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New year, same you: Affordable home workout equipment because you hate the gym

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Affordable home gym equipment to help you stay healthy in the new year

The new year is here, and that means resolutions — especially those related to improving our health and fitness. It’s a common goal to exercise more, eat healthier, and feel more energetic. But the prospect of joining a gym in January often comes with steep membership fees, packed workout spaces, and a barrage of new members all trying to kick off their fitness journeys at the same time.

What if we told you you didn't have to do all that? Instead of paying high gym fees and battling crowds at the gym,  you can set up a personal workout space right in your living room or basement. Home exercise routines offer everything from simple bodyweight exercises and yoga to advanced strength training with minimal equipment. And with tons of online resources, apps and affordable home gym gear available, you can tailor a fitness plan to fit your budget, space and personal goals without ever stepping foot in a crowded gym.

In this article: UREVO Under-Desk TreadmillAmazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra-Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap and Finer Form Multifunctional Weight Bench

By investing in a few key pieces of equipment, you can achieve your fitness goals and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Scroll down to learn about low-cost workouts, and then explore the list below for some affordable home gym equipment you can use to sweat it out without leaving home.

Equipment-free exercises

The best things in life are free, and that includes exercise. After all, our ancestors didn’t have gyms — they just had, well, life. Once you’ve got that routine established and you know you’ll keep exercising, you can start considering spending some money on some gear.

Basic exercises 

These are the kinds of things you probably did in gym class back in the day. Bodyweight exercises include push-ups, sit-ups and leg exercises like squats and lunges, all of which use only your body weight to make you sweat.

Walking and running

The most classic form of cardio is simply walking and running. If you're new to exercise, start with walking. Programs like Couch to 5K can help beginners work their way up with guidance through warmups, cool-downs and rest days.

Best affordable home workout equipment

Signature Fitness Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbells

You can grab these starter dumbbells as a single pair of matching weights, or as a full set in multiple weights combined with a stand. Weights start at five pounds and go up to 50.

TechStone  Resistance Bands

This set of five bands gives you the chance to start small and work up to harder exercises. These are also excellent for the frequent traveler, as they take up little space and you can use them in hotels and vacation rentals with no gym needed.

Wod Nation Adjustable Speed Jump Rope

This jump rope is built for speed to push you to your best fitness level possible. It’s also customizable — just cut the length with a wire cutter to best fit your height. Available in nine colors.

UREVO Under-Desk Treadmill

This portable under-desk treadmill doubles as a walking pad, featuring a remote control and LED display. Its quiet operation and compact design make it more convenient to stay active at work or home.

Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra-Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap

Enjoy cushioned comfort during workouts on this extra-thick yoga mat that comes with a carrying strap for easy transport.

Finer Form Multifunctional Weight Bench

This versatile adjustable weight bench supports a full-body workout. Use it for back hyperextensions, bench press, Roman chair exercises and sit-ups — it easily adjusts between decline and flat positions.

Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Steppers

This mini stepper offers a full-body cardio workout at home and includes optional resistance bands and a Smart Stepper app for personalized exercise routines.

MQRW Push-Up Board

Achieve a full-body workout with this portable push-up board set that includes a Pilates bar, 20 fitness accessories, resistance bands and an ab roller wheel.

USLIM Foldable Exercise Bike

This five-in-one indoor workout bike is foldable for space-saving storage and features a 16-level quiet magnetic resistance system for home workouts of varying difficulties.

Ayombo Ankle Resistance Bands with Cuffs

These ankle resistance bands have attached cuffs for glute and leg exercises, offering targeted training to tone and shape muscles.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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