Fifty quid sounds like nothing when you’re looking at gym equipment, but I’ve been buying fitness kit on a budget for the better part of a decade and I can tell you: it’s genuinely enough to start. Not enough to recreate a full gym, obviously. But enough to get strong, get fit, and actually see results — if you spend it on the right things.
I’ve wasted money on plenty of wrong things too, which is probably more useful to you. The ab roller that lived under the bed for three years. The adjustable dumbbells with a locking mechanism that snapped inside a month. The yoga mat so thin my knees still bear a grudge. So this is the honest guide: what to prioritise, what to skip, and where to get the best deals.
Prices checked May 2026.
The £50 Starter Pack (If You Buy Everything)
Here’s what I’d recommend if you’re starting completely from scratch:
Priority 1: Resistance Bands Set – £12-18
Priority 2: Yoga Mat – £12-20
Priority 3: Skipping Rope – £5-10
Priority 4: Single Kettlebell or Pair of Light Dumbbells – £10-15
Total: £39-63 (adjust based on what you prioritise)
This gives you everything you need for strength training, cardio, stretching, and flexibility. You can do full-body workouts with just this kit.
The Equipment Breakdown
1. Resistance Bands (MUST HAVE)
Cost: £10-20 for a good set
Why they’re brilliant: Ridiculously versatile, take up zero space, perfect for all fitness levels, work every muscle group
What to look for:
- Set of 3-5 bands with different resistances
- Loop bands (also called booty bands) or long bands with handles
- Decent quality fabric or rubber (not the really thin ones that snap)
Where to buy:
- Decathlon: Their own-brand sets are about £12-15 and really good quality
- Amazon: Loads of options around £10-18. Read reviews carefully
- TK Maxx: Sometimes have brilliant deals on branded sets for £8-12
- Argos: Usually around £15-20
What you can do with them:
- Squats, lunges, glute bridges
- Chest press, rows, shoulder press
- Bicep curls, tricep extensions
- Core work
- Literally hundreds of exercises
My pick: Decathlon resistance bands set (about £12). Reliable, decent quality, won’t snap on you.
Avoid: Really cheap sets from random Amazon sellers that smell weird and break immediately.
2. Yoga Mat (MUST HAVE)
Cost: £10-25
Why you need it: Protects your floor, makes floor exercises comfortable, and defines your workout space
What to look for:
- At least 6mm thick (thinner ones are rubbish for exercises)
- Non-slip surface
- Easy to clean
- Long enough for your height
Where to buy:
- TK Maxx: This is THE place. Often have £40 mats for £12-15
- Decathlon: Around £10-15 for basic ones, £20-25 for better quality
- Amazon: Huge range, but quality varies massively
- Aldi/Lidl: When they do their fitness events (usually Jan/Feb), mats for about £8
What you can do with it:
- Floor exercises (abs, planks, press-ups)
- Yoga and stretching
- Defines your workout space psychologically
- Protects your knees and back during exercises
My pick: TK Maxx, without question. I’ve bought three yoga mats there over the years — two were clearly branded mats (one Gaiam, one I didn’t recognise but was very clearly quality) that I paid about £14 each for. Stock is random and you can’t search online, but every time I’ve been in recently there’s been at least one decent mat in the fitness section. If TK Maxx hasn’t got anything, Decathlon’s basic mats at £10-15 are solid.
Avoid: Really thin mats (under 4mm) – they’re useless and your knees will hate you.
3. Skipping Rope (CHEAP CARDIO)
Cost: £5-12
Why it’s brilliant: Best value cardio equipment ever. Burns loads of calories, improves coordination, and fits in a drawer
What to look for:
- Adjustable length
- Comfortable handles
- Speed rope (lightweight) rather than a weighted rope for beginners
Where to buy:
- Decathlon: About £5-8
- Amazon: Loads of options around £6-10
- Sports Direct: Sometimes in the sale section for under £5
- Local sports shop: Often have basic ones for £5-7
What you can do with it:
- Cardio workouts (10-20 minutes is plenty)
- HIIT intervals
- Warm-ups before strength training
- Active recovery between sets
My pick: Any basic adjustable rope from Decathlon or Amazon for under £10.
Avoid: Really cheap kids’ ropes that are too short and tangle constantly.
4. Kettlebell or Dumbbells (ADD WEIGHT)
Cost: £10-20 for a single kettlebell or light dumbbells
Why they’re useful: Adds resistance for building strength, and are more challenging than bodyweight alone
Kettlebell options:
- 8kg for complete beginners
- 12kg for those with some fitness
- 16kg if you’re already reasonably strong
Dumbbell options:
- 2-3kg pair for complete beginners
- 5kg pair for moderate fitness
- 8kg pair if you’re stronger
Where to buy:
- Argos: Kettlebells around £12-18, depending on weight
- Sports Direct: Often have sales, can get bargains
- Amazon: Wide range, prices vary
- Facebook Marketplace/Gumtree: Brilliant for second-hand weights (they don’t wear out!)
What you can do with them:
- Goblet squats, lunges
- Shoulder press, rows
- Swings (kettlebells)
- Deadlifts
- Loads of core work
My pick: Marketplace, genuinely. My current 12kg kettlebell cost £8. It’s ten years old, solid cast iron, and I’ve never had a single issue with it. The woman I bought it from had bought three different kettlebells, decided she hated them, and was practically paying me to take them. First two weeks of February are peak time — all the failed New Year’s resolutions start appearing. Set up an alert and be ready to collect quickly.
Reality check: With £50 budget, you might need to choose between multiple light weights OR one heavier weight. Start with bands and bodyweight, add weights later if budget allows.
The “Choose Your Own Adventure” Approach
You don’t have to buy everything. Prioritise based on your goals:
Option A: Strength Focus (£50 budget)
- Resistance band set: £15
- Pair of 5kg dumbbells: £15-20
- Yoga mat: £12-15
- Total: £42-50
Option B: Cardio + Flexibility (£50 budget)
- Skipping rope: £8
- Resistance band set: £15
- Yoga mat: £15
- Single 8-12kg kettlebell: £12-15 (for swings)
- Total: £50-53
Option C: Absolute Basics (£30-35)
- Resistance band set: £12-15
- Yoga mat: £12-15
- Skipping rope: £6-8
- Total: £30-38
- Money left: £12-20 to save for weights later
Extra Kit If You’ve Got Budget Left
Doorway Pull-Up Bar (£15-25)
Brilliant if you have suitable doorframes. Check your rental agreement first.
Where to buy: Amazon, Argos
What it does: Back and arm exercises are amazing for building strength
Warning: Not all doorframes are suitable. Check the weight limit and frame type.
Ab Wheel (£8-12)
Looks simple, brutally effective for core strength.
Where to buy: Amazon, Argos, Sports Direct
Foam Roller (£10-20)
Great for recovery and easing muscle soreness.
Where to buy: Decathlon (cheapest), TK Maxx for bargains
Ankle Weights (£8-15)
Add resistance to leg exercises and walking.
Where to buy: Argos, Amazon, Sports Direct
What NOT to Buy with a Limited Budget
Cheap adjustable dumbbells under £30 – They’re usually rubbish and break quickly
Vibrating ab belts or similar gadgets – Waste of money, don’t work
Expensive workout clothes – Primark or old clothes work fine
Protein shakers with fancy compartments – A £2 bottle from Poundland does the job
Fitness trackers – Nice to have, not necessary. Your phone works fine
Expensive supplements – Focus on equipment and food first
Where to Find the Best Deals
Physical Stores
TK Maxx – My absolute favourite for bargains. Yoga mats, resistance bands, and accessories were massively reduced. Stock varies so check regularly.
Decathlon – Consistently good value. Their own-brand stuff is decent quality.
Argos – Regular sales, especially in January and the summer. Reserve online, collect same day.
Aldi/Lidl – Special fitness events a few times a year. Bargains but limited stock.
Sports Direct – Check the sale section online. Sometimes brilliant deals.
Online Options
Amazon – Huge range, but quality varies. Always read recent reviews. Watch for fake reviews (lots of 5-stars with generic comments).
eBay – Good for specific items. Watch postage costs on heavy items like weights.
Facebook Marketplace – Goldmine for second-hand equipment. Weights, benches, all sorts. People give up on fitness goals constantly (their loss, your gain).
Gumtree – Similar to Marketplace, worth checking both.
Timing Your Purchases
Best times to buy:
- January – New Year sales, plus people selling barely-used equipment from failed resolutions
- September – Students moving, selling their stuff
- Black Friday – Some genuine deals (lots of fake ones too, check price history)
- Summer – People going on holiday, clearing space
Second-hand goldmine times:
- First two weeks of February (failed New Year resolutions)
- September (house moves for uni/schools)
- End of December (making space for Christmas)
Making Your Budget Stretch Further
Go Second-Hand First
Weights don’t wear out. A 10kg dumbbell from 1985 works exactly the same as one from 2025. Check:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Gumtree
- Local Facebook selling groups
- Gym closing-down sales
DIY Some Equipment
- Water bottles or milk jugs = free weights
- Backpack filled with books = weighted vest
- Stairs = free cardio equipment
- Chairs = step-ups and tricep dips
Full guide: DIY Gym Equipment: British Household Items You Can Use
Share Costs
Got a friend also wanting to start? Split costs on heavier equipment you can share or take turns with.
Sell What Doesn’t Work
If you try something and don’t like it, sell it on. Fitness equipment holds value reasonably well.
Sample Workouts with Budget Equipment
Full Body (Bands + Mat)
- Banded squats: 3 sets x 15 reps
- Press-ups: 3 sets x 10-15 reps
- Banded rows: 3 sets x 12 reps
- Plank: 3 sets x 30-60 seconds
- Glute bridges: 3 sets x 15 reps
Cardio Blast (Rope + Mat)
- Skipping: 1 minute
- Burpees: 30 seconds
- Mountain climbers: 30 seconds
- Rest: 30 seconds
- Repeat 5-8 rounds
Strength Focus (Kettlebell + Bands)
- Goblet squats: 3 sets x 12 reps
- Kettlebell swings: 3 sets x 15 reps
- Banded chest press: 3 sets x 12 reps
- Kettlebell rows: 3 sets x 10 each side
- Ab work: 3 sets x 30 seconds each
The honest bit
Budget kit has one real limitation, and it’s not quality — it’s that you eventually outgrow it. Resistance bands plateau, light dumbbells stop being challenging, and at some point you’ll want more. But that’s a problem for future you, ideally six months from now after you’ve actually built a habit.
For now? A £12 band set and a £14 yoga mat from TK Maxx will work you just as hard as anything you’d find in a fancy gym if you’re actually putting the effort in. The people I know who’ve genuinely got fit at home didn’t have expensive equipment. They had a corner of a room and enough stubbornness to use it.
The Bottom Line
For under £50, get:
- Resistance bands (priority 1)
- Yoga mat (priority 2)
- Skipping rope (if budget allows)
- One kettlebell or light dumbbells (if budget allows)
This gives you everything needed for a proper home workout routine. No excuses, no waiting for more money, just get started with what you can afford now.
The best home gym is the one you actually use. Start small, stay consistent, and upgrade later if you want to.
Right. That’s the whole list. Start with the bands, grab a mat, and come back for a kettlebell when you’ve proved to yourself you’ll actually use it. x
What budget equipment do you swear by? Any bargains you’ve found? Drop a comment below! x
Backk to Complete Guide to Building a Home Gym in the UK on a Budget