11 Best Home Gyms Under $500 (2024) + Buying Guide
It's time to make your home your private gym with these affordable instruments.
Conrad is a multi-certified personal trainer with over 14 years of experience who enjoys every moment of giving back to others what they value the most – time, energy, and sustainable results. As the Director of Education and Technology driven to help others attain their unique versions of success via electro muscle stimulation (EMS), he brings an extensive background involving (but not limited to) 1:1 and group personal training, rehabilitation, strength training, injury prevention, and the art of instilling positive mindset shifts.
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Experience: 4 yearsShreya is a commerce writer who is passionate about reviewing products related to fitness, health, and home. She holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Gurugram, and has four years of experience.
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Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
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With the recent world situation, people have had no choice but to resort to their homes to stay active. Though slightly tricky and demotivating at times, it is fully possible to remain fit this way. But if you’re looking for some serious gains in terms of muscle, strength, and endurance, an exercise mat doesn’t cover it. This is why we have a list of the 11 best home gyms under $500 that will work your whole body and transform your overall health.
A good home gym consists of equipment that you can use to target various muscles at once. You will need a good mix of machines and tools to ensure cardiovascular and muscular health. Treadmills, ellipticals, jump ropes, and stationary bikes are excellent choices to get your heart pumping. Pulley systems, dumbbells, rowing machines, and resistance bands help set a wide range of muscles ablaze for growth. With a combination of both, you won’t have to set foot outside your house or waste any time commuting while still expanding your range of motion—a win-win, we think!
In This Article
11 Best Home Gyms Under $500 For A Quick Fitness Boost
1. Best For Cardio Workouts:Total Gym APEX G1 Home Fitness Incline
If you’re looking to build a home gym under $500, the APEX G1 gives you a full cardio-stretching infused workout. The multi-purpose design includes 6 levels of resistance which come in the form of a cable pulley system, leg pull accessory, and a wing attachment. With the incline padded glideboard and your own bodyweight, you can perform over 60 different exercises that engage the whole body. Auto-lock height adjustment allows people with all kinds of builds to enjoy a solid workout along with comfortable features like embroidered nylon handles. Click here to check out the unbiased reviewer’s experience of using this cable-based fitness incline.
- Foldable and space-saving
- Arrives fully assembled
- Auto-lock height adjustment
- 6 resistance levels for at-home resistance training
- Padded rolling glide board
- Accommodates 300 pounds of weight
- The equipment might not be resistant to rocking.
2. Best Portable Device:Luyata Ab Roller Wheel
A great contender for a home gym under $500 has got to be Luyatas’s 10-in-1 kit that can be a great assist to your strength training. You get an ab roller wheel, a thick foam mat, a stretching band, a jump rope, and 2 wrist wraps, push up grips, and resistance bands. The roller is made of thick rubber and can withstand up to 440 pounds of weight. Made to engage your abdominal muscles and strengthen your core, this versatile kit is all you need to smash a full-body workout wherever you are.
- Non-slip rubber wheel
- Anti-slip push up bars with strong suction power
- Adjustable jumping rope with foam handle
- Portable kit
- Easy installation
- Wheel weight capacity of 440 pounds
- Might not be very long-lasting
3. Best For Calorie Burning:YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Stationary Bike
The best home gym under $500 is bound to include an indoor bike by YOSUDA to torch all those calories. It is a non-wobbly frame owing to the high-density steel tubes used with a combination of precise welding processes, holding up to 330 pounds. A 40-pound chrome flywheel and a silent belt ensure you can enjoy a smooth and quiet ride. With the LCD monitor, you can track your progress and stay fired up to complete the rest of your cardio for the day. Whether you’re just a beginner or a pro, the 2-way adjustable handlebars, 4-way padded seat, and adjustable tension add to comfort, making workout effortless. Here’s a video that details the tester’s experience with using this home gym equipment.
- Transportation wheels and front stabilizers
- 4-way padded seat
- 2-way adjustable handlebars
- Non-slip cage-type pedals
- Felted wool brake
- Adjustable resistance with knob
- Silent operation
- Beginner-friendly
- The placement of the tablet and bottle holders might be slightly awkward.
StyleCraze Says4. Best For Full Body Toning:Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym
Bowflex’s PR1000 Home Gym machine under $500 targets all your major muscle groups and leads to full body toning. The Powerod unit aids in resistance without the inertia that often comes with free weights. You can achieve both cardio and weight training benefits with more than 25 exercise variations from the comfort of your own home! The bench can be converted into a rowing station while multiple pulleys can be angled differently for various workouts.
- 210 pounds of resistance
- Convertible vertical bench
- Media rack included
- Foldable
- Aerobic rowing
- Multiple adjustable pulley system
- Might be difficult to assemble
5. Best For Muscle Building:Naspaluro Adjustable Weight Bench
Naspaluro’s exercise equipment under $500 is a steal for anyone looking to get some serious muscle gains at home. Equipped with resistance bands that target your upper body, the structure is made of sturdy and thick steel pipes, supporting up to 500 pounds for the best weight-lifting experience. The convertible bench/backseat is padded with a high-density cushion and covered with soft leather for comfort. Also sweat-proof, it can be adjusted to 7 levels according to your preference. The reviewers have shared their hands-on experiences and stated that they are impressed with its stable and comfortable bench design along with its easy installation process.
- 7 adjustment levels
- Thick cushioning covered with soft leather
- 2 resistance bands included
- Can hold up to 500 pounds of weight
- Sweat-proof
- Foldable
- The paint might not be resistant to chipping.
6. Best Durable Material:Gold’s Gym XRS 50 Home Gym System
This Gold’s Gym all-in-one home gym equipment under $500 is all you need to waive off that expensive gym membership. With a user weight capacity of 300 pounds, you can avail a chest press and fly station along with a 4-leg roll developer. The high pulley works to develop your lateral and back muscles while the lower one will set your legs and glutes on fire. For your utmost comfort, the multi-grip bar and vinyl seats are made with durable and soft material.
- Accommodates 300 pounds
- 112 pounds weight stack
- Delivers up to 280 pounds of resistance
- Sewn vinyl seats
- Works both lower and upper body muscles
- Easy to assemble
- Might not be very smooth gliding
7. Best Low-Noise Motor:FYC Folding Treadmill For Home
Any home gym under $500 needs to have a treadmill to be complete, and this one by FYC is top-notch for your collection considering that. Programmed with 12 running programs, you can easily choose what you are comfortable with. And to protect you during running, a safety emergency key with a clip stops the machine immediately. The rubber running belt is shock-absorbing and anti-slip while the multifunctional LCD display allows you to track your performance.
- Low-noise motor
- 12 running programs
- Foldable
- LCD display and tablet holder
- Shock-absorbing and non-slip rubber belt
- 220-pound capacity
- User-friendly
- Might be very heavy
Pro Tip8. Best For Daily Activities:SERTT Lat And Lift Pulley System Gym
wide range
To effectively burn fat and build muscle, SERTT’s pulley machine will come in handy. It is also a great way to enhance your coordination and boost stamina for daily activities. You can create 2 functional modes of pull and lift by simply changing the hoist buckle and steel rope. 3 detachable handles namely the tricep rope, straight bar, and fly handle allow you to work various muscles in your upper body. You can also connect the pulley to pull-up bars, beams, or power racks for versatility. Reviews on various online forums assert that the product is easy to install, and the quality is great for the price point.
- 3 handle types
- 2 exercise modes
- Smooth and no-noise pulley
- Accommodates up to 330 pounds
- Suitable for beginners
- 360° rotating pulley
- Some might find the cable too long.
9. Best For High-Intensity Exercises:Moulyan Portable Home Gym Workout Equipment
Moulyan’s home gym equipment is made of strong aluminum alloy bars, making it the best gym-quality equipment that you can use at home. The base is sturdy and made of ABS, preventing it from snapping and deforming even when you’re performing high-intensity exercises. With a weight capacity of 242 pounds, this equipment has tension levels that can be adjusted between 30 to 120 pounds. You can use the handles for push ups, resistance bands for upper body toning, and the bar for squats.
- Made of sturdy and durable materials
- Resistant to snapping and deforming
- Weight capacity of 242 pounds
- Adjustable resistance of 30 to 120 pounds
- Works full body muscle groups
- Portable
- Some might find the bands to be flimsy.
10. Best For Abdominal Muscle Toning:MBB 12-In-1 Multifunctional Home Gym Equipment
Accommodating up to 250 pounds of weight, MBB’s equipment keeps your abdominal muscles looking and feeling their best with 4 levels of resistance. Made with a combination of iron and steel, the equipment is finished with a powder coating to maintain its look for a long time. Rubber gaskets are added to reduce the impact generated during your workouts. Foam-covered knee cushions and wear-resistant hand grips ensure that you have a breeze of a time on this at-home gym equipment. To aid in overall stability and protect your floors, non-slip pads are added along with wheels for transportation.
- 4 resistance levels
- Impact-absorbing rubber gaskets
- Large foam-covered knee cushions
- Wear-resistant hand grips
- Non-slip foot pads
- Features transportation wheels
- Might not be ideal for taller people
11. Best For Waist Correction:KESHWELL Ab Machine
With an ergonomic angled design combined with a curved sliding track and a separated slider, this machine helps train your waist. The track moves to 120° while the slider contains super smooth rollers that are also no-noise. 4 adjustable height and resistance levels allow people of any build to enjoy an effective workout with comfort. Foam cushions and padded hand grips make operation easy while the machine can be folded up to save space in your home or office.
- 440-pound capacity
- 4 adjustable resistance and height levels
- Foam cushions
- Padded hand grips
- Anti-slip feet tubes
- Smooth and no-noise
- Might be difficult to assemble
Now that we’ve taken a look at some of the best home gyms under $500, let’s learn how you can select the right one for yourself.
How To Choose The Best Home Gym Under $500
- Space
In order to prevent your home from becoming messy and cluttered, keep in mind how much space you can spare before purchasing any equipment. Take precise measurements of not just your space but also the machines you plan to buy. A good way to save some storage space is to look for options that are foldable and portable.
- Needs
If you are big on cardio and looking to upgrade your overall health, you can invest in stationary bikes or treadmills. But if your fitness goals include building muscle and endurance, you might need to look into weights, resistance bands, and pulley systems. A few machines like rowers can be used for both cardio and weight training, working all your major muscle groups. It is better to buy something that you know how to use rather than buying stuff that will collect dust in your home.
- Budget
There is often a misconception that you need to invest a lot of money to get good-quality equipment, but this is not true. Some people also think they need various kinds of equipment. However, you can use a few machines or tools in multiple ways to achieve fantastic results. Take a look at the quality of the product you are purchasing and ensure it is made of sturdy materials.
- Ease of assembly
Gym equipment is not only heavy but it has a lot of nuts and bolts which can make assembly difficult. Look for equipment that comes with a manual or step-by-step instructions. Some also send in professionals to set up the machines in your house.
- Versatility
Fitness enthusiasts like to maintain their routines and regimens which is why you need to look for equipment that will allow you to perform various types of workouts. Some have accessories that can be bought separately or come with the equipment.
- Warranty
As fitness equipment is an investment and is bound to go through wear and tear over time, warranty is a must. In cases of accidents, this helps you get the repair or reimbursement you need.
Infographic: Must-Have Multipurpose Equipment For Home Gym
Building a home gym is a great way to stay active and fit without leaving your house. It is essential to have adaptable, versatile, and multifunctional exercise equipment that can help you target different muscle groups and improve your overall fitness. Check out the infographic below to learn about some of the must-have equipment.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
If you’ve been finding it difficult to make some time amidst your busy schedule for your health, you might be frustrated. And this, topped off with expensive gym memberships, might not be making things easier for you. But with this list of the 11 best home gyms under $500, you get to bring the equipment right to your doorstep. The YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Stationary Bike features adjustable resistance, making it ideal for beginners as well, and the Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym offers a convertible bench and this way it can be used for 25 exercise variations. Requiring a simple one-time investment and some of your sacred space, these machines and tools are a great way to level up your fitness game. You can perform your regimen with privacy whenever you find the time, even if you happen to be traveling. Now, you have no more excuses for missing the gym!
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shreya Vishwanathan, is a fitness enthusiast who loves researching about gym gear and fitness products. She believes in investing in home gym gears that are effective in keeping you in shape and can be easily accommodated in your home. She has done thorough research on gym products and read online reviews to help readers pick the best ones. These gym equipment are crafted to take minimal space without you having to compromise on keeping yourself fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a home gym good for you?
Home gyms are a great way to get into shape and maintain your fitness levels with a one-time investment cost. They also have the added benefit of no time constraint as you can use the equipment whenever you’re free as opposed to going to the gym.
Are home gyms effective for muscle building?
Yes! You can add some weights to your equipment collection, or go for resistance bands that work on the same principle. Handles for push ups, ab machines, and rods for squats are a few examples which help build some major muscles.
What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of home gyms?
Opposed to gym memberships that are renewed monthly or yearly, home gyms require you to invest in equipment only once as it will last you a long time. Additionally, you can perform workouts whenever you want and even carry some of the equipment with you while reducing travel costs as well. The major con would be the price it requires to get started, plus some people might actually miss the social interaction that comes with shared public spaces.
What do you need for a home gym on a budget?
You can buy these pieces of equipment to start your home workout effectively with affordability:
• Resistance band
• Pull-up bars
• Dumbells
• 1-2 Barbells
• Ab roller
• Yoga mats
Is it cheaper to work out at home?
Yes, it’s very affordable and convenient to work out at home. You only need to have a couple of pieces of equipment and the determination to work out regularly and get to your fitness goals.
How much it costs to set up a home gym?
You can set up a home gym for personal use for around 500 USD, which is relatively cheaper than a monthly gym membership.
Read full bio of Conrad Sanchez
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