Buzz
I’ve previously shared my picks for affordable gym bag essentials. Now let’s dive into the top home workout gear under $100. These items will help you fill out your garage gym or set up a workout space in your apartment. (By the way, Mytour also offers a complete guide to creating a minimalist home gym here).
Invest in quality resistance bands, not the cheap ones.
You can easily find resistance bands at large retail stores, but they’re often flimsy and tend to wear out quickly. Instead, I recommend upgrading to sturdier, longer-lasting bands like this version from EliteFTS. These bands are designed as long loops that can be wrapped around a barbell to add resistance during lifts. They’re also perfect for band-assisted pull-ups or exercises such as band pull-aparts.
If you're after an affordable barbell, check out the shorty axle bar
While most quality barbells cost over $100, I’m a fan of the Titan shorty axle, currently priced at $75 on Amazon. It accommodates standard Olympic-sized plates and is perfect for a range of movements, including strongman-style Continentals and presses.
This may not be the ideal barbell to be your sole one—it’s too short for heavy plate loading, and it won’t fit on a standard squat rack. But if you already own a regular barbell, this is an excellent addition, and if it's your first loadable bar, it’s an exciting choice to start with.
Opt for horse stall mats for your home gym flooring
Foam puzzle mats are cute, but for a garage gym or an outdoor platform, horse stall mats are a much better option. These mats are thick and tough enough to safeguard your floors and absorb the impact from dropped barbells. You can get one for around $50 at your local Tractor Supply. Just a heads-up—they're heavy and awkward to move, so grab a friend to help. (I also found out about stall mat moving grips, which seem pretty useful.)
Sandbags
When it comes to weight for your money, it’s hard to top a sandbag. You can make one yourself or buy them in a range of styles specifically designed for strength training. Need some ideas for using them? Check out these sandbag exercises.
Basic sandbag types are perfect for carrying and loading onto platforms or bars in strongman-style exercises. The heavier bags aren’t much more expensive than the lighter ones. For instance, a 50-pound bag from Shogun Sports costs $59.99, while a 200-pound bag is priced at $99.99. You’ll need to supply your own sand, but that costs about $3 for 50 pounds at your local garden store, bringing the total cost to $63 for the 50-pound version or $112 for the 200-pound one.
If you prefer sandbags that resemble a duffel bag with handles, consider these Yes4All sandbags, which are even more affordable, priced between $36 and $65. The larger sizes come with multiple smaller inner bags, which can be a little more tedious to fill, but offer more flexibility during your workouts.
Invest in a high-quality doorway pull-up bar
Pull-ups are a fantastic value exercise. If you can’t do them yet, pair a bar with one of those heavy-duty resistance bands we mentioned earlier. There are pull-up bars that wedge into a doorway for $19, which can securely support your weight. But if you’re able to drill a few holes, consider wall-mounted bars for $40, which offer more flexibility in placement.
Get yourself some rings or a suspension trainer
If you have a place to hang gymnastics rings, like a pull-up bar (you know where to get one of those), or a sturdy tree or playset outdoors, you’ll be able to enhance your workout. A good set of wooden gymnastics rings with adjustable straps will cost around $40. If you don’t have a spot to hang them, a suspension trainer kit (TRX-style) with a door anchor could be a great alternative, priced at $70.
Grab a simple box fan for your home gym
After you’ve gathered all the equipment for your workout, consider adding something to keep you comfortable while you exercise—especially if you’re using a cardio machine like a bike or treadmill. A large box fan, priced at $33, will help you stay cool as you work out.
