Going to the gym a few times a week is cool, but building your own workout setup at home? Now that’s a dream! I mean, sure, having access to all the equipment and workout space you want for $10 to $60 a month is not a bad deal, but having everything you need at home and not having to share with sweaty, equiptment-hogging strangers is so much better. 

Now, we know all the heavy machinery like treadmills and ellipticals not only cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, and take up crazy amounts of space wherever you put them—but what if I told you that you can get the same results with different equipment?

Yup! It’s totally possible to get a good workout, for free (eventually!), and in the comfort of your own home. Don’t believe me? Check out our must-have items for building a budget-friendly, at-home workout space that’s totally kickass, and under $200! 

BalanceFrom Adjustable Workout Aerobic Step Platform, $20

Step aerobics are a classic exercise that really only requires you to step and then step right on down. But don’t be deceived by the simplicity of it all!

Once you start adding moves like jump squats and high knees to your step platform routine, you’ll realize that it’s an incredible cardio workout that increase your heart rate and burns tons of calories. 

This specific step from BalanceForm is super cool because it’s made with non-slip material, can be adjusted up to 6 inches high, and can be easily disassembled and stored. 

Whatafit Resistance Bands Set, $25

If you don’t know, resistance bands are elastic bands commonly used for strength training and physical therapy due to their insane ability to induce muscular contraction, ultimately helping you build strength and muscle in your body. 

Resistance bands are one of the easiest and cheapest way to improve strength without traditional weights because most sets come with five stretchy bands, that come with in five different colors to indicate how much resistance they provide. 

Whatafit bands are an ideal set of bands because they have everything you need! Comfy handles, a sturdy door anchor, and different color adjustable resistance bands: Yellow (10 lbs), Blue (20 lbs), Green (30 lbs), Black (40 lbs), and Red(50 lbs)—all made from natural latex, 

Signature Fitness Buildable Dumbbell Set of 3, $56

I don’t know if y’all know this this, but weight benches and the barbell weight sets that go with them can be incredibly expensive. Even dumbbells will put a little dent in your pocket, so it’s important that you choose wisely when selecting a set. 

Especially because a good set of dumbbells not only builds muscle, but identifies and corrects strength imbalances, increased muscle activation, and a much better range of motion that makes it easier to prevent injury and combat stiffness. 

This set from Signature Fitness is dope because it ranges from 2 to 12 lbs, giving you the option to pick and choose how many lbs you want in your set. The design of the weights are pretty neat, too. The neoprene coating on weights allow for a secure grip, while the hex shape of the dumbbells prevents them from rolling away when you sit them down mid-workout.

Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat, $20

One drawback of working out at home is that our flooring isn’t always the most suitable for workouts. Rough carpet and uncomfortable hardwood floors make it incredibly difficult to do floor workouts without some level of discomfort or possibility of injury. 

The easiest way to avoid this is by investing in a really good exercise or yoga mat. Not only does the padding support your body when you go down to the floor for certain exercises, but it’s also a more comfortable foundation for your feet to land on. 

If you’re not looking to invest in anything super fancy, AmazonBasics has 1/2 inch extra thick yoga mat that thick provides extra support, shock-absorption, and comfort. It also has secure elastic straps to roll-up mat and a nice shoulder strap for easy carrying.

Yes4All Vinyl Coated Kettlebell Strength Training Set, $45

If you don’t know, a kettlebell is a cast-iron or cast-steel ball with a handle attached to the top. It’s essentially just a type of dumbbell, but it gets its unique name from the simple fact that it looks like a cannonball with a handle, or a teapot without the spout. 

Despite any name differences, kettlebells are like any other hand-weights in the sense that they can be used for a variety of needs and gives you the opportunity to practice dynamic exercises that combine strength, cardio, grip-building, and flexibility training for a full body workout.

Like dumbbells, you can build a full weight set of kettlebells. This one from Yes4All is comprised of 5, 10, and 15 lbs but can be adjusted to include 20-30 lb weights. Plus, they’ll give you that real gym feel since they’re high quality cast iron—which is great if you like to hear a little clink clink.

Weighted Smart Jump Rope With Calorie Counter, $20

Thinking about investing in a jump rope as an adult is funny because it’s one of the few things from our childhood that we really have to check in with our knees before trying it out again. But aside from being a potential hazard for anybody over 30, jump ropes are also great cardio. 

Sure you can build stamina with a regular $5 jump rope, but if you really want to have some fun and make noticeable progress in weight loss and endurance, a weighted jump rope may be a better option. 

This weighted rope from Watsou is one of our favs because it allows you to put in your weight, track how many jumps you do, and then it puts that information together to count calories burned.