Whether you want to sculpt your abs, train for a marathon or row with a world-class trainer in your living room, you can achieve it with the right equipment. But high-quality gym gear isn’t cheap. Thankfully, there’s an assortment of budget-friendly options on the market that can help you build your own home workout without spending thousands. To help you get started, we spoke with fitness experts to see what pieces of affordable exercise equipment they recommend and how much they cost.
For a full-body, low-impact cardio workout, you can’t go wrong with an elliptical machine. For a compact option, this streamlined model from Sunny Health & Fitness folds up when not in use and has a built-in fan to keep you cool during your workout. It also comes with a set of removable training bands so you can tone your upper and lower body while getting a cardio workout.
If you prefer to do weights at home, a squat rack and barbell are essential, says Ferrazzo. But if you don’t have the space for a bulky barbell setup, you can still build your strength with a basic set of dumbbells. Depending on your needs, you can opt for a basic set of regular dumbbells that can accommodate any level of workout or invest in adjustable ones that save space and are more versatile. You can find both options for less than $100, or you can snag a complete barbell set with a squat rack and a pair of adjustable dumbbells for around $200.
A suspension training system like a TRX is another must-have for home gyms. This lightweight, trainer-approved tool can be anchored to your door, an outdoor post or tree and is designed for the whole body. It’s a great beginner-friendly piece of equipment that can be used at any age and level of fitness, and you can find workout videos, tips and tricks for using it on the brand’s app or website.
To help you recover from your workout, a foam roller is essential. The BalanceFrom GoFit High Density Equipment Mat is made of a textured material that prevents slippage and adds stability to your exercise equipment. It’s available in two sizes and folds flat when not in use for easy storage.
Other pieces of affordable exercise equipment that can enhance your at-home workout include a sandbag and kettlebell, which you can use to practice strength-training exercises, or a yoga mat for flexibility workouts and stretching. A jump rope is a good way to incorporate cardio into your routine, and gliding discs can help you perform ab- and core-focused movements on the floor. For an intermediate-level home gym, you’ll need a set of dumbbells and resistance bands, along with a yoga mat, a sandbag and a kettlebell, for around $75 or the equivalent of four months worth of gym membership. To make your home workout even more effective, you can also snag an elliptical and a punching bag to help you get the most out of your exercise time.
Milena Estêvão is a YouTuber passionate about sharing her experiences (challenges, successes and motivations) in the fitness activities she is involved in.
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