With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting gyms and social interactions around the country, many people are scouring the internet to find at-home fitness equipment, only to be met with products that are out of stock. Online stores are selling out quickly.
That’s why we created a crowdsourced guide to help you stay fit at home. This guide covers the basics you need to know to build a home gym, standard equipment pricing for you to avoid price gouging, and includes a checklist of places to search for fitness equipment.
Keep reading to learn more about how to get in shape right from your living room — no gym membership needed. For the full guide, or to read consumer reviews of each company, check out the At Home Fitness: What & Where to Buy guide from our friends at Sitejabber.
Build Your Home Gym
Building your own home gym? You might feel overwhelmed by the amount of options out there! If you’re new to the idea of a home gym, look at this list of basic equipment to include. You can mix and match the equipment you want based on the amount of space you have and your fitness goals. We’ve also included standard pricing for each item to make sure you don’t fall prey to inflated prices.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are elastic bands used for workouts, physical therapy, and rehab programs. They work by adding extra resistance but not much extra weight. Some are thick and wide, meant for intense strength training workouts. Others are smaller and designed to provide light resistance. To use a resistance band, you’ll anchor the band in place and push or pull against it.
Why buy: Resistance bands give you a great strength training workout while going easy on your body. If you have joint pain, an aggravating injury or your body is just getting older, bands are a good choice because they protect your joints. They’re also affordable and give you a wide range of options as far as exercises to perform — including stretching and mobility exercises in addition to just strength training.
Standard pricing: Since resistance bands are so small and light, they can cost as little as $5. High-end resistance bands can range up to $100 for a set of four. In general, $15 will probably get you a durable, high-quality resistance band.
Dumbbells
Dumbbells are free weights that range in size from one pound to about 60 lbs. They can be used for strength training exercises that target muscles all over the body.
Why buy: Dumbbells are a must-have piece of equipment for any home gym. They’re incredibly versatile, lending themselves to just about any exercise — cardio workouts, strength training moves, core activation, and more. And since they’re a free weight, they help your range of motion improve. Try purchasing adjustable dumbbells so you can tweak the amount of weight you’re holding as you progress.
Standard pricing: Dumbbell pricing really depends on what you want. Purchasing a whole set of dumbbells, for example, will set you back a lot more than just purchasing a pair. Depending on how heavy the weights are, you can likely find a good pair of dumbbells for $30; as a rule of thumb, dumbbells often cost about $2 per pound. Adjustable dumbbells normally cost around $300. And if you want a full set of dumbbells (multiple pairs of dumbbells in different weights), expect to fork over $1,000 or more.
Kettlebells
A kettlebell is a ball, often made of iron, with a handle on the top. Kettlebells offer a great full-body workout — they’re most often used for exercises that incorporate several different muscle groups. And since they’re free weights, they’re easy to have in a home gym.
Why buy: Kettlebells are also versatile equipment while providing a better grip for workouts like squats. Swinging around the heavy piece of equipment will help your balance and stability, too. Kettlebells can combine cardio and strength training workouts into one. Finally, most kettlebell workouts are short and intense, saving you time that you can spend on other things.
Standard pricing: Kettlebells are somewhat expensive, although the final price depends on the weight. Low weight kettlebells (think 5-20 lbs.) generally cost between $15 and $100 (or higher depending on the brand). True cast-iron kettlebells commonly cost a couple of hundred dollars for a set of two.
Barbell
A barbell is a bar (ranging from four feet long for curl bars, to over seven feet long for Olympic bars) that’s used for strength training workouts — put weights on either end and you can perform various weightlifting exercises. Squats, rows, and curls are all examples of effective barbell exercises.
Why buy: Barbells are an integral piece of equipment for your home gym. They allow you to lift heavy weights and to safely work multiple muscle groups at the same time.
Standard pricing: For a basic barbell, you can probably expect to pay around $250. Specialized products like a deadlift bar, powerlifting bar or Swiss bar will cost more. But to get the true benefits of your barbell, you’ll want to purchase plates to put on either end or a squat rack, too.
Squat rack
A squat rack or squat stand is the most basic, large piece of equipment that allows you to add weight and get into position. If you want a rack that supports your weight and your form, power racks are made of four tall posts with two horizontal bars on the sides that you can adjust.
Why buy: Basic squat stands are essential for lifting and squatting heavy weights, and a minimalistic option compared to power racks. But for a home gym where you might be working out alone with no spotter, a power rack helps you safely lift heavy amounts of weight. Power racks are also very versatile and can extend to many other exercises beyond just squats — add a dip station to your rack or some pull-up bars.
Standard pricing: A squat rack will set you back a few hundred dollars. While you may be able to find a used squat rack for under $100, in most cases, squat racks cost around $300. Power racks will be pricer.
Plates
Plates are weights that you put on either end of a barbell to create a balanced weight to lift. There are two primary types of plates: bumper and steel. Rubber bumper plates can be dropped from overhead (while doing Olympic lifts) without hurting the plates or yourself. Steel plates work better for exercises with a smaller range of motion, such as basic curls.
Why buy: Once you start accumulating plates, your barbell has a whole new range of workout potential! Barbell training is a good workout for athletes or weekend warriors of a variety of levels. Doing exercises with a barbell and plates works multiple muscle groups at the same time, and as you increase plates, you can increase strength and muscle volume as well.
Standard pricing: Plates typically run around $2 per pound, meaning a set of 50 lb. plates could set you back approximately $100. Bumper plates normally cost more than steel. And the higher the weight goes on either type of plate, the more the price will rise.
Bench
Adding a bench to your home gym gives you more options for the workouts you can perform. Benches are typically a few feet high and range from simple flat-top benches that you can lean on, to adjustable benches with add-ons to aid with other exercises.
Why buy: The right bench will provide stability and keep you safe as you work with free weights to get stronger.
Standard pricing: Benches can cost $30 to a few hundred dollars, ringing up at $100 on average.
Finding Fitness Gear
With the COVID-19 pandemic creating shipping delays and making home gyms more popular, you might be struggling to find enough choices for fitness equipment. Use these sources as a checklist to make sure you can get all the workout gear you need.
Marketplaces
Online marketplaces can be a good way to find fitness equipment. Since the equipment is used, it’ll be much cheaper than the original retail value, offering a budget-friendly way to stock your home gym. Marketplaces are also convenient because you can find sellers who live in your area and meet up with them in a safe, nearby location.
However, you do have to be careful when it comes to buying from marketplaces. Make sure you aren’t being cheated due to price gouging — which refers to a seller increasing the price of goods that are in high demand (like fitness equipment when nearly all gyms are closed). At the end of the day, you might be better off buying new equipment at a slightly higher price than purchasing price-gouged secondhand equipment.
If you decide an online marketplace is a good choice for you, use this list of marketplace options to know where to look.
Craigslist
Craigslist is a well-known marketplace that’s been around since 1995. This platform is full of ads separated into categories — a lot like newspaper listings. You can search according to the category you’re looking for and your geographical location. If you’re interested in an item, email the seller, and arrange a time to meet up.
Craigslist is affordable — it’s easy to find good deals, and you won’t have to worry about shipping costs. Just make sure you’re being safe and using common sense as you meet up with strangers.
On any given day, you’ll find a wide range of gym equipment available for sale on Craigslist. Narrow your search by searching for specific fitness brands or pieces of equipment (“Reebok;” “dumbbells”). Craigslist also has an app called CPlus that can help you search more efficiently. Before you purchase anything, check the retail price of the item to make sure the seller isn’t price gouging the product.
eBay
eBay is another platform where individuals can buy from, and sell to, one another. There are two methods of buying on eBay — buy the item right away at a set price or compete in a bidding war with other buyers.
eBay works to prevent scams and to keep everyone safe. The platform lets buyers and sellers give each other feedback and oversees the payment process. eBay also gets involved if any underhanded activity is happening.
When it comes to buying fitness equipment on eBay, it’s easy to filter the type of equipment you’re looking for (strength training, aerobic exercise, etc.). The categories and subcategories on the site allow you to be specific about what you need. Just make sure to read seller reviews and pay attention to whether the shipping prices seem inflated.
Facebook Marketplace
If you have a Facebook account, you have access to Facebook Marketplace, Facebook’s buy-and-sell platform for used items. If you see a product you’re interested in, message the seller to ask if it’s available. Then you and the seller can arrange a time and a safe place to meet up.
Facebook Marketplace doesn’t charge you to buy or sell. The filter system also makes it easy to hone in on what you’re looking for. And although there aren’t any buyer protection guidelines in place, you are able to see the seller’s Facebook profile and assess whether they seem legitimate.
You’ll find dozens, if not hundreds, of fitness products on Marketplace. Limit your search using keywords like exercise balls, yoga mats, pull up bars, and more. Most of the items are reasonably priced. But as always, don’t forget to compare with other websites and platforms.
The Letgo app
The Letgo app is a free platform to buy and sell secondhand. The app has over 100 million downloads and hundreds of millions of listings. It matches you up with listings in your neighborhood or general area.
Each Letgo user has a profile and receives ratings after they sell an item. That way, if you’re considering buying from a certain user, you can see whether they’re verified and what others have said about them. It’s easy to search for exercise equipment near you by using keywords such as the type of product (“weight bench;” “pull up bar”).
Offerup
Offerup is a mobile app that gives you an easy way to buy and sell locally. You can search the app for items from various categories, including fitness equipment. The app has thousands of new postings each day. Payments take place in-app and a “Hold Offers” feature helps protect both buyers and sellers.
Online and Offline Stores
If you want to purchase your fitness equipment brand new, check out the websites of the following stores.
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Dick’s Sporting Goods is a large chain store known for selling a wide variety of equipment — fishing and hunting supplies, apparel, sports, and fitness equipment, and more. You can find over 700 store locations across the U.S. or shop online.
You can find the following equipment for your home gym at Dick’s Sporting Goods:
- Agility ladders
- Dumbbells
- Exercise mats
- Floor guards
- Jump ropes
- Kettlebells
- Leg press machine
- Medicine balls
- Resistance bands or tubes
- Rings
- Squat racks
- Stability balls
- Treadmills
- Weight bench
- Yoga blocks or mats
Fitness Armory
The Fitness Armory is a California-based supplier that sells functional fitness equipment to gyms. Individuals are welcome to shop, too — Fitness Armory ships anywhere in the United States if you aren’t near a California warehouse.
You can find the following items at The Fitness Armory to help outfit your home gym:
- Barbells
- Benches
- Bosu balls
- Dumbbells
- Flooring
- Jump ropes
- Kettlebells
- Medicine balls
- Plates
- Plyo boxes
- Pull-up bands
- Ski-rows
- Squat racks and various attachments
- Treadmills
- Triceps bars
FitnessZone
FitnessZone is a well-known Internet superstore that carries dozens of brands and product types. When you’re ready to place an order, give the company a call to speak with a fitness advisor about your home gym needs.
Here are some other FitnessZone items you might want for your home gym:
- Ab coasters
- Barbells and plates
- Battle ropes
- Benches
- Boxing gloves
- Dumbbells
- Exercise bikes
- Kettlebells
- Power towers
- Rowers
- Treadmills
Gaiam
If you tend to lean toward yoga-based workouts, Gaiam might be the perfect place to shop for your home gym. Unlike most of the other stores listed here, Gaiam is a niched company that focuses on a specific aspect of fitness — yoga — and sells only fitness-related products.
If you want to shop with Gaiam, you can find the following products on Gaiam’s website:
- Ab wheels
- Balance boards
- Bosu balls
- Dumbbells
- Jump ropes
- Kettlebells
- Medicine balls
- Resistance bands
- Stability balls
- Towels
- Yoga blocks and bolsters
- Yoga mats
- Yoga straps
- Yoga wheels
Overstock
Overstock is an online retailer that sells thousands of products from various brands. Prices are affordable and the website also offers free shipping; you can search by category or price.
You can find many fitness products at Overstock, including:
- Barbells and plates
- Benches
- Bosu balls
- Boxing, MMA, and martial arts equipment
- Exercise bikes
- Hurdles and agility ladders
- Jump ropes
- Kettlebells
- Medicine balls and stability balls
- Resistance bands
- Treadmills
- Workout mats
Perform Better
Perform Better sells functional training equipment that can be ordered online or picked up at a warehouse location. The company is known for having fast, helpful customer service and a user-friendly website that’s easy to navigate while you shop.
You can find the following products, among others, at Perform Better:
- Balance boards
- Barbells
- Benches
- Bosu balls
- Dumbbells
- Flooring
- Jump ropes
- Kettlebells
- Kickboxing equipment
- Medicine balls
- Plates
- Plyo boxes
- Pull up bars
- Racks
- Resistance bands
- Ropes
- Rowers
- Ski machines
- Sleds
- Stability balls
- Stationary bikes
- Treadmills
- Yoga mats
Rep Fitness
Based in Colorado, Rep Fitness provides home gym equipment and weightlifting equipment. Purchase a home gym package where several products are sold together, choose the build-your-own home gym package, or simply purchase the individual products you want. With a range of high-quality products available, Rep Fitness is a great choice to outfit your home gym.
You can find the following items and more on the website:
- Bands
- Bars
- Battle ropes
- Benches
- Bikes
- Bosu balls
- Dumbbells
- Ellipticals
- Flooring
- Jump ropes
- Kettlebells
- Medicine balls
- Plates
- Plyo boxes
- Pull up bars
- Racks
- Rings
- Rowers
- Sleds
- Treadmills
Rogue Fitness
Rogue Fitness is a well-known manufacturer that puts out CrossFit and gym equipment. Headquartered in Ohio, the company makes most of its sales online and has a wide range of items, plus several daily shipping deals.
If you decide to buy from Rogue, you’ll have access to the following products:
- Barbells
- Benches
- Bikes
- Climbing ropes
- Dumbbells
- Kettlebells
- Medicine balls
- Plates
- Plyo boxes
- Racks
- Rings
- Sandbags
- Sleds
- Treadmills
Sears
Department store Sears might not be your first thought when it comes to outfitting your home gym, but Sears has a lot of fitness equipment to offer. Even better, the store consistently offers good sales and coupons. Here’s what you can expect to find:
- Bars
- Benches
- Bikes
- Ellipticals
- Mats
- Medicine balls
- Racks
- Rings
- Treadmills
Staples
Staples is another place you may not think to look — but think again, because this store offers a variety of home gym equipment. Physical locations of Staples and their employees get good reviews on Sitejabber, but the remote customer service is reportedly not quite up to par. Find a Staples store near you if you’d like to shop in person.
You can choose from the following objects:
- Bikes
- Ellipticals
- Treadmills
Target
Target’s fitness section is a large one, encompassing everything from tall and sturdy outdoor racks to colorful Pilates mats.
Build your home gym from Target with:
- Ab toners
- Benches
- Bosu balls
- Boxing and kickboxing supplies
- Dumbbells
- Exercise balls
- Exercise mats
- Jump ropes
- Racks
- Resistance bands
- Treadmills
Titan Fitness
Titan Fitness sells strength training, gymnastics, and strongman equipment that’s perfect for home gyms. The company sells a lot of equipment, and most of the choices online are affordable. Do some extra research and read reviews to make sure a certain item is high-quality.
Titan has the following offerings, among others:
- Barbells
- Benches
- Dumbbells
- Flooring
- Hammers
- Kettlebells
- Log bars
- Medicine balls
- Plates
- Plyo boxes
- Pull up bars
- Racks
- Rings
- Ropes
- Sleds
- Yokes
Walmart
Walmart Supercenters, with stores all over the U.S., sell home gym equipment manufactured by a variety of brands. Like most products at Walmart, the gym and fitness equipment you’ll find is likely cheaper than the same equipment sold by a different retailer.
Here’s what you can choose from when shopping at Walmart:
- Bars
- Battle ropes
- Benches
- Bikes
- Dumbbells
- Ellipticals
- Exercise balls
- Exercise mats
- Flooring
- Jump ropes
- Kettlebells
- Medicine balls
- Plates
- Plyo boxes
- Pull up bars
- Racks
- Resistance bands
- Treadmills
At-Home Fitness During COVID-19
No gym? No problem! (here’s 99 workouts, no equipment required)
Use these retailers, apps, and websites to build your own home gym and find a workout program that will keep you in shape during the quarantine. And your home gym isn’t just a one-time investment. Putting time and money into a home gym now allows you to enjoy the convenience of a home gym long into the future.