Cheap Home Gym Equipment That Doesn't Suck

Usually, doing things at home saves you money – cooking, watching movies, and having a few beers. However, one thing that's not that cheap is building a home gym. If you do the math, you could save money over time.

However, the upfront cost can be pretty steep; but it doesn't have to be. This article will review some of the cheapest home gym options that still deliver results.

How Much Does A Home Gym Cost?

How much a gym costs depends on your budget. As you'll see, there are some economical options that provide an awesome workout.

At the same time, you can go online and see home gym setups for $10,000+. With that said, your basic gym setup usually costs around $1,000-$2,000 for basic equipment. For some people, that's worthwhile, but others are looking to pay less. 

Now, when it comes to home gyms, we believe in spending what you can afford. Gym equipment is a long-term investment and spending money on quality equipment upfront can last a long time.  

On the other hand, we also understand that not everyone has a ton of money laying around which is what this article is for. However, "cheap" doesn't have to mean not effective. In fact, as you'll see, some of the cheapest equipment in the gym can yield the greatest benefits. 

This article will look at gym equipment options for lifters who want to save some cash. There will be some systems that can act as your entire gym as well as pieces of equipment that provide a lot more benefits then their cost would suggest.

The Most Effective But Cheap Home Gym Equipment 

There's a lot that goes into building a home gym but gym equipment plays a central role. Don't let money cause you to have an ineffective workout.

We're going to go over some awesome ideas for anyone looking to build their home gym or add to it. Here are 

Landmine Home Gym

Cost: $20 - $200 (depending on the setup)

A landmine attachment is one of the most affordable and versatile pieces of equipment you can add to your home gym. 

A landmine setup consists of a hinge mechanism that allows you to insert a barbell, creating a long lever arm that you can manipulate for a wide range of exercises. 

The beauty of the landmine is its ability to support dynamic movements that work multiple muscle groups, making it a powerful addition to any home gym—especially if you're looking to maximize space and minimize cost.

Why It's Great

The landmine is our favorite piece of cheap gym equipment. No other piece can deliver as sheer an amount and variety of exercises as this little attachment. 

• Versatile and Full-Body Workout: With a landmine, you can perform exercises targeting your chest, shoulders, back, glutes, and legs and even train explosive movements. You can easily use the landmine as your only piece of training.
• Minimal Equipment Needed: You only need a landmine attachment, a barbell, and weight plates. You don't have to invest in multiple expensive pieces of equipment.
• Space-Efficient: A landmine setup is compact and doesn't require a lot of space, making it ideal for home gyms with limited room.
• Affordable: Compared to other large gym machines, landmine setups are inexpensive, and you can use basic equipment like a barbell and weight plates.
• Safe for Beginners: The controlled movement of the landmine allows beginners to perform exercises easier as the bar moves on a semi-path. Movements also tend to be less intimidating. 
• Easier on Joints: Many people find the exercises easier on the joints, especially for upper body movements that use the elbows and shoulders.

How Much?

The actual landmine attachment can be purchased for very cheap (less than $50) if you're wanting to add to your home gym. 

However, if you need weights and plates, that will cost you more. When you purchase the barbell and weight plates, buy "Olympic" for sizing issues.

• Landmine Attachment (Plate-based): $20 - $60 (often includes just the attachment, which you insert into a plate to create a hinge).
• Landmine Attachment (Floor-mounted or heavier-duty): $60 - $150 (these tend to be more permanent, higher-quality setups that attach to the floor or a base)
• Barbell: $100 - $150 for a basic Olympic barbell
• Weight Plates: The price varies; $1 per pound is the cheapest for used weight, while $2 per pound gets you cost-effective newer plates.

Recommended Exercises:

There are a ton of exercises you can do with a landmine setup. In addition, you can also buy dual landmines or various attachments such as a T-bar attachment or V-Handle.

Here are some fundamental exercises you can perform.

• Landmine Press: A shoulder press variation that targets the shoulders and upper chest while providing a more natural range of motion than traditional overhead presses.
• T-Bar Row: A row variation focusing on your upper back and rear delts. It's great for building thickness and strength in the back.
• Landmine Squat: A squat variation that helps activate the glutes and legs with a more upright posture, reducing strain on the lower back.
• Landmine Deadlift: A deadlift alternative that's easier on the lower back and great for targeting the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back.
• Viking Press: A press variation that targets the shoulders and triceps and can be used for explosive power training.

TRX/Suspension Trainer

Cost: $40 - $150

The TRX Suspension Trainer is one of the most affordable, versatile pieces of equipment you can add to your home gym or use as your gym. If you can hang a TRX, your variety of exercises increases significantly.

Using just your body weight, the Suspension Trainer allows you to perform various exercises that target all major muscle groups. These include basic calisthenics exercises (push-ups, dips, chin-ups) and unique exercises (TRX Rows, TRX planks).

Your biggest challenge will be hanging the system, but there are several options:

• Hang on a pull-up bar or crossbar
• Wall mount
• Hang from a sturdy tree

As TRX is highly portable, if a park is nearby, you can easily cycle or run with it in your backpack.

Why It's Great:

• Full-Body Workout: TRX allows you to train multiple muscle groups simultaneously, improving strength and endurance. Exercises range from push-ups and rows to squats and lunges.
• Portable and Space-Efficient: Thanks to its simple anchor system, the suspension trainer can be easily set up anywhere—at home, in a garage, or even outdoors.
• Adjustable Difficulty: You can increase or decrease the difficulty of exercises by altering your body position, making them suitable for all fitness levels, from beginner to advanced.
• Highly Effective: Using a suspension trainer is like calisthenics X 100. The straps significantly increase the exercises you can perform using your body.
• Versatile Training: Whether you want to build muscle, improve mobility, or add cardio to your routine, TRX can be customized to fit your goals.

How Much?

While the term "TRX" is universally used, TRX is a brand of what are known as "suspension trainers." TRX is pretty much the first and highest-quality brand, but you can find cheaper brands on Amazon.

• Basic TRX Kit: $40 - $100 (includes straps, handles, and a door anchor)
• Premium TRX Kit (with accessories): $100 - $150 (includes anchors, extension straps, and additional exercise guides). You can check out their Amazon store here.
• Additional Accessories (optional): $20 - $40 (e.g., wall or ceiling mounts)

Recommended Exercises

When you really get into TRX training, you realize how much there is to do! Here are some basic exercises you can try.

• TRX Push-ups: Great for building upper body strength, targeting the chest, shoulders, and triceps.
• TRX Rows: Focuses on your back and biceps while engaging your core.
• TRX Squats: Effective for working your legs and glutes, with added core stability.
• TRX Planks: Builds core strength, stability, and control.
• TRX Lunges: Engages the legs and core, improving balance and coordination.

If you're interested in other exercises, here are 16 more to check out!

Sled Home Gym

Cost: $100 - $500 (depending on the setup and materials)

The sled is an interesting piece of equipment that many look over. A sled is a simple yet powerful tool that can elevate your home gym workout by combining strength, endurance, and conditioning in one piece of equipment. 

Most people look at the sled and simply think of pushing and pulling. While that's 100% legit, adding some straps instantly adds a ton of exercises.

The main issue with a sled is having the room to use it. However, certain types of sleds, sometimes known as "carpet sleds," can be used in your backyard.

Why It's Great

The sled is a versatile, low-impact training tool that delivers significant results. It's especially effective for building strength, improving speed, and increasing cardiovascular conditioning. Here's why we think the sled is a great choice:

• Full-Body Conditioning: A sled workout targets multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Whether you're pushing, pulling, or dragging, you're working the legs, core, and upper body. It's a functional tool replicating real-world movements, like sprinting or dragging heavy loads.
• Minimal Equipment: The sled requires a sled, weight plates, and straps (ideally). It's one of the most affordable options for adding variety to your home gym.
• Space-Efficient: A sled can easily be stored away when not in use. You could keep it under the bed or your car!
• Versatile Exercises: The sled is excellent for various exercises, from sled pushes to sprints, sled drags, and resisted walking. By adding straps, you can transform it into a "sliding cable pulley."
• Strength & Cardio: One attribute that really makes the sled stand out is its versatility in training both strength and cardio. You can instantly switch from back rows to resisted sprints!
• Great for All Fitness Levels: The sled is adaptable and perfect for beginners and advanced athletes. You can start with light resistance and gradually increase it as you progress. Plus, many exercises are daily simply to perform, at least biomechanically.

How Much?

When buying a sled, unless you have a massive area to use it on, you don't need a huge butcher sled. However, sleds are relatively portable, which is something to consider. 

The bottom line is that your specific situation will determine the sled you buy. 

• Basic Sled: $80-$150. A very basic sled consists of a plate and a single loading rod. 
• Full Sled: $200+. Many types of full sleds will have poles or bars to push. These do cost more, but it will be easier to do some exercises
• Carpet Sled: $100-$120. There aren't many on the market, but here's what one looks like. 
• Straps/Harness: $15-$50. Some sleds come with straps, which is an obvious plus. If not, you can buy various straps and harnesses on Amazon for fairly cheap.
• Weight Plates: $1 - $2 per pound. You'll need weight plates to add resistance to your sled. Used weight plates can often be found for $1 per pound, while newer ones may run closer to $2 per pound.

Recommended Exercises

There's no shortage of exercises you can do with a sled, making it a full-body workout tool. Here are a few of the most popular:

• Sled Push: A fundamental movement that primarily targets the quads, glutes, and core. Great for building lower-body strength and explosive power.
• Sled Row: Hook up straps, and you can perform a variety of rows, including bilateral, unilateral, and explosive rows.
• Sled Pull: Use a harness or rope to pull the sled, focusing on the posterior chain—hamstrings, glutes, and lower back.
• Sled Sprint: A high-intensity interval exercise, typically done for short bursts, designed to improve speed and acceleration.
• Sled Drag: Dragging the sled behind you while walking or sprinting, engaging the upper body (arms, back, shoulders) and core.
• Reverse Sled Pull: Walking backward while pulling the sled targets the hamstrings and glutes and improves hip mobility.

If you want to see some possibilities, here's an entire full-body workout.

Sandbag

Cost: $30 - $150 (depending on the setup)

Sandbags are a very effective piece of gym equipment for a full-body workout. They're easy to store, easy to prep, and easily transported to anywhere you'd want to train, whether it's at home or the beach!

These make an awesome addition to any home gym setup or could be used as a primary training tool. 

Why It's Great

The sandbag is a highly functional training tool that delivers many benefits. It allows for dynamic, full-body movements targeting multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Here's why the sandbag is a great addition to your home gym:

• Full-Body Workout: The unstable sand inside the bag forces your muscles to engage and stabilize throughout the movement. Sandbag exercises work the core, legs, back, shoulders, and arms, and they are great for developing total-body strength.
• Functional Training: Sandbags simulate real-life lifting and carrying motions, such as picking up heavy objects or lifting awkwardly shaped loads, making them perfect for simulating daily movement patterns.
• Space-Efficient & Portable: A compact sandbag can be easily stored in a corner or closet when not in use. They're also easy to take with you anywhere
• Minimal Equipment Needed: All you need is a sandbag, sand, and an open space to start

How Much?

There are two types of sandbags on the market. The first are adjustable big bags that you fill up to whatever weight you want. These are the cheapest and most versatile. 

The other types are meant to be filled 100% and reach an approximate weight.  You can use some range but not as much as the adjustable. While these can be easier to use, you must buy several bags for different weights.

In addition, you can find different models;

• Heavy Duty Sandbags: $75-$100.  These sandbags are simply large, rugged bags you can fill with sand. They usually come with fill bags that easily adjust the weight. Some examples here and here.
• Training or Fitness Sandbags: $40-$120.These sandbags are generally longer, cylinder-type bags, making them easier to handle. Further, they will have more handles around the bag, making it easier to perform various exercises like rows and cleans. Check some out here.
• Atlas Stone Or Tactical Sandbags: These are sphere-shaped bags that resemble Atlas stones. Check them out here and here.
• Sand: $5 - $10 per 50-pound bag. You'll need to purchase sand, which is relatively inexpensive. Or, if you live near a beach, you could take your bags out to the beach and train (we're not sure about the legality of taking the sand!). And trust us, 100 lb of sand feels like 300 lb of metal!

We would suggest buying one large adjustable set and then several smaller set bags. Set bags are easier to use for things like lunges and pressing.

And a tip: If you want to fill your bag but don't want to use all the sand for weight purposes, you can use rubber mulch with sand.

Recommended Exercises

Sandbag training includes various functional exercises challenging strength, stability, and coordination. Some popular sandbag exercises include:

• Sandbag Clean & Press: A dynamic movement where you clean the sandbag to your chest and press it overhead. This exercise targets the shoulders, arms, core, and legs.
• Sandbag Deadlift: A deadlift variation where you lift the sandbag from the ground, focusing on the posterior chain (hamstrings, glutes, and lower back).
• Sandbag Lunges: Perform lunges while holding the sandbag at chest height or in a bear hug position. This exercise targets the legs and glutes and requires balance and coordination.
• Sandbag Squat: Hold the sandbag at chest height or across the shoulders and perform squats. This variation targets the legs and glutes while engaging the core.
• Sandbag Shouldering/Dump: Lift the sandbag from the ground to your shoulder, alternating shoulders. Or, you could dump it over your shoulder and repeat.
• Sandbag Carry: Pick up the sandbag and carry it for distance. You can use variations like the bear hug or over-the-shoulder carry to target the legs, core, and upper body.
• Sandbag Dump: Load a heavy bag on the ground. You then must get down, pick it up and stand tall with a bag to your chest.

Barbell And Weights

Cost: $150 - XXX (depending on weight)

Here's the thing. Home gyms are expensive because of all the additions, such as a bench and rack. However, you can get a lot done with a basic barbell and weights and save a lot of money. 

Also, consider that you can use weight plates as a stand-alone piece of equipment. You can perform movements such as curls and overhead triceps extensions.

You can easily create an awesome workout with just his equipment, and it's about as minimal as possible. Plus, as you have no rack, you can store these anywhere! 

Why It's Great

A barbell and weights setup is a must-have for anyone serious about building strength and muscle. Here's why this timeless piece of gym equipment remains a favorite:

• Strength Building: The barbell is the best tool for lifting heavy weights and progressively overloading muscles. Exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses target large muscle groups and are essential for building strength and muscle mass.
• Versatility: With a simple barbell and weight plates, you can perform various exercises that work the entire body. From the basics like squats and deadlifts to more advanced movements like Olympic lifts, you can tailor your routine to meet any fitness goal.
• Durable & Long-Lasting: A classic barbell and weight setup is one of the most durable investments in your home gym. With proper care, it can last decades and withstand heavy lifting, even in a busy gym environment.
• Compact: While a full gym setup can take up a lot of space, a barbell and weights don't require much room to work effectively. You can perform a wide range of exercises with just a small space dedicated to your workout.
• Minimal Setup: Unlike machines, you need only a barbell and weight plates to perform a full-body workout. This is the most efficient and cost-effective way to train for strength.

How Much?

When you start checking out barbells and weights, you'll notice two types, standard and Olympic. We would strongly encourage you to stick with Olympic barbells. This is due to quality but even moreso, sizing issues. Most newer equipment are sized for Olympic so if you ever want to expand, they can easily interchange with each other.

• Olympic Barbell: $150 - $350. Olympic barbells are typically 7 feet long and weigh 45 lbs (20 kg). They feature 2" sleeves that fit Olympic-sized weight plates. These are the preferred options for serious lifters, especially for heavier training and Olympic lifting.
• Weight Plates: $1 - $2 per pound. The cost of weight plates can vary depending on material and quality. Rubber-coated or bumper plates (often used for Olympic lifts) are pricier, while cast iron plates are more affordable.
  • Used Plates: $1 - $1.50 per pound (often available at local fitness stores or secondhand equipment sellers).
  • New Plates: $1.50 - $2 per pound for standard plates and up to $3+ per pound for high-quality bumper plates.
  • Weight Plate Sets: $200 - $500. These weight sets include various-sized plates and can be purchased at a discounted price. 

Recommended Exercises

The barbell allows you to perform all of your fundamental exercises. It actually defines these movements! Keep in mind that without a rack, you won't be able to load the squat or overhead press excessively heavy.

• Barbell Squat: A compound movement that targets the legs (quads, hamstrings, glutes) and core. Variations like front and overhead squats can increase difficulty and emphasize different muscle groups. 
• Deadlift: A full-body movement that targets the posterior chain, including the hamstrings, glutes, lower back, and core. 
• Bench Press: The classic flat bench press that builds your chest, shoulder, and triceps.
• Overhead Press: An upper-body exercise that targets the shoulders, triceps, and upper chest. There are also many variations: push press, Z-press
• Barbell Row: A pulling movement that works the back, biceps, and core. 
• Romanian Deadlift: A variation of the deadlift that focuses on the hamstrings and glutes while minimizing lower back strain.

Plate Loaded Cable Machine

Cost: $300 - $2,500+ (depending on the setup)

A plate-loaded cable machine can act as either a fantastic addition to your home gym, or as its stand alone piece.

We love the cable machine as it allows so many awesome exercises and is easy to use. In fact, we use the cable machine extensively on our programs, primarily for isolations and accessory work. However, they can be expensive. Plate loaded cable machines help blunt that cost a bit.

Unlike standard cable machines, plate-loaded versions allow you to load weight plates directly onto the machine, which can be adjusted based on your strength and fitness goals. This setup is perfect for those looking to train with cables but without the hefty price tag of fully stacked, weight-stack machines.

Why It's Great

The plate-loaded cable machine offers dynamic resistance with smooth, controlled movements that are excellent for targeting specific muscles or building full-body strength. Here's why it's a great option for your home gym:

• Versatile & Multi-Function: Plate-loaded cable machines typically come with multiple attachment points, including high, low, and mid pulleys, allowing you to perform various exercises. 
• Increased Exercise Variety: Instantly increase the amount of exercises you can do with one machine. This includes isolation and compound movements.
• Affordable Option for Cable Training: A plate-loaded cable machine offers an affordable solution to traditional systems but provides the same benefits.
• Space-Efficient: Compared to full-sized machines with weight stacks, a plate-loaded cable machine is typically more compact.
• Smooth Resistance: Cables provide constant, smooth resistance throughout the range of motion, which is ideal for building muscle endurance and strength and improving joint mobility. 
• Adjustable Load: You can load as much or as little weight as you need, making the machine suitable for beginners and advanced lifters. This also allows you to progressively overload as you get stronger.

How Much?

Most basic, plate-loaded cable machines are going to be $300 or less. You can check some out here and here. In addition, you'll need to buy weights as well.

• Weight Plates: $1 - $2 per pound. 
• Handle Attachments: $15-$100. You can easily.  find packages for $100 which will come with 6+ attachments. 

Now, you could check out full, cross-cable trainers as well. These will allow even more exercises but will cost a bit more at around $600-$1,000.

Recommended Exercises

A plate-loaded cable machine can target virtually every muscle group in the body with exercises that work for strength, muscle endurance, and functional fitness. Some popular exercises include:

• Cable Chest Fly: Targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps. Perform with a high pulley to mimic a dumbbell chest fly, with continuous tension throughout the movement.
• Cable Tricep Pushdown: Focuses on the triceps. Use a high pulley with a rope or bar attachment to build tricep strength and definition.
• Cable Bicep Curl: Perform curls with a low pulley to target the biceps, providing a full range of motion and constant tension for muscle growth.
• Cable Rows: Pulling exercise that targets the upper back, lats, and biceps. Can be done seated, bent-over, or standing to hit different back areas.
• Cable Lateral Raises: Works the shoulders, especially the lateral deltoids. Use a low pulley to isolate and define the shoulders.
• Face Pulls: Great for the rear delts and upper traps, improving posture and strengthening the upper back.
• Cable Deadlifts: A cable version of the deadlift that targets the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back.
• Cable Squat to Row: A full-body exercise that works both the legs and back, improving strength and endurance.
• Cable Woodchoppers: Rotational movement that targets the core, obliques, and shoulders, boosting strength and trunk mobility.

One of the best minimalist setups you could build is with a plate-loaded cable machine and a landmine.

Final Say On "Cheap" Gym Equipment

We don't even like the term "cheap" as it gives certain ideas. As you've seen, all that "cheap" means is you're not breaking the bank while you build your body! If you figure people build their bodies only using their body weight, it only makes sense that it's not a necessity to spend a lot of money. 

As we said in the paper, that $30 landmine attachment will be one of the best purchases you can make! The most important lesson is you don't need to get in a crappy exercise just because you don't want to spend a lot of money – go take a sandbag out to the beach, fill it, shoulder it, and then carry it around and see how you feel!