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Affordable home workout equipment if 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 almost 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 if the thought of crowded locker rooms, long waits for machines and aggressively loud gym playlists makes you want to quit your fitness goals before January even starts, you’re not alone. Working out at home removes a lot of the friction: There's no commute, no judgment and no pressure to stay longer than you want.

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And you don’t need a full garage gym or fancy, pricey equipment to stay active. A handful of versatile, affordable pieces can cover strength training, cardio, mobility and recovery, all from the comfort of your living room.

In this article: CAP Barbell Neoprene Dumbbell Weights Pairs & Sets, AXV Vibration Plate Fitness Platform Exercise Machine and CastleFlexx Mobility and Full-Body Strengthening Device 

By investing in a few key pieces of equipment, you can achieve your fitness goals and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. From basic weights to under-desk cardio, these home workout essentials make it easier to build a routine you’ll actually stick with.

Best at-home strength-training equipment

CAP Barbell Neoprene Dumbbell Weights Pairs & Sets

These neoprene-coated dumbbells offer a comfortable, nonslip grip and come in multiple weight options that are color-coded for strength training, toning and low-impact workouts at home.

Amazon Basics Neoprene Dumbbell Hand Weights for Exercise and Muscle Toning 

These classic neoprene dumbbells are designed for everyday strength training and muscle toning with a hex shape to prevent rolling and a soft coating for comfort.

Amazon Basics Rubber Hex Dumbbell Hand Weight 

Built with a solid cast-iron core and rubber-encased ends, these dumbbells are designed for durability and have a hex shape to help keep them from rolling during workouts. They’re a great option if you want gym-style weights without gym-style prices.

Amazon Basics Cast-Iron Kettlebell for Strength Training 

This cast-iron kettlebell is designed for strength training, conditioning and full-body workouts with a wide handle that allows for one- or two-handed movements.

Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands with Instruction Guide and Carry Bag, Set of 5 

This set includes five resistance bands with varying tension levels, plus a carry bag and instruction guide. Use them for strength training, stretching and physical therapy — they're lightweight, travel-friendly and surprisingly effective.

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Best at-home cardio equipment

AXV Vibration Plate Fitness Platform Exercise Machine

This vibration plate creates full-body vibration during standing or squat-based exercises, with multiple speed settings and a remote control. It complements low-impact workouts to aid circulation and activate more muscle groups.

Sperax Walking Treadmill Pad with APP

This compact walking pad is designed to use under standing desks and in other small spaces. It features a connected app and a remote control, offering a practical way to add steps during the workday without committing to a full treadmill.

MERACH Under-Desk Elliptical Machine

This seated elliptical allows you to pedal while sitting, making it ideal for home offices or limited-mobility users. It has 12 resistance levels and is quiet and low-impact.

XVGVSV Recumbent Exercise Bike

This recumbent bike offers a supportive seated design with adjustable resistance and an LCD display, supporting users up to 400 pounds for a steady cardio option that's low-impact and doesn't cause joint pain.

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.

 

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.

Best at-home stretching and recovery equipment

CastleFlexx Mobility and Full-Body Strengthening Device 

This device is designed for assisted stretching, mobility, flexibility and strength movements. Our testers noted that it gives you the deep-stretch you can usually only get with the help of someone else, making it especially helpful for recovery and range-of-motion work.

BestQool Red Light Therapy

This red and near-infrared light therapy panel is designed for at-home recovery and pain relief. One of our editors experienced near-immediate relief from chronic Achilles tendon pain while testing it, making it a compelling option for post-workout recovery and soreness.

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

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