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The Beginner Home Workout Kit — Everything You Actually Need Under $100
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items You do not need a treadmill, squat rack or $1,000 home gym to start working out. This beginner-friendly home workout kit focuses on the equipment that actually earns its place: resistance bands, adjustable dumbbells, kettlebells, a good exercise mat,...
Sections
5
THE STARTER BASICS
RESISTANCE WITHOUT THE GYM
TIME TO ADD WEIGHTS
CARDIO & FULL-BODY CONDITIONING
THE SMALL UPGRADES THAT ACTUALLY HELP
THE STARTER BASICS
A simple starting point for floor exercises, stretching, Pilates and bodyweight workouts. You don't need an expensive mat when you're just getting started; Target currently lists this one at $15.
Yoga Mat Gray (3mm) - All In Motion
A thicker option if you're doing lots of floor work and want more cushioning for knees, elbows and wrists. It's currently listed by Target as a highly rated option.
Extra Thick Yoga and Pilates Mat
An especially good beginner-friendly bundle because you're getting a mat, strap and exercise band rather than buying several pieces individually.
Blogilates Starter Fit Kit: Yoga Mat, Strap & Exercise Band ...
A smart little upgrade for anyone exercising on hard floors. The tiles can create a dedicated workout zone without committing to permanent gym flooring.
Interlocking Floor Tiles - Premium EVA - 24" x 24" All In ...
RESISTANCE WITHOUT THE GYM
A great first purchase for someone completely new to resistance training. A set with different resistance levels lets beginners progress gradually while using the bands for warmups, glute exercises, squats and mobility work
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands
A particularly good option for people who don't want the tubular bands with handles. The three-band format keeps things simple while giving you different resistance levels
Latex-Free Flat Resistance Band 3 Pack
A useful addition for lower-body workouts, especially glute bridges, lateral walks, squats and other hip-focused movements. The fabric construction is also appealing if you dislike bands that roll during exercise.
Fabric Round Hip Band Set - All In Motion™: Polyester Rubber ...
This is the more complete option: multiple resistance levels plus handles, door anchor and ankle straps. It essentially turns a small bag of bands into a miniature cable-style setup. Budget home-gym guides commonly recommend this type of multi-access...
WHATAFIT Resistance Bands Workout Set
A fun alternative for someone interested in Pilates-style workouts rather than conventional strength training. The set combines a Pilates ring, exercise ball and resistance bands.
PAETA Pilates Ring Set – 14” Magic Circle (38 lbs ...
TIME TO ADD WEIGHTS
A compact option for someone who doesn't want several pairs of dumbbells lying around. The adjustable design lets one dumbbell cover multiple resistance levels.
CAP 6-in-1 Adjustable Threaded Dumbbell with Foam ...
One of the more interesting options in the list because a single dumbbell can replace several fixed weights. Walmart currently lists the 25-lb model at $69, with more than 1,800 reviews and a 4.6-star rating.
FitRx, SmartBell, 9 in 1 Adjustable Dumbbell, 25 lb
A more traditional option for someone who wants adjustable weights without paying for a premium selectorized system. It provides considerably more load than the small beginner dumbbells while remaining below the $100 ceiling
Athletic Works 40 lb Adjustable Vinyl Dumbbell Set
This is the “get the most equipment from one purchase” pick. The set can be configured as dumbbells, a barbell or kettlebell and also includes a push-up-stand configuration. Walmart currently lists it at $84.
FitRx SmartBell Gym 60lbs: 4-in-1 Adjustable Dumbbell ...
For someone who doesn't want adjustable equipment and simply wants a straightforward set of hand weights. The included rack also makes it considerably easier to keep the workout area organized.
Basic Hand Weight Set Pink/White/Magenta - All In Motion
CARDIO & FULL-BODY CONDITIONING
A simple kettlebell can add movements such as swings, goblet squats, carries and presses to a beginner's routine. Budget fitness guides continue to identify kettlebells as one of the more versatile additions to a small home gym.
Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell Strength
A clever choice for beginners who don't know what weight they'll eventually need. The adjustable design offers several lighter resistance levels without requiring multiple kettlebells. Walmart currently lists it at $41.50
EAST MOUNT 15LB Adjustable Kettlebell Set
Probably the cheapest way to add a serious cardio component to a small home setup. It's portable, requires virtually no storage space and can turn a short workout into a surprisingly demanding conditioning session.
Heavy Weighted Jump Ropes Collection
An inexpensive addition for Pilates, core work, mobility and lower-body exercises. Target currently has mini ab/exercise balls around the $12 mark.
Mini Exercise Ball
THE SMALL UPGRADES THAT ACTUALLY HELP
A relatively inexpensive way to introduce vertical pulling exercises at home. The current Target listing puts it comfortably below the $100 limit
Multi-Grip Lite Pull-Up Bar
An interesting alternative to immediately buying heavier dumbbells. A weighted vest can add resistance to bodyweight movements and walking while keeping both hands free. Target currently lists an 8-lb All In Motion version for $35.
35lb Weighted Vest
Tiny, inexpensive and brutally effective for people who want an additional core challenge. It also takes practically no storage space, making it a good fit for an apartment-friendly home gym.
Ab Roller Wheel
One of the more affordable ways to add resistance to Pilates and lower-body exercises. It takes virtually no room and works particularly well for someone who prefers lower-impact workouts.
Pilates Ring
A simple step can be used for step-ups, elevated exercises and low-impact cardio without requiring a large cardio machine
Exercise Step Platform