Let’s be honest: hitting the gym isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Between busy schedules, traffic, and the appeal of your cozy couch, gym visits can quickly fall off the to-do list. But staying fit? That’s non-negotiable. The solution? Working out from home. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about being able to work out whenever you need to, especially if you’re still feeling iffy about actually going to the gym.
If you’re still under the impression that everyone will watch you fumble your workouts when you go to the gym, then it’s important to start at home. You’ll get there eventually. Even if you just don’t feel like going to the gym, there is no excuse not to stay fit since it is 100% possible to exercise at home. Don’t believe me? There’s an entire list of exercise-from-home products to (kindly) prove you wrong.
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Dumbbells: The Home Gym Essential
When it comes to home workouts, dumbbells are the unsung heroes. These compact weights pack a punch, offering versatility without taking up much space. Whether you’re into bicep curls, chest presses, or weighted squats, a pair of dumbbells can help you do it all.
These are more so if you want to dedicate your life to working out from home (which is completely okay because you’re grown). If you are looking to dedicate a room as your home gym, I highly recommend that you get a rack along with the equipment so you don’t have loose (and heavy) weights scattered around your floor.
Some dumbbell packages come with these racks, so if you’re on a budget then you should absolutely compare prices to make sure you are getting the best bang for your buck. Here’s some info about dumbbells:
- Adjustable vs. Fixed: If you’re tight on space, adjustable dumbbells are your best bet. They let you switch up the weight without cluttering your living room. But if simplicity is your style, fixed weights are straightforward and durable.
- Price Range: Expect to spend anywhere from $20 to $100, depending on the weight and brand. Affordable, effective, and space-saving—what’s not to love?
Resistance Bands: Small But Mighty
Don’t underestimate the power of resistance bands. These stretchy bands might look unassuming, but they’re incredibly versatile, allowing you to work every muscle group without needing heavy equipment. These can be used by those dedicating a whole room as their gym, but they’re also great for on-the-go use or for those who eventually want to go to the gym.
The great thing about resistance bands is that they take up very little space and help you really feel the burn. I am telling you, hit three sets of twelve banded lateral step-out squats and you’ll see what I mean. But before you plan which workouts you’ll complete with these mighty tools, you should know a couple of things about them:
- Types of Bands: From loop bands to tube bands with handles, there’s a band for every workout need. Loop bands are great for lower-body exercises, while tube bands are perfect for upper-body work.
- Cost: You can snag a quality set for $25 to $50. Portable, affordable, and easy to store—resistance bands are a must-have for any home gym. To get the best value for your bands, I suggest you check out my TotalTone Bands, where you can get a set of bands for $28 with completely free shipping!
The best part about buying from my store is, if you decide to join our Loyalty Rewards Program beforehand, you can use that purchase to accumulate points that can be used for money off your future purchases. Also, if you decide to get the set, you will have the choice between multiple tension levels so that you can tailor your workout to your needs in an instant.
Furthermore, when you buy in bulk on my website, you have the chance to receive up to 25% off your order. And this goes for all my products! So you can shop my workout essentials collection and unlock bigger savings all while getting your home ready for you to work out.
Exercise Ball: More Than Just Core Work
Exercise balls (a.k.a stability balls) are like the Swiss Army knives of fitness equipment. Sure, they’re excellent for core exercises, but they’re also great for improving balance, flexibility, and even strength training. Here’s some key information you may want to reflect on during your search:
- Cost: Most stability balls range from $15 to $40, making them an affordable addition to your home gym that can enhance any workout routine. But make sure you’re comparing prices so that you can get the best deal. Lots of times, you’ll have to tack on shipping fees to your purchase, so be aware of those costs as well!
- Choosing the Right Size: The size of your stability ball depends on your height—generally, a 55cm ball is best for those under 5’6”, while a 65cm ball suits those between 5’6” and 6’0”.
Jump Rope: Cardio in a Snap
Think jump ropes are just for kids? Think again. Jump ropes are an incredibly efficient way to get your heart rate up and burn calories without needing much space or money.
And remember, they take up very little space. They can be used at home and stored literally anywhere or they can be used in the gym. They’re a great addition to any workout anywhere! If you need it, there’s a guide below with tips:
- Choosing the Right Rope: When picking a jump rope, look for one with adjustable length and comfortable handles. Speed ropes are ideal for fast-paced workouts, while weighted ropes add an extra challenge.
- Budget-Friendly Options: For as little as $10, you can add a jump rope to your fitness arsenal. It’s a small investment with big cardio benefits.
Kettlebells: The Full-Body Workout Tool
Kettlebells might look a bit intimidating, but they’re fantastic for full-body workouts that build strength, endurance, and coordination. They’re perfect for swings, squats, and even upper-body exercises like presses and rows. Don’t know what to look for when buying these? Here’s a quick rundown:
- Weight Selection: Beginners should start with a kettlebell between 8-15 pounds. As you progress, you can gradually increase the weight.
- Price Comparison: Expect to pay between $20 and $50, depending on the weight. Investing in a few kettlebells is a smart move for any home gym setup. Since they are more of an oversized item you may end up paying a pretty penny for shipping as well, so make sure you’re accounting for that.
Yoga Mat: Comfort Meets Function
An exercise mat is one of those things you don’t realize you need until you have one. Whether you’re doing yoga, pilates, or just stretching, a good mat provides comfort and stability. You’ll experience the need for a yoga mat once you realize the floor you’re on is extremely cold and stiff. These are some things you should look for when choosing your mat:
- Thickness and Material: Look for a mat that’s at least 6mm thick for adequate cushioning. You don’t want to be able to feel the floor below you when you’re working out. Non-slip material is also a must to keep you steady during your workout.
- Affordable Options: Quality exercise mats can be found for $15 to $30. It’s a simple addition that can make a big difference in your workout comfort. And they usually come with straps so that you can keep your mat out of your way when you don’t need it at home.
Or you can use these straps to make taking your mats to the gym a much easier process. Either way, you need to make these mats a staple in your workout journey.
Pull-Up Bar: Elevate Your Upper Body Workouts
Pull-up bars are a great addition to any home gym, especially if you’re serious about building upper body strength. Whether you install it in a doorway or opt for a free-standing model, a pull-up bar allows for a range of exercises beyond just pull-ups like hanging leg raises and chin-ups.
These are more for those who want to stay at home since bringing a bulky pull-up bar to the gym isn’t exactly ideal nor is it comfortable. Here’s some information about them you should know before purchasing:
- Types of Bars: Doorway pull-up bars are easy to install and remove, while free-standing bars offer more versatility but take up more space.
- Price Range: Depending on the type, pull-up bars range from $20 to $80. They’re a relatively small investment for a piece of equipment that can significantly enhance your upper body workouts, especially if you’re looking to exclusively workout at home.
Foam Rollers: Your Post-Workout Best Friend
If you’ve ever woken up the day after a tough workout and wondered why your muscles are staging a rebellion, you’re not alone. That’s where foam rollers come in—a simple yet highly effective tool that can help you prevent soreness and speed up recovery.
Foam rolling, also known as self-myofascial release, is like giving your muscles a mini-massage. By rolling out tight spots and knots, you’re not only reducing muscle tension but also increasing blood flow, which helps your muscles recover faster. It’s particularly useful after strength training sessions or high-intensity workouts, where muscle soreness tends to be the most pronounced.
Foam rolling is one of the most important aspects of post-workout care since it’ll be you feeling the pain after an intense session. For your convenience (and my awesomeness), I’ve provided some key information on rollers below:
- How It Works: The idea behind foam rolling is to apply pressure to specific areas of your body, releasing tension and improving flexibility. It’s a bit like ironing out the kinks in your muscles.
- Preventing Soreness: Regular use of a foam roller can reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), so you can get back to your workouts without that stiff, achy feeling.
- Affordable and Accessible: Foam rollers are incredibly budget-friendly, with prices ranging from $10 to $30. They’re also lightweight and easy to store, making them a perfect addition to your home gym setup.
If quality is your main goal when it comes to foam rollers, I suggest you take a look at my Max Mobility Foam Roller. These rollers feature grooves that are made to reduce the stress you’ve put onto your body by working out.
And I’ve said it plenty of times but I’ll say it again, you will probably encounter shipping fees when you buy online (but not when shopping with EverybodyLovesLakyra), so make sure you factor that into your budget!
Incorporating a foam roller into your post-workout routine is a small change that can lead to big results. Whether you’re new to fitness or a seasoned pro, this is one piece of equipment that’s worth every penny for keeping your muscles in top shape.
Building Your Budget-Friendly Home Gym
Creating a home gym doesn’t require a fortune or a dedicated room. With the right equipment, you can build a versatile and effective workout space in the corner of your living room. Dumbbells, resistance bands, stability balls, and other budget-friendly tools offer a wide range of exercise options that can keep you fit and motivated—all without a gym membership.
So go ahead and start building your home gym today. Or, if you’re getting yourself prepared to hit the real gym, get these essentials in your cart so you can take them with you as soon as you’re ready! Your future (and absolutely ripped) self will thank you.
And never forget that even though everybody may not like me, they have no choice but to love me because I’ll always be there for them and accept them for who they are. Happy exercising!