Home Gym on a Budget: Complete UK Guide
Build an effective home gym for under £500. Our budget guide shows you exactly what to buy and what to skip for the best value.
Not sure which setup is right for you?
Take Our QuizA 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.
The £200 Starter Setup
This gets you training immediately:
- [PROIRON Adjustable Dumbbells 20kg](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B094CXV7XL?tag=homegymadvice-21): £64. Cast iron plates that'll outlast you - [ONETWOFIT Pull-Up Bar](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07B8DPGCY?tag=homegymadvice-21): £26. Wall-mounted, handles 200kg - [Gritin Resistance Bands](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CQ2NCJYF?tag=homegymadvice-21): £9. Five resistance levels - [KG Physio Exercise Mat](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07BKQRWHT?tag=homegymadvice-21): £50. 15mm thick, protects floors
Total: Under £150. 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: ~£150 - [Mirafit M3 Adjustable Bench](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B086HVK2ZY?tag=homegymadvice-21): £159 - [MuscleSquad Adjustable Dumbbells](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F5B4TNP2?tag=homegymadvice-21): £189. Goes to 27.5kg per hand
Total: Under £500. 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](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CQ2NCJYF?tag=homegymadvice-21) are criminally underrated. A £9 set adds progressive resistance to any exercise and travels anywhere.
The [Amazon Basics Kettlebell](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B076QJY2FN?tag=homegymadvice-21) (£29) is solid cast iron at a fraction of branded prices. It just works.
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](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B094CXV7XL?tag=homegymadvice-21) 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](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CQ2NCJYF?tag=homegymadvice-21), [mat](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07BKQRWHT?tag=homegymadvice-21), [pull-up bar](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07B8DPGCY?tag=homegymadvice-21) (£85) Month 2-3: [Adjustable dumbbells](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F5B4TNP2?tag=homegymadvice-21) (£189) Month 4-5: [Adjustable bench](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B086HVK2ZY?tag=homegymadvice-21) (£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
Mirafit M150 Adjustable Bench
Mirafit
6 backrest angles and 4 seat angles. 260kg capacity with built-in wheels for easy movement. Professional quality....
View on AmazonMirafit Wall Mounted Pull Up Bar
Mirafit
Heavy-duty wall-mounted pull-up bar with multiple grip positions. Simple, effective, and takes no floor space. Essential...
View on AmazonGritin Resistance Bands Set
Gritin
Set of 5 resistance bands in different strengths. Perfect for warm-ups, mobility work, assisted pull-ups, or as standalo...
View on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Find Your Perfect Setup
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Start the QuizFrequently 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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