Building a home gym is an investment in your health, self-esteem, and lifestyle. It’s an accessible way to develop a personal fitness routine, leading to weight loss and improved mental health. For most home gyms, the cost of the materials is less expensive than the price of a membership at a gym. Let’s review six inexpensive workout tools you’ll need to create a respectable home fitness space:

1. Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are used for exercises that focus on improving your flexibility and strength. They are made from durable elastic latex, which is strong and long-lasting. They are also lightweight and portable, making them convenient to use while traveling. You can use exercise bands in place of free weights to do a series of strength training biceps curls, shoulder presses, lunges, and more! The average cost of a set of resistance bands will set you back between $10 and 25 USD. 

2. Exercise or yoga mats

It’s important to have a mat when you exercise on the floor. It provides good joint cushioning and support while exercising and absorbs the impact of a high intensity workout. Most mats come in different designs and colors, depending on your preference. You can also find anti-slip mats for exercise like hot yoga and HIIT workouts. You’ll find mats of all shapes and sizes priced between $15 and $50.

3. Stability ball

Stability balls are used to exercise your core muscles and improve your balance. For example, the ball can be used as additional equipment during floor exercises. It is available in different sizes (width) and is made from a durable material that provides resistance during exercise, making it more challenging. The average cost of an exercise ball is between $15 to 20 USD, depending on size. 

4. Jump rope

As an intense cardio workout and for leg strength and conditioning, jump ropes can improve your cardiovascular health and endurance. They are made from durable materials and are easy to use. The ropes are lightweight and portable, making them cost-effective and convenient for travel. An average jump rope costs between $15-25 USD. For an added challenge, look for a skipping rope with weighted handles. 

5. Rowing machine

Rowing machines are used to help tone and strengthen muscles; improve your metabolism, and strengthen your cardiovascular system. While a rowing machine is mainly thought to target the back, shoulders, abs and arms—the consistent rowing motion actually strengthens the entire body, including the hamstrings, glutes and calves as well. The average cost of an indoor rowing machine is between $150 to 300 USD.

6. Treadmill

Treadmills help improve your overall health by offering a safe and weather proof way to run or walk daily. For people with limited mobility, it’s also a great way to exercise and remain active, as treadmills provide handrails, which is ideal if you’re recovering from an injury. Treadmills are lightweight and portable, making them a great option for small spaces, and they provide one of the best heart-pumping cardio workouts available while also decreasing the risk for heart disease and other chronic diseases, and promote better sleep and brain function. Treadmills come in different sizes, but the average price is between $300 to $1,500 USD for a home gym model.

Having a home gym is an investment in your health and lifestyle, and with the inexpensive workout equipment noted above, you can make your fitness regimen a reality. It’s important to note that while building a home gym, choosing equipment that serves multiple functions is essential so that you’re not wasting money on items you don’t need.