Here’s my absolute favorite cheap or free beginner workout at home equipment buys. Get a full body, muscle strengthening workout on a budget!
Cheap Workout At Home Equipment For Beginners
Hello, hello. It’s a new year and, like many people, I’m about to kick off a new home workout routine. I shared some of what I already do in my 11 Affordable Ways to Feel & Look Younger in your 40’s post.
But, I’ve decided I need to spend a little more time on weight training, if I really want to see bigger results.
So, I’ll be doing my regular 2 Pilates strength training classes a week, my 3 – 30 minute power walks a week, and adding on some extra muscle building at home.

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Luckily, I already have some great, budget-friendly exercise equipment at home. In case you need some recommendations, here’s my favorite workout at home equipment on a budget!
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And, you don’t need everything on this list to get a good workout at home. Just pick one or two items to get used to before buying something else. OK, let’s get that list started.
Best Workout At Home Equipment On A Budget
If you're ready to start strength training and building muscle at home, here's some of my ALL TIME favorite workout at home equipment on a budget!
You can ABSOLUTELY get a great full body workout with this equipment, if you put in the time.

Sunny Health & Fitness Total Body Advanced Stepper Machine - SF-S0979
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.

Pilates Bar Kit with Resistance Bands (2 Standard & 2 Strong), Portable Home Gym
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.

URBNFit Pilates Ring - 12" Magic Circle with Dual Grip, Foam Pads
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.

Sunny Health & Fitness Neoprene Dumbbell, Blue (NO. 021-8-PAIR)
Of course, this list wouldn't be complete without some dumbells. 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 5lb set and an 8lb set most. If you're new to weight-lifting, you might want a 2lb set and a 5lb set.
You can find tons of great, FREE exercise videos using dumbells on YouTube.

Fitlaya Fitness ab machine, Height Adjustable ab trainer, foldable fitness equipment
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.

Resistance Loop Exercise Bands for Home Fitness, Stretching, Strength Training & Physical Therapy
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.

Trideer 5 Sizes Ball Chair, Heavy Duty Swiss Ball for Balance, Stability, Pregnancy and Physical Therapy
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.

Elite Sportz Exercise Sliders are Double Sided and Work Smoothly on Any Surface
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.

BalanceFrom Adjustable Workout Aerobic Stepper Step Platform Trainer
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.

ASICS Women's Gel-Venture 7 Running Shoes, 9, Graphite Grey/Sour Yuzu
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.
MadFit YouTube Channel
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!
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Feeling inspired? Now you know my picks for the best home workout equipment on a budget, get started. Let me know if you have questions.
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