You’re sold on the idea of a home gym where you can sweat it out whenever you want, but there’s one catch: your budget. No one said that putting together a home gym had to be expensive. Looking online at people’s setups, it can be intimidating, but if you know where to spend your money, it’s easier than you think to get the best setup for you.
There are some golden rules when it comes to buying home fitness equipment in Ireland. Stick to what you need, choose multipurpose over single-use and always invest in quality. Building a setup is straightforward when you know what to buy and what to skip. So, let’s break down what to prioritise so you can achieve your fitness goals without breaking the bank.
What to buy first
These are the must-have pieces of equipment that you should have in mind when putting together a home gym. While it’s not an exhaustive list, and you can still get a decent workout from a much smaller setup (there’s nothing that a couple of dumbbells and a bit of motivation can’t help you achieve), they do make it easier to get started.
Resistance bands
Affordable, versatile, and space-saving. It’s no surprise that a set of resistance bands is first on our list for a home gym on a budget. These simple yet durable bands open the door to a multitude of exercises that can help you build strength, stretch out your body and improve your endurance. If you’re short on space, a set of bands can act as a temporary lat pulldown, cable row, and chest press station.
Consider buying a variety set of resistance bands to get started, or look for bands with varying resistance levels and colourways so that, as you progress, you can move onto the next level. Portable and easy to use, you won’t regret investing in a set.
Adjustable dumbbells or kettlebells
You can’t really go wrong with a set of dumbbells or kettlebells in your home gym. They may have changed in design and materials since they were first developed, but their simple concept remains the same. They can be used for a wide range of exercises and abilities. When you’re not lifting them, they can act as handy weights to pin down your other equipment or prop up your iPhone, too! We’re joking, of course.
The idea here is to invest in either adjustable dumbbells or a kettlebell set to maximise the amount of workouts that you can squeeze out of just one or two pieces of equipment. You won’t need a full rack of them to get started; a couple of dumbbells will give your workouts exciting new challenges to conquer.
Adjustable weight bench
If you are short on space in your home gym, a good investment is an adjustable weight bench. This will work for exercises beyond just a bench press and act as a helpful station to do crunches, rows and Bulgarian split squats, too. If you invest in the right one, it can be a cornerstone of your workout by supporting both dumbbells and bodyweight exercises.
A bench that offers multiple angles is going to be the best choice for those who want to train their muscles from slightly different angles. Check the bench's dimensions, adjustment positions and stated load capacity before buying. If space is limited, look for a model designed to fold for storage rather than assuming every adjustable bench will fold flat.
If your programme only needs a flat bench, the PowerMark 302 flat bench with dumbbell storage is an alternative to compare. It does not offer adjustable backrest angles; check its dimensions and stated load capacity against your needs.
Squat rack or squat stands
For those serious about lifting, a squat rack or squat stands are a worthy investment for your home gym. They offer multiple functions, from squats to pull-ups and hanging exercises, as well as being a must-have for barbell presses if you’re exercising solo. Safety bars or spotter arms can provide a catchment for your heaviest lifts, whilst band pegs on certain models can help you get more out of the resistance bands you invested in earlier.
The key here is to invest in height-adjustable rack equipment. Some racks also provide additional functions, such as a pull-up station or compatibility with selected attachments—check the specification for your chosen model. Pair it with resistance bands and a suitable bench, and you can create a versatile strength-training area within your available space.
Protective flooring
Durable rubber mats are important for your home gym setup. Not only are they cushioning on your joints if you’re doing burpees or jogging in place, they can help to protect your equipment and flooring from sweat and weights, inadvertently helping them to last longer.
What to skip at first
No doubt there will be a long list of gym equipment that you want to add to your home gym. However, if you’re on a budget or deciding you want to give home workouts a try before you go all in, some pieces of equipment are best to skip at first.
Single-use machines
Instead of buying a pec-deck machine or a leg-extension station early on in your home gym journey, it’s best to stick with pieces that can offer multiple exercises. When your setup is more established and you know what your favourite exercises are, then you can look at buying these specific pieces of equipment to elevate your workouts.
Full dumbbell rack
A full rack of dumbbells may not be necessary when you’re just starting out at home. You can buy dumbbells or kettlebells in weights that match your current training and add more pairs as you progress. Plan storage around the amount of equipment you actually own rather than filling the room before you know what you will use.
High-spec cardio equipment
If your priority is strength training, large cardio equipment may not be the first purchase you need. Equipment such as battle ropes, sleds, resistance bands and kettlebells can add conditioning options to a strength-focused home gym, depending on your space and training plan. Start with the equipment that suits your main goals, then expand when you know what you will use regularly.
How to prioritise your budget
This is easier said than done, especially when your mind is going into overdrive thinking of all the things you want to buy for your home gym. Use your budget wisely to set up your gym with the pieces of equipment that will have the biggest impact.
Consider your goals
You’ll probably have a different set of equipment in mind if you’re an amateur boxer as opposed to a runner, a powerlifter or a swimmer. So, reassess your goals. What muscles are you most interested in strengthening? What are your weaker areas, and what would you like to improve? Knowing what you want to prioritise will help you to decide what equipment to buy first.
Quality over quantity
It pays to prioritise quality over quantity when selecting equipment for a home gym. An early investment in a few useful, well-specified pieces is more valuable than buying a long list of accessories you rarely use. Whilst less expensive products can perform perfectly well for some users, check the load ratings, materials and intended use rather than judging quality by price alone.
Leave room for upgrades
If you are new to the gym, or have been lifting for a while but feel ready to grow, your first setup will not be your forever setup. Invest in equipment that will be compatible with future upgrades and allow you to elevate your workouts piece by piece as you progress.
Budget-friendly home gym bundles from Gymless
For those buying home fitness equipment in Ireland, Gymless has everything you need to build a high-quality home gym on a budget. Our bundles combine versatile equipment to give you a full-body workout without leaving your home. Whilst the bulk of your space will be dedicated to a rack, an adjustable bench, and a barbell, you can add accessories that turn it into a strength training haven, including modern upgrades like a weightlifting landmine set or suspension straps.
There’s no single right way to build a home gym, but following our top tips will help you create a space that fits your training, budget and room. Start with versatile essentials, then use the equipment you enjoy most to guide your next purchases.