We’re all about breaking down barriers in the never-ending quest to get (and stay) in shape. Sure, a gym membership might seem like the best, fastest way to get fit, but those monthly costs add up. Plus, it can be a pain to find time to hit the gym, let alone get stuck waiting in line to use equipment once you’re there.
We suggest getting over the gym membership blues with a simple solution: Build your own mini-gym! These 15 items will help you create a fitness center within the comfort of your home. Better yet, they’re all easy to store when not in use, and they come at the cost of just a few months of membership at the local gym.
1. Save on space when storing your dumbbells with this A-frame dumbbell rack, which can hold weights of up to 25 pounds.
>> Buy the CAP Barbell A-Frame Dumbbell Weight Rack for $28.49 on Amazon
2. Buff up on your pull-ups using this handy pull-up bar, which you can hang in any doorway.
>> Buy the Ally Peaks Pull Up Bar for Doorway for $27.99 (12% off) on Amazon
3. Instead of cluttering up your house with multiple dumbbells, get this adjustable dumbbell set, which can also be used as kettlebells and a push-up stand.
>> Buy the UNNMIIY Adjustable Dumbbells for $87.99 (20% off) on Amazon
4. Protect your floor as well as your joints with this set of six interlocking foam tiles, which give you 24 square feet of workout space.
>> Buy the ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat for $25.99 on Amazon
5. Built to hold 800 pounds, this adjustable-angle weight bench can fold up for storage in a corner or under your bed.
>> Buy the FLYBIRD Adjustable Strength Bench for $54.98 on Amazon
6. This set of five stretching bands with varying resistance levels are great for stretching, strength training and rehabilitative exercise.
>> Buy the Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands for $9.98 on Amazon
7. Few items are as simple and effective as a jump rope for getting you into shape. This set uses a ball bearing system to keep the rope from getting tangled up as you use it.
>> Buy the DEGOL Skipping Rope with Ball Bearings for $6.99 (22% off) on Amazon
8. This 13-inch foam roller is essential for working out the kinks and getting the circulation going before a workout.
>> Buy the TriggerPoint Grid 1.0 Foam Roller for $29.95 (19% off) on Amazon
9. We swear by kettlebells as a great part of any exercise program, and these vinyl-coated kettlebells can be used for everything from strength training to push-ups.
>> Buy the Yes4All Kettlebells (5-65 pounds) for $10.99-$96.99 on Amazon
10. This weighted medicine ball has a textured surface for a firm grip and can be used for a variety of upper and lower-body workouts.
>> Buy the Amazon Basics Weighted Medicine Ball (10 pounds) for $29.99 on Amazon
11. For an elliptical machine that can be used standing up or sitting down and has a (literal) small footprint, our choice is this compact strider.
>> Buy the Stamina Inmotion Compact Strider Foot Exercise Machine for $119.99 on Amazon
12. You can adjust these ankle weights from 2 to 10 pounds, adding resistance to your exercises.
>> Buy the Sportneer Adjustable Ankle Weights for $29.99 (17% off) on Amazon
13. With 12 levels of resistance and a slimmed-down design, this rowing machine gives you the same workout as bigger and more expensive models.
>> Buy the Sunny Health & Fitness Compact Adjustable Rowing Machine for $119.99 (25% off) on Amazon
14. This foldable exercise bicycle comes with a mobile device holder and arm resistance bands, as well as eight resistance levels.
>> Buy the pooboo Folding Exercise Bike for $174.99 (24% off) on Amazon
15. With a rubberized wheel and anti-slip handles, this ab roller can become an essential part of a core workout and is small enough to be stored in a closet.
