If I Were Building a Home Gym Again, I’d Buy These First
Learn how to build the home gym of your dreams… but on a budget!
Our tips on how to create a home gym are actually realistic, budget-friendly, and based on what we really use. Find out how to build yours.
How much does a home gym cost?
Building out a home gym will range significantly depending on your needs. From $100 to thousands…it’s easy to overspend if you try to buy everything at once, which is why we recommend starting simple and building over time.
On the flip side, you can build a solid home gym from scratch with just a few necessities and still get just as effective a workout.
Before we get into the equipment, here’s something Collin feels strongly about…
You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect home gym to get results.
Some of the strongest people train in garages, spare bedrooms, basements, or tiny corners of their house with mismatched dumbbells and secondhand equipment. The goal isn’t creating a fancy influencer gym. (And let’s be real, that’s unrealistic for most budgets.) It’s creating a space that makes it easier to stay consistent.
In fact, many of the pieces in Collin’s home gym were purchased over time rather than all at once. Focus on building a setup you’ll actually use instead of worrying whether everything matches or looks picture-perfect.
Collin’s top “must-haves” for home gym equipment on a budget.
1. A good set of dumbbells
Dumbbell Set $139.99+
Dumbbells are the real foundation of a home gym. They let you train basically every muscle group with just one piece of equipment. According to Collin, if you’re going to invest in anything, these should be it. 💪🏽
Collin prefers traditional dumbbells for certain workouts because they’re quicker and easier to grab during faster-paced lifting sessions. If you have the room and can slowly build a collection over time, a few sets of fixed dumbbells can make your workouts feel way smoother and more enjoyable. A few staple weights like 10s, 15s, 20s, and 25s can take you really far!
Short on space? Adjustable dumbbells are a great space-saving option since they give you a full range of weights without needing a whole rack. They’ll also help you avoid constantly upgrading or replacing sets as you get stronger.
2. An adjustable weight bench.
Adjustable Weight Bench $110+
A bench instantly expands what you can do with your dumbbells. It opens up presses, step-ups, incline work, and so much more, basically turning simple moves into a full-strength workout.
Our pick from Amazon is built for long-term use with commercial-grade steel and supports up to 800lbs, so it feels stable and reliable during heavier lifts. It adjusts to multiple positions so you can train your whole body with one piece of equipment. On top of that, it folds up for easy storage and has thousands of 5-star reviews. 🤩
3. Cast iron kettlebell set.
Amazon Basics Kettlebells $15.99+
Kettlebells are incredibly versatile and can be used for everything from strength training to cardio-focused workouts. Their unique design makes them especially effective for functional movements that improve balance, coordination, and overall fitness.
4. A walking pad or treadmill makes it easy to get steps while working.
Walking Pad X Series $799 (reg. $899)
A walking pad or treadmill can be a total game-changer for staying active throughout the day, especially if you work from home. It’s become one of Collin’s favorite home gym additions because it allows her to easily rack up steps while answering emails, taking calls, or working at her desk, helping her consistently hit 15,000 steps a day without carving out extra time for exercise.
Collin shared more about her walking pad on Instagram. While it’s an investment, she said it’s totally worth it for the number of steps she can sneak in every day! She also loves how wide this one is compared to other options on the market.
5. Pull-up bar for doorway.
Doorway Pull-up Bar $29.99
A pull-up bar is a simple way to add challenging bodyweight exercises to your workouts. It’s excellent for building upper-body and core strength without taking up much space at all.
Shopping around? Check out this multi-grip pull-up bar for maximum versatility.
6. A basic ab roller.
Ab Roller $12.99
An ab roller delivers a seriously effective workout! It targets your core while also engaging your shoulders, arms, and back, making it a great addition to any fitness routine. It also takes up no space at all!
7. Gym mirrors that move with you.
Adding mirrors to your workout space does more than make the room feel larger and brighter. They also help you monitor your form during exercises, which can improve performance and help prevent injury. Collin uses these rolling home gym mirrors because she can easily move them around depending on the workout she’s doing.
8. Squat Rack with barbell & weights.
T-3 Series Short Squat Stand $279.97 (reg. $379.99)
If you’re serious about strength training, a squat rack is one of the most valuable investments you can make for a home gym. Collin really loves the Titan gym equipment, and if you’re going to invest in a piece of equipment, she’d recommend this brand. It provides a safe setup for exercises like squats, bench presses, and overhead presses while giving you plenty of room to progress as you get stronger.
A squat rack isn’t complete without a barbell and bumper plates. This will allow you to actually load weight, progress your lifts, and get the most out of the setup over time.
9. Accessories to round out your home gym.
Some of the best home gym additions are actually the smaller things that don’t take up much room at all. One thing Collin loves about these smaller accessories is that they offer a lot of workout variety without taking over an entire room. They’re especially great if you’re working with limited space since most can be tucked into a basket, rolling utility cart, cabinet, or closet when not in use.
- Resistance Bands – Add resistance to strength workouts without taking up much space, making them a versatile option for all fitness levels.
- Core Sliders – Increase the challenge of planks, lunges, and other exercises by engaging your core and stabilizing muscles.
- Ankle Straps – Perfect for targeting the glutes, hips, and legs with resistance band or cable-style exercises.
- Yoga Blocks – Provide extra support for stretching, yoga poses, and balance exercises.
- Glute Bands – Great for activating and strengthening the glutes, hips, and thighs.
- Medicine Balls – Useful for core exercises, strength training, and explosive movements.
- Jump Rope – An easy way to add cardio while improving endurance and coordination.
Hip Tip: Don’t overlook a rolling utility cart! It’s an affordable and practical way to keep all those smaller home gym accessories organized instead of scattered around the room. The shelves are perfect for storing everything from resistance bands and jump ropes to sliders and foam rollers, and the rolling design makes it easy to move wherever you need it.
10. Recovery tools to help ease sore muscles.
- Foam Roller – $12.99
- Massage Gun – $39.99
- Mobility Ball – $6.99
As your workouts get more challenging, recovery becomes just as important as the workout itself. Tools like foam rollers and massage guns can help ease muscle soreness, improve mobility, and make it easier to stay consistent with your routine week after week.
11. Exercise mat for floor work.
A thick exercise mat is great to add to your setup, but certainly not a “must-have”. That said, it makes floor work way more comfortable and gives you a solid surface for things like core work, stretching, HIIT, or anything bodyweight.
You may not need it to get started, but it definitely makes workouts feel better and more joint-friendly if you’re doing a lot on the ground.
You don’t need a ton of space or big, expensive machines to make it work. Your body is your best piece of equipment! 🏋
Things like HIIT workouts, bodyweight circuits, Pilates, and even just solid core work can go a long way with little to no equipment. But if you are looking to add a few pieces, there are definitely ways to do it without overspending.
Strength training becomes especially important as we get older. For many women in midlife, building muscle can help support bone health, improve balance, maintain mobility, and make everyday activities feel easier. A home gym removes many of the barriers that keep people from working out consistently, making it easier to fit strength training into real life.
Need some inspiration for working out?
Collin has been loving the workouts from Alicia Erickson. Her Instagram, @aliciae, is full of motivating fitness content, lifting tips, and realistic wellness advice for women in midlife, so it’s a great place to get inspiration and workout ideas. She also offers structured fitness programs through her app, which lets you follow along with her workouts and training style from home or the gym at your own pace.
According to our sidekicks who have home gyms, here are 7 tips to save on building yours:
1. Build slowly over time.
You really don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with the basics and add pieces as you actually need them. This keeps costs down and also helps you avoid buying stuff you won’t end up using.
Honestly, this is probably the biggest mistake people make. They spend thousands building their “dream gym” before they’ve built the habit of using it. Start with a few basics, use them consistently, and let your gym grow alongside your fitness goals.
2. You can find some of the best home gym equipment on Facebook Marketplace.
This is one of the best ways to save on higher-end pieces of equipment. People are constantly listing barely-used equipment, and sometimes you’ll even find free or heavily discounted items if someone is moving or just wants it gone quickly. The key is checking often and being ready to grab a deal when it pops up because good finds don’t usually sit long.
Hip Tip: Can’t find the equipment you’re looking for? Collin recommends Titan Fitness equipment and personally has some of their pieces in her home gym.
3. Check out Alibaba for budget-friendly alternatives.
Alibaba can be a great option if you’re looking to save, especially on bigger or more expensive gym pieces. Collin has found that a lot of items are essentially lookalikes of higher-end equipment at a fraction of the cost. It’s a smart way to stretch your budget further as long as you’re willing to compare options and check reviews before buying.
4. Shop direct or local manufacturer outlets when possible
One of the most overlooked ways to save is buying directly from equipment manufacturers or even gyms that are going out of business. For example, places like York Barbell in Pennsylvania often have better pricing if you pick up in person, since you’re avoiding shipping heavy weights. They also have a used and clearance room, which is another genius way to get commercial-grade equipment for way less.
5. Buy “incomplete sets” on purpose.
A lot of people sell dumbbells, plates, or kettlebells in mismatched pairs or missing small pieces. If you’re flexible, you can piece together equipment way cheaper than buying a perfect set. It’s not pretty, but it works.
6. Watch for seasonal clearance cycles.
Big fitness equipment gets discounted at predictable times (Black Friday, New Year’s resolutions, spring cleaning, etc.). If you can time your purchases, you can save a surprising amount just by waiting a few weeks.
7. Prioritize multi-use items to get the most bang for your buck on cheap home gym equipment.
From experience, anything that only does one thing usually ends up collecting dust. If it doesn’t replace 2–3 other items, it’s probably not worth the space or money in a home setup. That’s why we always prioritize multi-use equipment when building out a home gym on a budget. The goal is to get the most bang for your buck with pieces that can scale with your workouts
At the end of the day, building a home gym isn’t about having everything…it’s about having the right few things you’ll actually use consistently. Start simple, build over time, and don’t overthink it. You’ll be surprised how far a few solid pieces (and your own body weight) can take you. 💪🏽
And remember, consistency matters far more than having the perfect setup. A pair of dumbbells you’re actually using will always be more valuable than a room full of expensive equipment collecting dust. ✨
Curious what’s been helping Collin feel stronger, recover better, and have more energy at 44? Read this post.
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