Building a home gym on a budget

You don't need a garage full of equipment to get strong. Every bodyweight workout on this site needs nothing at all — but a few well-chosen pieces make training more varied and let you keep progressing.

Start with nothing

Before you buy anything, try a few weeks of bodyweight sessions. You'll learn which kind of training you enjoy — and you'll know what kit would actually get used.

Stage 1: the essentials

• An exercise mat — for comfort on the floor and grip when you're standing. See exercise mats.
• A sturdy chair you already own, without wheels or arms — the NHS strength and sitting exercises use one.
• A mini loop band — tiny, inexpensive, and it makes hip and glute exercises much more effective. See resistance bands.

Stage 2: add resistance

• Resistance bands with a door anchor for rows, presses and pull-aparts.
• A pair of dumbbells — or an adjustable set if you have the budget and want to progress. See dumbbells.
• A kettlebell if you enjoy swings and full-body moves. See kettlebells.

Stage 3: nice to have

• A step platform for cardio and step-ups (step platforms) — though the bottom stair works too.
• A skipping rope (skipping ropes).
• A foam roller for comfort after training (foam rollers).
• A fitness tracker if numbers motivate you (fitness trackers).

Small-space tips

• A space about the length of a mat, with room to stretch your arms out to the sides, covers most of our workouts.
• Store bands and a mat in a basket or under the sofa so they're easy to get out.
• Check what's below you: if you have neighbours downstairs, choose low-impact sessions and put a mat under weights.
• Look out for outdoor gym equipment in your local park — a good change of scene for a bodyweight session.

Buying second-hand

Dumbbells and kettlebells are sturdy and often turn up second-hand. Check adjustable dumbbells for loose plates or collars. We'd buy resistance bands new, as you can't tell how old a second-hand band is or how it has been stored.

Before you buy

Our kit pages explain what to look for and link to Amazon.co.uk so you can compare current options. We don't show prices or star ratings, and we don't claim to have tested specific products.