You don’t have to drain your savings on a top-tier spin bike or an expensive gym membership — there are plenty of budget-friendly home workout options available, many conveniently sold online.
We looked into the most affordable treadmills, indoor bikes and rowing machines on the market, and uncovered home fitness equipment that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Most of us want to stay in shape, but honestly, we’d rather spend our money on other things. Add a yoga mat and a set of dumbbells, and maybe a pull-up bar, and you’ll have a functional home gym. We’ve also included ideas for buying outside conventional retail channels — often cheaper than new retail prices.
Alternative Buying Routes for Better Prices
Let’s begin with ways to pick up home fitness gear for less than retail pricing, although this approach can be hit-or-miss. You won’t always find exactly what you want right away.
Retail shopping tends to be the priciest option, so be sure to check classified sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor before paying full price for home gym equipment.
There are also retailers that specialize in refurbished machines, such as Global Fitness and Primo Fitness, which sell reconditioned exercise equipment online.
I grabbed my Peloton off Craigslist for $1,800 and the seller included a mat, weights, a heart monitor and cycling shoes at no extra charge. I even fit it into my car (no shipping or sales tax), saving me at least $500 overall.
Facebook Marketplace can yield deals as well. A quick search turned up Horizon T101 treadmills for as little as $200. Always test used gear before paying, since condition varies widely.
Not ready to buy? You can improvise workouts using items you already have at home.
Here’s a straightforward strategy to build a budget home gym.
Overview of Affordable Retail Fitness Equipment
If you’re set on buying new but still want to save, many solid, low-cost options are available on Amazon. Watch Horizon Fitness for periodic discounts as well.
Basic Treadmill: Horizon T101
While cheap treadmills can fail after minimal use, this model is constructed for longevity, according to fitness specialists. It includes a lifetime warranty on the motor and frame, plus a one-year warranty for parts and labor, so it’s built to withstand consistent use. The Horizon T101 folds and has transport wheels, allowing your gym area to double as living space. It offers a 10 percent incline and nine preset workouts — a fairly robust set of features. Extras include Bluetooth speakers, a USB charging port, a tablet holder and a cooling fan. Note that the deck cushioning is moderate, so if you have knee issues, you might want to consider a different treadmill.
Where to buy: $999 (often on sale for $699) at HorizonFitness.
Treadmill with Classes: NordicTrack 6.5 S
NordicTrack provides a wide range of classes through the iFit platform ($15 per month) and costs far less than a Peloton Tread. This is the most economical NordicTrack offering but still supports live sessions and more than 16,000 on-demand workouts. A one-month iFit trial is included, delivering workouts suitable for any level. This model folds and has a 10 percent incline. The iFit subscription is optional — the treadmill functions without it — but the membership adds significant value.
Where to buy: $649 at Amazon.
Budget Indoor Bike: Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike
This is a straightforward indoor cycling machine — don’t expect built-in classes, a fan, a tablet or a tablet holder. But at under $300, it’s a dependable bike that’s both sturdy and smooth. Many users add a cadence sensor, tablet and an app to mimic a Peloton experience.
Where to buy: $288 at Amazon.
Bike with Accessories: Yosuda Indoor Cycling Bike
This quiet bike assembles easily (many people complete it in about an hour). It remains silent in use and includes common add-ons like a tablet stand, an LCD display and a bottle cage — features many riders attach to their stationary bikes. It’s a solid build and includes transport wheels for simple repositioning in your home gym.
Where to buy: $280 at Amazon.
Rower with Classes: Women’s Health Men’s Health Bluetooth Rower
This smooth rower features 14 resistance levels and tracks watts, calories, time and distance. For an additional $15, you can unlock trainer-led sessions and tailored plans via the MyCloudFit app, which enhances both strength and cardio training. The rower runs quietly and provides a comfortable seat. Assembly is required, but should take under an hour.
Where to buy: $425 at Amazon.
Low-Key Rower: Stamina ATS Air Rower
This dependable rower includes an LCD monitor, a three-year frame warranty and a one-year parts warranty. It’s not loaded with extras, but it’s robust, reliable and effective. It also folds for easy storage, making it a good choice for smaller spaces.
Where to buy: $325 at Amazon.
Versatile Elliptical: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Trainer
With 16 resistance levels, seven workout modes and 24 preset routines, this machine can make you feel like you have a full gym at home. It operates silently and offers a 16-inch stride, suitable for the average-height person (taller users may prefer a 20-inch stride). While it doesn’t fold, it does include wheels for easy movement.
Where to buy: $559 at Amazon.
Jordan Blake is a contributor to Savinly.
