Dreaming of a home gym but the high cost of equipment feels like too much of a lift (see what we did there?)? The good news is you don’t have to spend a fortune to create a home gym that works for you. With some strategic shopping and thinking outside the box, you can build fitness space on a budget that’ll have you working out like a pro.

1. Start small with versatile equipment

You don’t need a fully decked-out gym to get a great workout. Start with a few pieces of equipment that let you do a wide range of exercises. Focus on items that are affordable, don’t take up too much space, and give you the most bang for your buck.

Budget-friendly equipment ideas:

  • Resistance bands: These stretchy lifesavers are inexpensive, take up no space, and can be used for strength training, stretching, and even rehab exercises. 
  • Dumbbells or kettlebells: A couple of sets in varying weights will let you work every muscle group without needing an entire rack of weights. 
  • Jump rope: A jump rope provides an incredible cardio workout for just a few dollars and takes up minimal space.
  • Yoga mat: Perfect for bodyweight exercises, stretching, yoga, and floor work. A good yoga mat adds comfort to your workouts and can be found at affordable prices.

Brigit tip: Look for multi-use equipment that works for both strength and cardio exercises. For example, kettlebells can be used for both weight lifting and cardiovascular conditioning.

2. Use your body weight

Good news: One of the most powerful pieces of equipment you have is… your own body (No, we’re not insulting your weight). Exercises that use just normal body weight can be as effective as pumping iron, especially if you’re just starting out. Exercises like push-ups, squats, lunges, and burpees use your own weight to build strength and endurance—and they’re completely free!

  • Bodyweight exercise ideas:
  • Push-ups
  • Squats
  • Lunges
  • Burpees
  • Mountain climbers
  • Planks
  • Jump squats

Brigit tip: Check out free workout videos online that focus on bodyweight routines. Platforms like YouTube have endless options for HIIT, yoga, and strength training that require zero equipment.

3. Get thrifty: Buy used gear

If you’re itching for some actual equipment, don’t head to the nearest sports store just yet. There’s a goldmine of second-hand fitness gear waiting for you online and in thrift stores. (Because so many people buy fitness gear and never use it!) You can find everything from dumbbells to stationary bikes at a fraction of the retail price.

Where to look:

  • Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp: People often sell lightly used fitness equipment when they’re moving or upgrading their gear.
  • Thrift stores: Check your local Goodwill or second-hand store for weights, mats, and other equipment.
  • Garage sales: Never underestimate the power of a neighborhood yard sale. You might find everything from yoga blocks to treadmills at bargain prices.

Brigit tip: Start your search early and be patient—great deals often come from people looking to quickly offload their gear, so you can score some steals if you keep your eye on second-hand listings.

4. Use what you’ve (already) got

Before you buy new equipment, take a look around your house for items you can repurpose into workout gear. You’d be surprised how many household items double as fitness tools in a pinch!

DIY gym hacks:

  • Backpacks as weight vests: Load up a sturdy backpack with books, cans, or water bottles for a DIY weighted vest during squats, lunges, or walks.
  • Chairs for bodyweight exercises: Use a chair for tricep dips, step-ups, or incline push-ups.
  • Stairs for cardio: Turn your staircase into a workout machine by doing step-ups, sprints, or lateral movements.
  • Towels as sliders: Place towels under your hands or feet to perform slider exercises like mountain climbers or pike-ups on hard floors.

Brigit tip: Using things you already own means zero spending! Get creative with things around your house before buying new equipment.

5. DIY Your own equipment

If you’re feeling crafty, there are plenty of DIY projects you can tackle to create your own workout equipment. You don’t need a welding kit and a toolbox full of power tools to do it, either—just a little ingenuity. (Think crossfit—they can make workout equipment out of anything, even if it’s not a good idea!)

DIY fitness gear:

  • Sandbags: Fill a sturdy duffel bag or pillowcase with sand, rice, or even rocks, and seal it with duct tape to create a weighted sandbag for lifts, carries, and squats.
  • Parallettes: These small bars are great for bodyweight exercises like dips and push-ups. You can make your own using PVC pipes from a hardware store with a simple online tutorial.
  • Medicine ball: Stuff an old basketball or soccer ball with sand or rice and seal it with duct tape to create a DIY medicine ball for throws and slams.

Brigit tip: Search online for simple DIY tutorials. Many fitness enthusiasts share step-by-step instructions on how to create homemade gym equipment on the cheap.

6. Skip the cardio machines

Cardio equipment can be one of the most expensive things in a gym. But you really don’t need a treadmill or elliptical to get your heart pumping. There are plenty of effective (and free) ways to get your cardio fix without spending a dime.

Cardio on a Budget:

  • Running or walking: Lace up your sneakers and hit the road or a local park for a free workout that burns calories fast.
  • HIIT workouts: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is an excellent way to torch calories without any equipment. Exercises like jumping jacks, burpees, and squat jumps get your heart rate up quickly.
  • Dance parties: Clear some space in your living room and blast your favorite tunes for a fun, free cardio session.

Brigit tip: Consider activities like cycling, hiking, or rollerblading if you already have the equipment. These are fun, outdoor ways to stay fit without investing in an expensive machine.

7. Use free online resources

In the age of the internet, there’s no shortage of free workouts that can guide you through everything from strength training to yoga. You don’t need to pay for an expensive personal trainer or fitness app—just fire up your phone, laptop, or TV and get moving!

Where to Find Free Workouts:

  • YouTube: Channels like FitnessBlender, HASfit, and Yoga with Adriene offer hundreds of free workout videos for all fitness levels.
  • Instagram/Facebook: Many personal trainers and fitness influencers share free workouts on their social media pages.
  • Fitness apps: Some apps, like Nike Training Club or FitOn, offer free workout programs ranging from bodyweight exercises to strength and cardio routines.

Brigit tip: Check out community fitness groups or local gyms that may offer free online classes or virtual workout challenges to help you stay motivated.