Best Home Gym Setup Under $500
Gym memberships are expensive. And let's be honest — half the time you don't go because it's raining, or the commute is annoying, or you just don't feel like changing out of your sweats. A home gym fixes all of that. And you don't need to spend thousands to build one that works. We put together a setup that covers strength, cardio, and flexibility for under $500 total. No, it's not going to replace a commercial gym with a full rack of dumbbells. But for most people's fitness goals — getting stronger, losing weight, staying active — this stuff gets it done. The trick is buying versatile equipment. A suspension trainer and a set of resistance bands give you hundreds of exercise variations without taking up your entire living room.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resistance Bands Set (5-Pack) with Handles | Resistance-Bands | Full gym alternative for under $20 | Buy on Amazon |
| Manduka PRO Yoga Mat (6mm) | Yoga | Lifetime guarantee | Buy on Amazon |
| TRX ALL-IN-ONE Suspension Training System | Suspension-Trainer | Hundreds of exercises possible | Buy on Amazon |
| Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike | Exercise-Bike | Fits under any desk | Buy on Amazon |
| Blender Bottle Classic Shaker (28oz) | Shaker | BlenderBall mixes smoothly | Buy on Amazon |
| Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Bands (Set of 5) | Resistance-Bands | Five resistance levels | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Look at Each Product
Resistance Bands Set (5-Pack) with Handles
Set of 5 resistance bands with varying resistance levels from 10 to 50 lbs. Includes handles, door anchor, ankle straps, and carrying bag. Stackable bands combine for up to 150 lbs of resistance. Natural latex tubes with snap-resistant design.
- Full gym alternative for under $20
- 5 resistance levels
- Portable with carrying bag
- Includes all accessories
- Latex can degrade over time
- Door anchor requires solid door
Manduka PRO Yoga Mat (6mm)
Professional-grade 6mm thick yoga mat with dense cushioning. Closed-cell surface prevents sweat from seeping in. High-density cushion provides joint protection. Lifetime guarantee. Made without toxic materials (OEKO-TEX certified).
- Lifetime guarantee
- Dense cushioning protects joints
- Closed-cell surface stays hygienic
- Non-toxic materials
- Heavy (over 7 lbs)
- Needs break-in period for grip
TRX ALL-IN-ONE Suspension Training System
Full-body suspension trainer that uses your bodyweight for hundreds of exercises. Includes door anchor, suspension anchor, and workout guide. Used by military, professional athletes, and home gym enthusiasts.
- Hundreds of exercises possible
- Extremely portable
- Professional quality construction
- Great for all fitness levels
- Requires sturdy anchor point
- Learning curve for proper form
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Mini Exercise Bike
Compact under-desk exercise bike with 8 levels of magnetic resistance. Digital monitor tracks speed, distance, time, and calories. Non-slip pedal straps keep feet secure. Weighs only 17 pounds for easy storage.
- Fits under any desk
- Quiet magnetic resistance
- 8 resistance levels
- Very affordable
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- Basic digital monitor
Blender Bottle Classic Shaker (28oz)
28oz shaker bottle with patented BlenderBall wire whisk. Snap-shut leak-proof lid with screw-on cap. BPA and phthalate free. Dishwasher safe. Embossed ounce and milliliter markings.
- BlenderBall mixes smoothly
- Leak-proof design
- Dishwasher safe
- Very affordable
- Can retain odors over time
- Plastic scratches with use
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Bands (Set of 5)
Set of five flat loop resistance bands in graduated resistance levels from extra-light to extra-heavy. Ideal for physical therapy, yoga, pilates, and strength training. Natural latex construction with a carry bag included.
- Five resistance levels
- Under $10 for a complete set
- Carry bag included
- Great for physical therapy
- Can roll up on skin
- Latex may snap with heavy use
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a good workout with just resistance bands?
Absolutely. People underestimate bands because they look simple, but they provide progressive resistance through the full range of motion — something free weights don't do. You can hit every muscle group. They won't replace heavy barbell training for powerlifters, but for general fitness and muscle building? They're shockingly effective.
What's the most versatile piece of home gym equipment?
A suspension trainer like the TRX. Not even close. You can do rows, push-ups, squats, lunges, core work, single-leg stuff — it handles basically everything using your bodyweight. It hooks onto any door frame and packs into a small bag. It's the one piece of equipment we'd grab if we could only pick one.
Do I need a yoga mat for home workouts?
If you're doing any floor work — planks, stretching, ab exercises, yoga — yes. Working out on hardwood or carpet without a mat is rough on your joints and honestly kind of gross. A 6mm mat like the Manduka PRO gives you enough cushion without feeling unstable. It's one of those things you don't think you need until you have one.
Is a $500 home gym enough to build muscle?
For beginners and intermediate folks, yes. You can build a solid physique with bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, and a suspension trainer. Progressive overload still works — you just do it with band tension and leverage angles instead of adding plates. Once you outgrow this setup, then start looking at adjustable dumbbells or a barbell. But that point is further out than most people think.