Build the body. Develop the mind. Conduct your life.
Fitness doesn't have to happen in one particular place. A gym can be a great environment for training, but it is only one part of a much bigger picture. How you move, recover, eat, rest and look after yourself throughout your everyday life can all contribute to your wellbeing.
That's part of the thinking behind 1YARD1: your lifestyle is the bigger picture, and training is one of the tools that can help you shape it.
The gym has many benefits, but it might not be for everyone. You can work out from home, outdoors, at sports facilities or at the gym. This might be a combination of all of these, or you might decide to make your bedroom, living room or garden your training space.
There isn't necessarily a right or wrong place to train. There is simply what works for you, your circumstances and the life you want to live.
You can begin with just your bodyweight. Along with the right rest, hydration and nutrition, bodyweight training can help you achieve many of your goals. However, there are now many options on the market that can help speed up the process, improve certain fitness metrics or simply add some variety to your training. Many of these products can also last for a long time.
Motivation can dip, and monthly gym memberships can go to waste when you're not using them. Home workout equipment can have the same effect, but there is one major difference: it's already there when you need it.
You can train for five minutes or for over an hour. Having equipment at home can make it easier to fit movement into your day whenever you have the opportunity. With limited equipment, once you get through the basic reps, you can start getting creative — not only with the products you own, but with your body and how you use it.
That can also ease the stress of travelling to and from the gym and organising your schedule around it.
It can be as simple as getting a few more reps in between other things you have to do, moving your body while you're watching something, or having the equipment ready when motivation suddenly arrives. Sometimes making exercise easier to access is enough to make it happen more often.
How Much Are We Talking?
Gym memberships range from off-peak options to peak-time or 24/7 memberships, with some also including amenities such as pools, saunas and steam rooms.
Budget gyms — £15–£20 per month
Annually: £180–£240
Affordable gyms — £21–£35 per month
Annually: £252–£420
Premium gyms — £36–£95 per month
Annually: £432–£1,140
That's a significant amount of money for anyone.
You could save that money towards a gym membership rather than paying for one every month, but home workout equipment can offer another option. It can provide a way to train at home when you don't want to go to the gym, while also helping you build confidence and motivation to return to the gym after a period away.
It can be about increasing movement in your general lifestyle, getting fitter or simply making your job and everyday activities easier.
The good thing is that fitness doesn't have to cost a lot. A water bottle, workout clothes and music are all things you may already have.
The point isn't to replace everything with equipment. It's to look at what you already have, what you actually need and where your money could have the biggest impact.
Best Buys — Places to Begin £0–£40
Notebook
A fitness notebook is a simple way to track your progress, but it can also give you somewhere to record thoughts along the way. From logging progressive overload to jotting down ideas that can help you work through your thoughts about exercise — or just life in general.
It doesn't need to be a dedicated fitness journal. Sometimes seeing what you're doing written down can make your progress easier to recognise.
3 Resistance Bands
Resistance bands make it easy to maintain tension on the muscles while allowing you to work almost every part of the body. They are one of the most versatile pieces of cheap home workout equipment you can buy.
Many come in packs, or you can buy them individually. They can be looped bands or longer resistance bands with handles, depending on your preference.
They range from light resistance for rehabilitation, warm-ups and recovery to heavier resistance bands for more demanding full-body movements.
For relatively little money, they can give you a surprising amount of versatility.
Leg Bands
Leg bands can add resistance to lower-body movements, making them useful for glute workouts, leg exercises and activation work. Resistance bands for legs are also small enough to store almost anywhere.
Like other resistance bands, they often come in packs and can be used for activating the leg muscles, developing control or adding resistance to exercises.
Again, they are available in a range of resistances.
Water Bottle
A good workout water bottle makes it easier to keep water cold and carry it with you. Having a reusable water bottle nearby can make staying hydrated during exercise much simpler.
Hydration is important, so look for something that is easy to carry and, if relevant to you, BPA-free. If you have water readily available, you're more likely to drink it throughout the day.
It is a small purchase, but small changes can make healthy habits easier to maintain.
Food Containers
Food containers are useful when you want to use leftovers or take meals with you. They can also make meal preparation and taking nutritious food to work much easier.
Opt for glass food containers if they're practical for you, as they can be easier to clean and may help reduce your reliance on plastic containers. They can also make it easier to prepare snacks, lunches for work and meals in advance.
Again, this isn't technically workout equipment — and that's intentional. Wellbeing isn't just what happens during your workout.
Sweatbands / Towels
Workout towels and sweatbands are simple gym accessories that can make training more comfortable, particularly during higher-intensity workouts or warmer weather.
They're useful for dealing with excess sweat during training without having to use your clothing to wipe your face or body.
Sometimes the simplest pieces of equipment are the ones you end up using most.
One Up — When You're Looking for Something More £40–£85
Light to Medium Kettlebells
Kettlebells don't just act as another weight. They can introduce different movement patterns to your training and provide a compact option for home strength and conditioning workouts.
They are particularly well known for kettlebell swings, but there are many other movements you can perform with them. This can turn familiar exercises into more of a challenge, while also giving you another way to perform basic movements.
Fan
A fan is optional, but it can help you keep cool while training. A home workout fan can be particularly useful if you're training in a warm room or doing higher-intensity cardio.
It's useful during the hotter months, but keeping your training environment comfortable can make longer or more demanding workouts easier to manage.
Foam Roller / Massage Balls
A foam roller or massage ball can be useful as part of your recovery routine. Foam rollers are particularly popular for people who want a simple piece of recovery equipment at home.
They come in different shapes and textures, from smooth rollers to grooved versions and vibrating options.
Recovery is another part of the training process. You don't always need another intense workout; sometimes the useful thing is giving your body the opportunity to recover and move well.
Hot & Cold Pack
A reusable hot and cold pack is a simple recovery accessory to keep at home. It can be useful when your body needs a little extra attention after training.
Training is great, but recovery matters too. A reusable hot and cold pack can be useful to have around when your body needs a little extra attention, whether you're dealing with general post-training discomfort or simply want some additional recovery options.
Yoga Mat
A yoga mat gives you a dedicated surface for home workouts and can make floor-based exercises, stretching and mobility work more comfortable.
It can also stop you from having to train directly on a carpet or hard floor.
Skipping Rope
A skipping rope is a simple piece of home cardio equipment for conditioning, warming up or raising your heart rate quickly. It also takes up very little space.
You can use it to raise your heart rate, include it in a circuit or simply have something available for a short burst of movement. You can find standard, speed and weighted skipping ropes.
Pull-Up Bar
A pull-up bar can provide a useful bodyweight challenge and gives you the option to train your back, arms and grip without needing a large piece of equipment.
You need to select one that is suitable for your doorway and installed correctly, but once you have the right setup, it can be an excellent bit of kit for pull-ups, hangs and other upper-body movements.
Ankle & Wrist Weights
Ankle and wrist weights can add light resistance to bodyweight exercises, walking and certain Pilates-style movements. They are small, portable and easy to store at home.
These may have become associated with Pilates or home workouts through social media, but they can be useful beyond that.
They can add light resistance to bodyweight exercises, walking or even certain everyday activities around the house.
A Treat — Things to Save For or Take You to the Next Level £85–£150
Dumbbells
Dumbbells are one of the most versatile pieces of home strength equipment and can significantly increase your workout options. They can be used for traditional strength exercises, combination movements and HIIT workouts.
The price can vary considerably depending on the weight you choose, and they don't always come as a pair. You can choose between adjustable and fixed dumbbells, with quality also varying between products.
A good pair can also remain useful as your training changes, making them less about buying something for one particular workout and more about expanding your options.
Gym Pass
A gym pass can be a good way to test out places you might want to join, challenge your body after a number of weeks training at home or simply give you access to equipment you don't have.
Maybe you're bored of working out at home, want to use a specific machine or simply fancy a change of environment.
Passes can often be found directly through gym websites or through general gym platforms offering access to multiple facilities.
This is another reminder that it doesn't have to be gym or home. You can use both when they serve a purpose.
Weighted Vest
A weighted vest is useful when you want to add resistance to workouts, walking or running. A weighted vest for home workouts can increase the challenge of bodyweight exercises without requiring a large amount of equipment.
It can be an effective way to increase the challenge placed on your body and develop your endurance. They range from light to heavy, depending on how you intend to use them, and can come with fixed or adjustable weights.
Build Your Own Options
The price points above are based on individual purchases. You may choose to buy an assortment of items, which can increase the total cost but also expand the options available to you.
Ultimately, the equipment is only part of it. The bigger investment is the effort and consistency required to actually use it.
There are also plenty of things that might pique your interest, depending on how much time, money or energy you have available:
- Mini walking treadmill / desk treadmill — More movement while working
- Weighted blanket — A more comfortable rest environment
- Agility ladder / cones — Footwork and coordination drills
- Fitbit — Track daily activity and movement
- Ab wheel — Simple core training
- Sandbag / water bag — Unstable functional resistance
- Plyometric box — Jumps, step-ups and power
- Push-up bars — More options for push-ups
- Joint straps / sleeves — Extra support during training
- Parallettes — Bodyweight strength and control
- Red-light mask — At-home light-based skincare
- Massage gun — Portable percussion recovery
- Standing desk — Break up prolonged sitting
- Knee pillows — More comfortable sleeping positions
- Nutrition tracking apps — Monitor food and nutrition habits
- Meditation apps — Guided mindfulness and relaxation
- Yoga blocks — Support mobility and yoga positions
- Grip trainer — Develop hand and forearm strength
What Do You Actually Need?
Before buying anything, think about what you want the equipment to help you do. You don't need to turn your spare room into a gym. A few well-chosen pieces of equipment can cover a surprising number of movements.
Think about the basics: pushing, pulling, squatting, hinging, carrying, jumping, rotating and conditioning. Then work backwards from there.
If you want to develop strength, dumbbells, kettlebells and resistance bands can give you plenty of options.
If you want more cardiovascular work, a skipping rope or walking treadmill might make more sense.
If mobility is a priority, a yoga mat, blocks and a foam roller could be more useful.
If you want to develop athletic movement, cones, an agility ladder or plyometric box might be worth considering.
You also need to think about the equipment you already have. A sturdy chair, stairs, wall or even a backpack can sometimes give you additional ways to train without spending anything.
Your goal should determine your equipment — not the other way around.
Before You Buy Anything
It can be tempting to see a piece of equipment online, imagine how much better your workouts could be and immediately reach for your bank card.
Before you do, ask yourself a few questions.
What type of training do I actually enjoy?
If you don't enjoy the activity, expensive equipment isn't necessarily going to change that.
What do I already own?
You may already have more useful equipment than you realise.
How much space do I have?
A piece of equipment that constantly gets in the way is less likely to be used.
How often am I realistically going to use it?
Be honest with yourself. Buying something for the person you hope to become can be very different from buying something that supports the person you are now.
Can one piece of equipment do several things?
Versatility can be more valuable than having a large collection of specialised products.
Am I buying this because I need it, or because it looks interesting?
There's nothing wrong with buying something because it looks fun. Just recognise the difference.
Will I still use it six months from now?
If the answer is yes, it may be a much better investment.
The aim isn't to own the perfect home gym.
It's to create an environment where movement is easier to access and more likely to happen.
The £0 Home Gym
Before spending £150 on equipment, consider what you can already do without spending anything.
Your body is already a piece of training equipment.
You can squat, lunge, push, pull, crawl, jump, walk, run, climb stairs and perform countless variations of these movements without buying anything.
A wall can become something to lean against or use for balance. Stairs can provide an opportunity for conditioning. A chair can support certain exercises. A backpack can even be loaded with everyday items to provide additional resistance when appropriate.
You can also use your surroundings.
Go for a walk. Run outside. Find a hill. Use a local park. Take the stairs. Move while watching television. Spend ten minutes working through some basic mobility exercises.
None of this requires a monthly membership.
That doesn't mean equipment isn't useful. Equipment can make certain forms of training easier, more progressive or more enjoyable.
But there's value in remembering where fitness starts.
You don't need to buy something before you can move.
Can home workouts replace a gym membership?
They can, depending on what you want from your training. Home workouts can provide enough variety for many people, particularly when combined with walking, running, outdoor exercise or other activities. However, a gym can offer access to heavier weights, specialist equipment, classes and an environment that some people find motivating.
How much does it cost to build a home gym?
It depends entirely on what you want to include. You can start with no equipment at all, or spend £20–£50 on a few basic items. Spending around £100–£150 can give you considerably more options, while a larger home gym can easily cost hundreds or thousands of pounds.
You don't need to spend a large amount to get started.
What is the best home workout equipment for beginners?
There isn't one universal answer, but resistance bands, a yoga mat, a skipping rope and a single versatile weight such as a kettlebell can provide a useful starting point. The best equipment is equipment you'll actually use.
Can you build muscle with home workout equipment?
Yes. Resistance training can be performed at home using dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, weighted vests and other equipment. Bodyweight exercises can also provide resistance. Your ability to progress the training, alongside nutrition, recovery and consistency, is more important than simply owning expensive equipment.
What equipment do I need for a home workout?
You don't necessarily need any equipment. Bodyweight training can provide a starting point. If you want to expand your options, resistance bands are a relatively inexpensive and versatile place to begin, followed by equipment suited to your specific goals.
Is it cheaper to work out at home or join a gym?
It can be, particularly over the long term, because home equipment is generally purchased rather than paid for every month. However, the cost depends on what you buy. A large home gym can cost considerably more than a basic gym membership.
It's worth looking at the total cost of both options and, more importantly, which one you're actually going to use.
What is the best home workout equipment under £100?
There are plenty of options, including resistance bands, kettlebells, skipping ropes, yoga mats, pull-up bars and some dumbbells. The best choice depends on your training goals, available space and what equipment you already own.
Rather than asking what is the best product under £100, ask what would give you the most useful options for your £100?
The Bigger Picture
The point of all this isn't to convince you that a home workout is automatically better than a gym membership.
The point is to give yourself options.
Your circumstances might change. Your schedule might change. Your motivation might change. Your finances might change. The type of training you need might change.
A gym might be exactly what you need right now. Six months from now, a few pieces of equipment at home might be more useful. You might train outdoors, play a sport, walk more, take a class or combine several of these things.
Fitness doesn't have to fit into one box.
The equipment you buy should support the life you're trying to live, rather than becoming another obligation you have to organise your life around. You don't need the biggest collection, the most expensive setup or the latest piece of equipment.
Start with what you have. Add what you need. Use what you buy.
Complete over perfect.
Your body is something you carry through every part of your life. Training is one way to develop it, but the wider goal is to create a lifestyle where movement, nutrition, recovery, mindset and wellbeing can work together.
You don't need a gym membership to start moving. You don't need a home gym to become fitter. You don't even need much equipment to begin.
What you need is something that makes movement possible — and a reason to keep doing it.
A gym membership and home workout equipment aren't necessarily competing ideas. They simply give you different ways to make movement part of your lifestyle. Home equipment gives you something different: accessibility.
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