Best cheap gym equipment for home: Additions that are low in cost but high in gains

Want to lift weights at home? Dying to clock up some steps in between video calls? Or do you want to add some extra tension to bodyweight workouts once you’ve put the kids to bed? 

If you’ve decided you want convenience, comfort and cost-effectiveness from your workouts then it’s worth taking a look at the best cheap gym equipment money can buy.

Whether you’re looking to grow muscle, get stronger, boost your cardio fitness or all of the above, the best at-home gym equipment can help you get there — and better yet, there’s no costly membership or constrictive timetables necessary. 

This will be dependent on you, your space and your workout goals. For example, there’s no point in buying a treadmill if you prefer running outside. The same goes for buying a skipping rope if you don’t intend on skipping. However, if you are looking for a place to start, personal trainer Sarah Campus, the founder of LDN MUMS FITNESS, says she couldn’t live without her dumbbells. 

“Exercising with dumbbells offers a wide range of benefits that can help you achieve your fitness goals and create a healthy and active lifestyle,” the expert says. “Dumbbells are versatile and can be used to target a wide range of muscle groups. By challenging your muscles, you can increase your strength and improve your overall fitness level. Whether you’re looking to tone your arms, build strength in your legs, or work on your core, dumbbells can help you achieve your fitness goals,” Campus adds. 

Along with your budget and health goals, you’ll also need to take your space into consideration. “The space that you’re going to be working out in is important, because you may not have enough room to do certain exercises or set up certain equipment,” Chloe Thomas, the PT, nutrition & mindset coach behind Chloe Inspires, explains. 

“Also, if you’re living in an apartment or flat, you may not be able to do certain exercises because of the noise depending on what time of day you work out,” the PT adds. 

“Your budget is also important, because you may not be able to do certain exercises if the equipment is out of your budget. However, I would recommend looking at charity shops or secondhand websites online for people selling equipment in your local area.”

To help you discover the best cheap gym equipment available right now, we’ve tested out a range of options — from weights and resistance bands to foam rollers and exercise machines — and whittled it down to the top-rated additions below. Plus, with prices starting from £4 and going up to £160, there’s something for all.