The 20 Best Budget Home Gym Equipment Buys of 2023

Based on our research and testing, here are the best budget home gym equipment buys on the market.

The Verywell Fit team has tested and researched hundreds of fitness products in the Verywell Testing Lab. Using our research and test results, we compiled a list of the best budget home gym equipment buys. We also asked three fitness experts (Lewis, Ashton Ferrazzo, owner of Freedom Fitness Equipment, and Andy Stern, CPT, Rumble XPRO for Xponential+) for advice on which gym equipment you need when you’re on a budget.

The best budget home gym equipment is wallet-friendly but durable. It’s sturdy, easy to use, and delivers a challenging workout. Great home gym equipment is also compact because when space is tight, you need equipment that’s sleek and easy to store.

Yes4All’s Cast Iron Adjustable Dumbbells are our top overall pick because they’re durable, challenging, and available in a wide range of weights. We also like Insonder’s Mini Resistance Band Set , a budget-friendly staple that delivers 40 pounds of resistance.

A home gym gives you control over your fitness routine, so you can work out when and how you want to. “That allows you to maintain your training intensity, avoid frustration, and keep your muscles pumped,” Corey Lewis, CPT, CEO of 1AND1, says. But fitness equipment can get expensive—especially if you’re buying enough to stock a home gym. So if you don’t want to spend a small fortune, finding high-quality, budget-friendly equipment is a must.

Best Adjustable Dumbbells

Yes4All Cast Iron Adjustable Dumbbell Set

Amazon

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Pros

• Durable

• Available in a wide range of weights

• Sold as pairs or individually

Cons

• Must be adjusted manually

“Every person setting up a home gym should have a set of adjustable dumbbells and an adjustable workout bench,” Lewis says. Yes4All’s Cast Iron Adjustable Dumbbells are our top overall pick because they’re budget-friendly and durable. 

When we tested 15 pairs of top-rated adjustable dumbbells in The Verywell Testing Lab, Yes4All’s adjustable dumbbells weren’t as user-friendly as our other top picks with automatic mechanisms were. To adjust them, you have to manually screw the included weight plates on and off. This process takes time and effort, and it can feel tedious in the middle of an intense workout. But since Yes4All’s adjustable dumbbells cost a fraction of what our other favorites do, we think the tradeoff is worth it if you’re shopping on a budget.

We also love that these dumbbells come in a wide range of weights, with pairs ranging from 40 to 200 pounds. This makes it easy to find a dumbbell (or a pair) that works for you, no matter how much strength training experience you have.

Price at time of publication: $48–$400

What the Experts Say

“With dumbbells and a bench, you can train your entire body safely and effectively. Dumbbells also allow for unilateral training, where you are working on each side of the body separately. This ensures uniform strength and size development on both sides of the body. Dumbbells [also] allow for a greater range of motion on many exercises than a barbell.” —Corey Lewis, CPT, CEO of 1AND1

Best Resistance Bands

Insonder Resistance Bands Set

4.5

Amazon

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Pros

• Thick and durable

• Color-coded and labeled resistance levels

• Comes with a storage bag

Cons

• May slip when wet

Resistance bands are space-efficient, budget-friendly, and great for lower-body workouts. When we tested popular resistance bands in The Verywell Testing Lab, Insonder’s resistance loops proved durable and easy to use. The bands felt thick and grippy, even after hours of exercise—although they did slip a little when they got wet. And since they’re made of a smooth rubber, our testers found them comfortable to work out with.

Testing Notes: “Grip-wise, these stayed in place on my leggings, but I didn’t find that they were too sticky or painful. I liked that they weren’t slippery and that they didn’t bunch. The tension is really great, and I liked that all levels provided a good workout. The heaviest really challenged me, but in a good way!”

We love that these bands come in sets of five—each one clearly labeled with a different resistance level. This user-friendly design makes it easy to work your way up from 10 pounds of resistance to 40 pounds. This set also comes with a convenient storage bag and is available in a range of bright colors.

Price at time of publication: $8

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Best Yoga Mat

IUGA Pro Non-Slip Yoga Mat

4.2

Amazon

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Pros

• Thick and comfortable

• Lightweight

• Grippy

Cons

• Takes time to lay flat

• May have a rubber smell

A yoga mat is a great addition to your home gym because you can use it for all kinds of bodyweight workouts and stretches. While this isn’t the cheapest yoga mat on the market, IUGA’s Pro Non Slip Yoga Mat impressed us in the Verywell Testing Lab compared to other, more expensive options.

This mat is a sizable 72 inches long and 26 inches wide. And at 5 millimeters thick, it feels padded and comfortable but not too plush or bouncy. It also stood out as one of the lightest and grippiest mats we tested. It also excelled during our sweat test, feeling sticky (rather than slippery) when our testers did a Vinyasa flow with wet hands and feet.

However, IUGA’s mat didn’t lay flat right out of the box, and it had a lingering rubber smell that was hard to ignore. But it performs just as well as other, more expensive mats, and it’s often on sale. 

Price at time of publication: $75

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

The 9 Best Yoga Mats of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Best Squat Rack

AKYEN Adjustable Squat Rack Stand

Amazon

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Pros

• High weight capacity

• Space-efficient

• Doubles as a bench press

Cons

• No pull-up bar

If you love to strength train, we recommend adding a squat rack to your home gym. “Most squat racks have a sufficient weight rating (700-800 pounds) to be safe and serviceable for a lifetime,” Ferrazzo says. AKYEN’s Adjustable Squat Rack Stand checks all the boxes at a budget-friendly price.

Made of heavy-gauge steel, this rack is sturdy enough to support up to 850 pounds. But since it weighs just 44 pounds, it’s easy to set up and move around. We also like that the rack is lined with non-slip foot pads, so you don’t have to worry about it scratching your floors. 

At 28 to 48 inches long, 23 inches wide, and 43-71 inches tall, this adjustable rack is much sleeker than comparable options. While that small size means the rack is designed without a pull-up bar, it’s still versatile enough to serve as both a squat rack and a bench press. 

Price at time of publication: $140

Best Treadmill

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill

Courtesy of Amazon

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Pros

• Foldable

• Wide incline range

• Bluetooth connectivity

Cons

• Lower maximum speed than other options

“Cardio can always be picked up on the used market for a steal—particularly used commercial-grade cardio,” Ferrazzo says. But if you want to score a brand new treadmill for less, we recommend Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7515 Smart Treadmill. 

While this treadmill is pricier than the other equipment on our list, it’s less expensive than many other treadmills. At 64 inches long, 28 inches wide, and 50 inches tall, it’s solid enough to support up to 240 pounds. And since it’s foldable and lined with transport wheels, it’s also easy to stow away between workouts.

We love that this treadmill is feature-packed for the price. It has an incline grade of 12%, and it boasts high-tech details, like Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in heart rate monitor. But its maximum speed is only 8 miles per hour, which is slower than other treadmills on the market. Still, we think it’s worth spending a little extra to get a machine that’s sturdy and stable—and that delivers a solid workout.

Price at time of publication: $529

The 9 Best Treadmills for 2023

Best Kettlebell

Yes4All Vinyl Coated Kettlebell Weights

4.8

Amazon

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Pros

• Durable

• Handle is easy to grip

• Available in a range of weights

Cons

• Weight range stops at 50 pounds

A high-quality kettlebell lends itself to all kinds of strength training exercises. And when we tested 16 kettlebells in the Verywell Testing Lab, Yes4All’s Vinyl Coated Kettlebell impressed us with its grippy feel and budget-friendly price point.

Made of powder-coated cast iron and lined with vinyl, this kettlebell is durable and easy to use. It even held up when our testers dropped it on the floor. And its wide, textured handle was comfortable to grip, even with wet hands. We also love that its flat bottom makes it easy to store between workouts.

Testing Notes: “This kettlebell performed well, especially for its relatively budget-friendly price. I would recommend it to someone looking for a fairly budget-friendly, heavy kettlebell.”

This kettlebell comes in a range of different weights, between 5 and 50 pounds. This variety makes it easy to find a kettlebell that works for you—whether you’re a first-time strength trainer or a seasoned kettlebell expert. (But if you’re looking for something heavier, you may want to look into an adjustable kettlebell instead.)

Price at time of publication: $13–$65

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

After 16 Hours of Testing in our Lab, These Are the Best Kettlebells

Best Adjustable Workout Bench

PASYOU Adjustable Weight Bench

4.9

Amazon

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Pros

• Foldable

• High weight capacity

• Eight adjustable positions

Cons

• Less adjustable than other options

No strength training set-up is complete without an adjustable weight bench. “With dumbbells and a bench, you can train your entire body safely and effectively,” Lewis says. And if you’re searching for a good deal on a great workout bench, we recommend PASYOU’s Adjustable Weight Bench.

When we tested 25 weight benches in the Verywell Testing Lab, PASYOU’s foldable bench blew us away, scoring an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars. While exercising, testers said the bench felt sturdy and comfortable, thanks to its 500-pound weight capacity and ample padding. And since it weighs a mere 26 pounds, it was also one of the most portable weight benches we tested.

Testing Notes: “This would be a welcome addition to a home gym. Very easy to adjust, and the extra features had me thinking the price point would be closer to $500.” 

This bench can act as a flat bench, an incline bench, and a decline bench. It can also be adjusted into eight different positions—but that wasn’t enough to compete with our top pick, which can be adjusted in 24 different ways. Still, PASYOU’s bench is versatile, durable, and user-friendly.

Price at time of publication: $110

Verywell Fit / Conor Ralph

The 11 Best Weight Benches for Any Home Gym, Tested in Our Lab

Best Plyo Box

Garage Fit Wood Plyo Box

4.8

Amazon

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Pros

• Sturdy

• Easy to adjust

• Grippy

Cons

• May be too short for advanced users

For box jumps and bodyweight exercises, we recommend a sturdy plyo box, like this budget-friendly option from Garage Fit. When we tested 21 plyo boxes, this box earned one of our highest scores. Testers found that it never felt wobbly or unstable and that the height was easy to adjust. 

The box measures 16 inches on one side, 18 inches on another, and 20 inches on another. So to make the box taller or shorter, all you have to do is flip it over. But what really set it apart was its non-slip outer coating, which offered plenty of grip during step-ups and box jumps. 

Testing Notes: “It’s a great, basic box that feels very sturdy and durable—it will last for plenty of workouts.”

Garage Fit’s plyo box was the wallet-friendliest option we reviewed that could do it all. However, it may be too short for more advanced users. 

Price at time of publication: $94-$103

Verywell Fit / Leticia Almeida

Best Medicine Ball

Amazon Basics Medicine Ball

4.7

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Pros

• Grippy surface

• Available in five weights

Cons

• Not good for slamming

To switch up your workout routine, trade your free weights for a medicine ball—a small, weighted ball you can use for bodyweight workouts, balance exercises, and more. For the budget shopper, we recommend Amazon Basics’ Medicine Ball because it’s beginner-friendly and available in five different weights. 

When we reviewed medicine balls, Amazon Basics’ medicine ball wasn’t the cheapest option we fell in love with. But our budget-friendly pick doesn’t come in a standard size, and we like that Amazon Basics’ ball is made with rubber (instead of filled with sand). Lined with dimpled rubber, this ball is durable and grippy. And while it isn’t ideal for slamming, it’s great for bouncing exercises. 

We also love that this ball comes in five different weights, ranging from 4 pounds to 12 pounds. This sets it apart from similarly priced alternatives and makes it easy to find a version that works for your home gym.

Price at time of publication: $45

The Best Medicine Balls, According to a Personal Trainer

Best Indoor Bike

YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike

4.2

Amazon

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Pros

• Sturdy

• Smooth, quiet ride

• Space-efficient

Cons

• Low-tech

When buying an indoor cycling bike for your home gym, you want something that’s sturdy and space-efficient, like YOSUDA’s Indoor Cycling Bike. When we researched and tested top-rated indoor cycling bikes, this bike impressed us with its sturdy feel and smooth ride. 

The bike’s durable steel frame can handle up to 270 pounds, and its 35-pound flywheel offers great resistance. We also love how lightweight and low-profile the bike is. At 72 pounds, it weighs half as much as other exercise bikes we considered. And at 40 inches long, 22 inches wide, and 45 inches tall, this bike is a sleek pick for any home gym.

YOSUDA’s bike isn’t as high-tech as some of the pricier options out there. But since those bikes cost three or four times as much as this one does, we think the trade-off is well worth it.

Price at time of publication: $440

Best Weight Plates

Sporzon! Cast Iron 1-Inch Grip Plate

Courtesy of Amazon

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Pros

• Available in a range of weights

• Compatible with standard and Olympic barbells

Cons

• May damage your floors if dropped

“A squat rack, a barbell, and weight plates give you a thousand different exercise options for any home gym,” Ferrazzo says. If you’re looking to pick up high-quality weight plates without spending a fortune, we recommend Sporzon!’s Cast Iron Grip Plates. 

The weight plates cost a fraction of what you’d spend on a high-end set. Made of solid cast iron, they’re sturdy and long-lasting. And they can handle lots of wear and tear (although they might damage your floors if you drop them).

We love that these weight plates come in two different styles: a standard barbell style (with a 1-inch center cutout) and an Olympic barbell style (with a 2-inch center cutout). They also come in a range of weights, from 2.5 pounds to 45 pounds. This variety makes it easy to find weight plates that fit your barbell—and to piece together a set that suits your skill level.

Price at time of publication: $13–$150

The 7 Best Weight Plates of 2023

What the Experts Say

“Splurge on a good barbell,” Ferrazzo says. “A high-quality, commercial-grade barbell,” even with less expensive weight plates, “will last a lifetime with proper maintenance and will keep you from having to upgrade as you become stronger.” Looking for a barbell worth investing in? Check out our favorites.

Best Pull-Up Bar

Mllieroo Multifunctional Pullup Bar

Courtesy of Walmart

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Pros

• Comfortable hand grips

• Easy to install

• Fits most standard door frames

Cons

• Low weight capacity

With a pull-up bar, you can turn any doorway into a miniature home gym, creating the perfect place to do pull-ups and chin-ups. Mllieroo’s Multifunctional Pull Up Bar is our favorite budget-friendly pull-up bar, thanks to its versatility, comfortable hand grips, and easy installation process.

Made from sturdy steel, this pull-up bar can support up to 220 pounds at a time (which, while substantial, is lower than other bars can handle). And it’s lined with plush foam padding that makes it easy to grip. We also love that you can take it down and use it for other exercises, like elevated push-ups or tricep dips. 

To install this pull-up bar, all you have to do is hang it on your door frame—meaning you don’t have to put any holes in your wall. This makes the bar easy to set up and take down in seconds. And since it’s 37 inches wide, it’ll fit any standard door frame in your home.

Price at time of publication: $25

The Best Pull-Up Bars, According to a Personal Trainer

Best Pilates Reformers

AeroPilates Premier Reformer

Courtesy of Amazon

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Pros

• Wheels make it easy to move

• Foldable

• Has a foot bar, pulleys, and a rebounder

Cons

• Heavy

For a cost-conscious way to level up your Pilates practice, we recommend AeroPilates’ Premier Reformer. While this reformer is the most expensive item on our list, it costs half as much as our other favorite Pilates reformers do. 

The reformer’s sliding center platform is padded but firm. And it’s flanked by two Pilates classics: a stabilizing foot bar on one side and two pulleys on the other. This reformer even comes with a removable rebounder—a trampoline-like surface you can use to make your workouts more dynamic.

While it’s not as pricey as a premium pick, it’s still a classic and robust reformer. Plus, it’s foldable and has wheels for easy transport. So even though it demands a big footprint when you’re using it, it’s easy to store space efficiently when you’re not. Just note that, at 98 pounds, it’s pretty heavy and may be tough to set up by yourself.

Price at time of publication: $499

The 9 Best Pilates Reformers of 2023

Best Punching Bag

BoxerPoint Double End Bag Boxing Set

4.6

Amazon

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Pros

• Lightweight

• Space-efficient

• Simulates a moving target

Cons

• Cords may not be as durable

When we tested 15 different punching bags in the Verywell Testing Lab, BoxerPoint’s Double End Bag Boxing Set quickly became one of our favorites. This set costs a lot less than our other top picks, but it still delivered a challenging workout.

Unlike traditional punching bags, which are bulky and heavy, this one is small and lightweight. The bag itself is just 12.5 inches tall and 7.5 inches wide. And since it’s filled with air, it’s soft and comfortable to punch, earning it a 5 out of 5 stars for comfort. 

Testing Notes: “This bag is definitely very challenging. It sprung back rapidly after I hit it, forcing me to focus on bringing my hands back to my face quickly. It definitely makes for an effective cardio workout.”

We also like this bag’s unique set-up: Instead of hanging from the ceiling, this punching bag sits suspended between two bungee cords to simulate a moving target every time you punch it. This makes the punching bag great for building basic boxing skills like timing and accuracy. But some users have noted that the cords may not hold up over time.

Price at time of publication: $40

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

The 10 Best Punching Bags of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Best Rowing Machine

Velocity Exercise Magnetic Rower

 Amazon

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Pros

• Quiet

• Foldable

Cons

• May be too small for taller users

“My favorite home cardio equipment is a rowing machine,” Lewis says. “It provides an excellent cardio workout while hitting 85% of the body’s skeletal muscles—it’s great for HIIT training, too!” 

But rowing machines are expensive—and many budget-friendly options don’t look or feel like traditional ones. Velocity Fitness’ Magnetic Rower splits the difference, offering a high-end rowing experience at a fraction of what you’d spend on a premium machine and we think it’s one the best rowing machines on the market.

At 80 inches long, 21 inches wide, and 25 inches tall, this foldable machine is about the same size as a traditional rower. But instead of relying on water for resistance, it uses magnets to create tension. This makes the rowing machine particularly quiet—a real perk if you have housemates. And since it’s set up like a traditional rower, with a sliding seat, non-slip foot pedals, and a center handle, you can count on it to deliver a classic rowing workout.

However, this machine is on the shorter side, so it may be too small for taller people to use comfortably.

Price at time of publication: $632

Best Exercise Ball

BalanceFrom Anti-Burst Exercise Ball

4.2

Courtesy of Amazon

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Pros

• High weight capacity

• Comfortable

• Available in five sizes

Cons

• Doesn’t have great grip

• Air pump may feel flimsy

Along with other essential stability and core training equipment like balance boards, an exercise ball can level up your favorite basic exercises, making it a great addition to your home gym. BalanceFrom’s Anti-Burst Exercise Ball is a budget-friendly option that impressed us when we tested exercise balls in the Verywell Testing Lab.

Made of thick composite material, this ball is impressively durable, with a weight capacity of up to 2,000 pounds. Although its ribbed texture doesn’t offer much grip, it does make the ball comfortable to use. Our testers noted that it never dug into their skin and that it felt surprisingly soft. 

Testing Notes: “I’ll be completely honest: I’m not a fan of using a foot pump, and this ball came with a foot pump. So instead of pressing down the pump with my foot, I used my hands which made it easier. The ball itself is great in terms of quality, even though the foot pump appeared flimsy. But for the price, I could easily buy another pump to use with the ball instead.”

This exercise ball lost points on quality because its air pump felt flimsy compared to other options we tested. But it comes in five different sizes, unlike other balls we tested. And since BalanceFrom provides a handy size chart, it’s easy to figure out which size is right for you.

Price at time of publication: $15–$32

Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples

The Best Exercise Balls, Recommended and Tested by Experts in Our Lab

Best Elliptical

Plasma Fit Elliptical Machine

Amazon

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Pros

• Sturdy

• Space-efficient

• Doubles as an exercise bike

Cons

• Low-tech

Among the best elliptical machines for the home available today, Plasma Fit’s Elliptical Machine is our favorite budget-friendly option for low-impact workouts at home. It’s space-efficient, sturdy, and it can even be converted into an exercise bike. 

While this elliptical costs a fraction of what you’d spend on a high-end machine, it still delivers a great workout. Its non-slip pedals are wide and comfortable, and the padded handles are comfortable to grip. An adjustable tension knob makes it easy to up the resistance of your workout. 

Budget-friendly ellipticals can get small and flimsy. But at 35.5 inches long, 21.5 inches wide, and 58 inches tall, this one feels about as sizable and sturdy as a pricier option. 

To shift Plasma Fit’s elliptical into cycling mode, all you have to do is sit down and start pedaling. This gives you an efficient way to stock your home gym with cardio equipment while saving both space and money. However, it doesn’t have many tech-friendly features, as other ellipticals do.

Price at time of publication: $140

Best Foam Roller

Trigger Point Performance GRID 1.0 Foam Roller

5

Amazon

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Pros

• Great for hard-to-reach areas

• Effective, but not intense

Cons

• May be too short for some

When you’re recovering from a workout, a good foam roller goes a long way. When our testers tried 28 foam rollers at home, TriggerPoint’s GRID Foam Roller scored a perfect five stars for effectiveness, comfort, and ease of use. While it isn’t the cheapest one we tested, its value can’t be beat.

At 13 inches long, this foam roller is shorter than others. That sleek size makes it ideal for targeting hard-to-reach areas, like your upper glutes and upper back. But it may be too small for some. 

Testing Notes: “This foam roller is very effective. It feels like excellent quality, and I like the aesthetic of the branding and design. It feels more expensive than it is, honestly!”

While many other foam rollers are sleek or dimpled, this one has a grid-like pattern. The unique texture feels effective but not too intense. Our tester said she felt relieved after just one use—and even less tense when she used the foam roller regularly. And we like that the center of this roller is hollow, so you can store other gear inside when you’re not using it.

Price at time of publication: $37

The 14 Best Foam Rollers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Best Jump Rope

Bestmile High-Speed Skipping Rope

Courtesy of Walmart

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Pros

• Won’t tangle

• Adjustable

Cons

• Handles aren’t padded or weighted

For cardio equipment that helps save space and money, we recommend Bestmile’s High-Speed Skipping Rope. It’s the least expensive piece of equipment on our list, and it provides a challenging workout. 

Designed with a wire cord, this jump rope is great for both indoor and outdoor workouts. And it doesn’t tangle up as some PVC or leather jump ropes can. We like that the length is customizable, so you can adjust it until it’s the perfect size for you. 

Since this jump rope’s handles are made of plastic, they aren’t as padded or weighted as handles on more expensive ropes usually are. But the handles are still smooth and comfortable to hold. If you need a basic jump rope that delivers a great workout, this one gets the job done.

Price at time of publication: $7

The 11 Best Jump Ropes for Quick Cardio Workouts

Best Home Gym Flooring

ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat

Courtesy of Amazon

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Pros

• Thick

• Water-resistant

• Noise-reducing

Cons

• Tiles only come in one size

One thing not to overlook when outfitting your home gym is flooring. “I recommend buying those rubber square tiles that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle,” Lewis says. He suggests finding home gym flooring that’s at least 0.3 inches thick or 0.5 inches thick if you’re doing heavy lifting.

Made of high-density EVA foam, ProsourceFit’s Puzzle Exercise Mat tiles feel padded but firm. They’re 0.5 inches thick, and their grippy texture keeps them from sliding around on your floors. These flooring tiles are also water-resistant and noise-reducing—making them great for sweaty, high-intensity workouts, even in an apartment. 

The 24-square-inch tiles come in sets of 6 to 36 in different colors and quantities, so you can customize your coverage based on your home gym’s exact dimensions. We also like that they’re easy to clean with dish soap and a towel. 

Price at time of publication: $23–$105

The 11 Best Home Gym Floors of 2023