. You can also use it for one-arm dumbbell rows and more. I can’t imagine having a home or garage gym without a bench. I recommend an adjustable bench over a flat bench since it has more versatility and allows you to do more exercises. They are a little more expensive but well worth it.
Barbell and Plates – This one is a no-brainer. If you are going to be lifting weights and strength training you will need a barbell and some plates to go with it. A barbell by itself won’t be much help, obviously.
Dumbbells – I think it would be a good idea to at least have a set or two of dumbbells. Personally, I have a heavier and a lighter set of dumbells I use in my home gym, depending on what exercise I am doing. It isn’t perfect but works decently well. If you have the money for it, adjustable dumbbells would be something to consider since it’s like buying an entire rack of dumbbells.
Best Home Gym Equipment for Weight Loss
I would give a slight edge to cardio equipment for the best home exercise equipment for weight loss simply because you will burn more calories with it. You should strongly consider strength training, as well as we covered in the article Lift Weight Lose Fat: Why Women Need to Strength Train.
That being said, a proper diet would be the best way to lose weight. You can exercise on the best fitness gear in the world until the cows come home, but if you are still eating junk food and large pepperoni pizzas on the regular you will not lose any weight.
In truth, the two best exercises for weight loss are Fork Put-Downs and Table Push-Backs.
Why Home Gyms Don’t Have To Be Expensive
Let’s have a real conversation about something a lot of folks are getting wrong: the cost of building a home gym. “Too expensive!” they say. But let me tell you, it doesn’t have to be.
I’ve seen home gyms ranging from thrift-shop bargains under $100 to lavish 6-figure setups that belong in a magazine. It’s a spectrum, not a fixed price tag. You can start where you are, with what you have, and build from there.
Think about it like this: building a home gym is a journey, not a sprint. You don’t have to buy everything all at once. There’s no rule that says you have to have the full setup from day one. Get some basic pieces on sale during holidays like Labor Day or Black Friday, and you’re off to a great start. And hey, even if buying a bunch of items at once can save on shipping, it’s not worth it if it’s holding you back from making that first move.
Here’s why you don’t have to break the bank on a home gym:
You Can Start Simple: Your local gym might be packed with machines and gadgets, but you don’t need all of that to start. A few essential pieces of equipment can take you a long way. And as you save up, you can slowly add to your collection, increasing the variety of exercises you can do.
It’s a Buyer’s Market: With the boom in interest for home gyms, manufacturers are stepping up their game. There’s a wider variety of equipment available at better prices than ever before. So, it’s not just feasible to build a home gym; it’s downright smart. And the convenience of online shopping? That’s the icing on the cake (though I do feel for the delivery guy!).
So, let’s put to rest the idea that building a home gym is reserved for the wealthy elite. It’s an attainable goal, one that you can reach in your own way, in your own time. The barriers are lower than you think. All you need is a little creativity, some patience, and the courage to take that first step. And if you ask me, there’s no time like the present. How about it?
Wrap Up
If you’re on a budget and want to maximize the return of your investment, then these are the items that will help get you started. You can always add more equipment later as your fitness goals change or new ones develop.
I hope this list has been helpful for those who have been looking for some beginner home gym essentials without breaking the bank. What’s your favorite piece of workout equipment? Let me know in the comments below so we can all stay motivated together.
Ryan is a former college wrestler and lifelong fitness fanatic. He has run half marathons, done mud runs, placed in body transformation contests, coached wrestling, and now coaches girls’ soccer. Not to mention he has also tried literally hundreds of supplements over the years and has a vast and thorough supplement knowledge. He has written for Muscle & Strength, Testosterone Junkie, The Sport Review and other publications. He is also the editor-in-chief of this website and has over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry. Feel free to connect with him on his LinkedIn page below.
