Home Gym on a Budget: Complete UK Guide
PROIRON dumbbells (£80) + Mirafit bench (£150) + pull-up bar (£90) = £320 complete setup. Month-by-month buying plan included.
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Browse All GuidesA proper home gym doesn't require a second mortgage. With smart choices, you can build an effective training space for under £500 that rivals most commercial gyms for practical use.
## Quick Picks by Budget
| Budget | Equipment | Total |
|---|---|---|
| £200 | PROIRON Dumbbells + Pull-Up Bar + Bands | ~£180 |
| £350 | Above + Mirafit M150 Bench | ~£330 |
| £500 | Above + MuscleSquad Dumbbells upgrade | ~£530 |
## The £200 Starter Setup
This gets you training immediately:
- PROIRON Adjustable Dumbbells 40kg: Cast iron plates that'll outlast you *(~£80 | Check price)* - ONETWOFIT Wall Mounted Pull Up Bar: Wall-mounted, handles 200kg *(~£90 | Check price)* - Gritin Resistance Bands: Five resistance levels *(~£10 | Check price)* - Exercise mat: 15mm thick, protects floors
Total: Under £200. This handles full-body training: push-ups, rows, lunges, squats, curls, presses, and core work.
The £500 Foundation Setup
Add a bench and heavier weights:
- Everything from the starter setup: ~£200 - Mirafit M150 Adjustable Bench *(~£150 | Check price)* - MuscleSquad Adjustable Dumbbells: Goes to 27.5kg per hand *(~£200 | Check price)*
Total: Under £550. This covers 90% of what most people need. You can train effectively for years before needing more.
Where to Save Money
Buy used barbells and plates. They're literally chunks of metal that don't wear out. Check Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and local buy/sell groups. Olympic plates hold their value, so you can resell later.
Resistance bands are criminally underrated. A £9 set adds progressive resistance to any exercise and travels anywhere.
The Amazon Basics Kettlebell is solid cast iron at a fraction of branded prices. It just works. *(Price when reviewed: ~£30 | Check price)*
Where NOT to Save Money
Don't buy the cheapest adjustable dumbbells. Cheap mechanisms break, wobble, and waste your money. Mid-range brands like PROIRON are the floor for quality.
Don't buy cheap benches. A collapsing bench during a heavy press is genuinely dangerous. Check weight capacities and reviews.
The Gym Membership Math
Average UK gym: £48/month Annual cost: £576 5-year cost: £2,880
A £500 home gym setup pays for itself in 10 months. After that, you're training for free.
Plus: no commute, no waiting for equipment, no January crowds, train at midnight if you want.
The Budget Path
Month 1: Bands, mat, pull-up bar (£100) Month 2-3: Adjustable dumbbells (£189) Month 4-5: Adjustable bench (£159) Month 6+: Whatever you actually need based on experience
This spreads costs and lets you learn what equipment you'll actually use before investing.
Products Mentioned in This Guide
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a basic home gym cost UK?
A functional home gym starts at £200-300 for dumbbells, bench, and accessories. For £500, you can get a solid setup that covers most exercises.
What's the minimum equipment for a home gym?
Adjustable dumbbells (or a set from 5-20kg), a sturdy bench, and a pull-up bar. Add resistance bands and a mat for under £300 total.
Should I buy new or used home gym equipment?
Used is great for barbells, plates, and racks - they last forever. Buy new for benches (safety critical) and adjustable dumbbells (mechanism wear).
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