12 Best Picks For Beginner Exercise Equipment For Home Gyms (On A Budget)

I LOVE this step machine. The arm bands make it possible to get a great arm, shoulder, and back workout in while working on building stronger leg and butt muscles.

I use this stepper for 10 minute sets, 2 to 3 times a day. I just move it in front of my TV when I need it, then hide it away when I'm done.

Best of all, this powerful little stepper cost less than $100.

Don't underestimate the increased muscle-building you can get with a bar. Free-weights are great, but the bar helps you isolate different muscle groups. So, I always have both on hand.

This portable Pilates set is great for weight-training beginners that want a great workout on a budget.

I LOVE using a single kettlebell for glute workouts. And, 2 kettlebells are great for a bunch of arm and back exercises. Search kettlebell workout on YouTube to see some example moves.

This might look like a simple piece of equipment, that can't really do much. BUT, this ring is great at adding resistance to SO MANY normal exercises. It can absolutely make an easy exercise TOUGH.

Check out this 20-minute beginner Pilates Ring Exercise Video on YouTube to see how this budget-friendly ring made my list of the best workout at home equipment on a budget.

Of course, this list wouldn't be complete without some dumbbells. I recommend buying a lighter set for some shoulder exercises and a slightly heavier set for squats, biceps, and more.

I tend to use a 15lb set, 10lb set, and an 8lb set the most. If you're new to weight-lifting, you might want a 5lb set and an 8lb set.

You can find tons of great, FREE exercise videos using dumbbells on YouTube.

I'm not going to lie, I prefer working out my arms and legs. It's just easier for me. So, I neglected my core during my 20's. That made my back so weak, even when I had incredible arm muscles.

With this machine, you can get a great core workout that strengthens your back and stomach. You also don't need to spend a lot of time on it to see results.

Try for 100 reps a day to start seeing and feeling big changes in a couple of months.

Here's another super cheap home workout equipment that makes a big impact when it comes to building muscle at home.

These bands can be used SO MANY ways. Wearing these bands while doing side steps really helps you target outer and inner thigh muscles that can be hard to reach.

And, you can get this set of 5 bands for about $10.

Some people use these stability balls to sit on at their desk. It gives you bit of a core workout to stay balanced and sitting up straight while sitting at your desk.

I also like to use these balls for ab workouts while I'm watching TV. I lean back on the ball to do all kinds of crunches.

Check out this great 15-minute beginner stability ball YouTube video for a better look at how to use this ball.

This affordable treadmill makes it easy to workout at home while working or watching TV. It's perfect for anyone that spends too much time sitting down. Or for getting a walk in during bad weather!

I use these sliders in a Pilates gym. They're fantastic. Again, it's another simple and cheap way to really amp up the muscle-building of so many exercises.

The slippery bottom on these sliders makes you work harder to stabilize whatever movement you are doing with it.

Check out how this pick for best workout at home equipment can be used in this great 10-minute Beginner Sliders YouTube Exercise video.

If you're afraid you aren't ready for the stepper I mentioned at the very beginning of this list, here's an oldy but a goody. And, it doesn't get cheaper than this when it comes to step equipment.

I LOVE these steps for just endless, easy stepping while binge-watching everything on Netflix. Stand up straight while stepping to target those quads. Lean forward a bit to get that booty. And, stay on your toes to get those calves. 😉

You can find tons of beginner stepper videos on YouTube too.

And, don't forget cute exercise shoes! I try to get in a 30 to 45-minute power walk 3 times a week. Whether it's on a treadmill, at a local park, or around your neighborhood, walking or jogging is a great way to build muscle on the cheap.

Check out this free to watch YouTube channel for fun, weight-training videos that target whatever muscle group you want to work out.

Here's one last FREE workout channel on YouTube that I LOVE. MadFit makes tons of videos in various time-lengths, targeting different muscle groups, with and without equipment. So, you can always find something new to do on her channel.

The GymRa channel on YouTube is great too!