How to Build a Killer Home Gym for Under £200
Inflation-Busting Fitness
Building a home gym doesn't mean spending thousands. With £200, you can build a setup that covers every muscle group and allows for years of progression. The trick is avoiding 'uni-taskers' (machines that do one thing) and investing in versatile free weights.
We have scoured the UK market to find the best value equipment available right now. Here is exactly how we would spend £200 today for maximum results.
The £200 Shopping List
We've price-checked this against current UK retailers (Amazon, Argos, Decathlon).
| Item | Target Price | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Adjustable Dumbbells (20kg Set) | £50-60 | Your primary tool for strength. Cast iron preferred. |
| Door Pull-Up Bar | £15-20 | Essential for back development. |
| Resistance Bands (Tube Set) | £20-25 | Adds cable-like exercises (face pulls, flys). |
| Flat Weight Bench | £60-70 | Unlocks bench press, rows, and seated shoulder work. |
| Floor Mats (4 pack) | £15-20 | Protects your deposit/floor. |
| TOTAL | £160-195 | Mission Accomplished. |
Where to Shop (UK Strategy)
1. Decathlon (The Value King)
Their 'Domyos' brand cast iron gym equipment is unbeatable for price per kg. Their metal plates are standard 28mm (check this matches your bars!). They also offer a 365-day return policy which is incredible.
2. Argos (Convenience)
Great for 'Opti' brand vinyl weights sets (cheaper but bulkier) and Men's Health brand benches. Same-day collection is a huge plus if you want to start 'today'.
3. Amazon (Selection)
Best for resistance bands and pull-up bars where brand matters less. Check reviews for 'snapping' bands. Look for 'Amazon Basin' items for good functionality at low cost.
What We Sacrificed (And Why)
- The Barbell: A good barbell costs £150 alone. Dumbbells are safer and cheaper for solo training. You can still squat and deadlift with dumbbells.
- Cardio Machines: A £200 treadmill is a clothes horse waiting to break. Run outside or buy a £5 skipping rope. It handles better than a cheap treadmill motor.
- Adjustable Bench: A good flat bench is better than a dangerous adjustable bench at this price point. Incline movements can be done by propping the bench on plates (carefully!).
DIY Alternatives to Save Cash
The 'Milk jug' Kettlebell
Fill a 4-pint milk jug with sand or water. The handle works for lateral raises and Russian twists. Cost: Free.
The 'Backpack' Ruck
Fill an old backpack with books or water bottles. Weigh it. Wear it for push-ups, squats, or walking lunges. Instant weighted vest.
Towel Sliders
On laminate floors, put a towel under your feet. Assume plank position. Slide feet in and out. Instant 'Glider' core workout.
The £200 Full Body Workout
Now you have the kit, here is the routine. Do this 3x per week.
- Lower Body: Goblet Squats (Dumbbell) 3x12, Reverse Lunges 3x10/leg, Romanian Deadlifts (Dumbbells) 3x15.
- Push: Flat Dumbbell Bench Press 3x12, Overhead Press (Standing) 3x10, Push-Ups (Weighted with band around back) 3xFailure.
- Pull: Pull-Ups (or Band Assisted) 3xMax, Single Arm Dumbbell Rows 3x12, Face Pulls (Bands) 3x20.
- Core: Hanging Knee Raises 3x15, Russian Twists (with Dumbbell) 3x20.
The Upgrade Path (Next £50)
Got another £50 next month? Buy this:
- Heavier Plates (£30): Buy two 5kg cast iron plates to add to your dumbbells.
- Dip Belt (£20): Hang dumbbells from your waist to make pull-ups harder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are vinyl weights okay?
For beginners, yes. They are bulky (hard to fit 4 on a bar) and can crack if dropped, but they weigh the same as iron. Just don't drop them on concrete.
What if I can't do a pull-up?
Use the resistance bands to assist you. Loop a band over the bar and put your foot in it. This acts as a counter-weight.
Can I build muscle with just dumbbells?
100%. Your muscles only know tension, they don't know if you're holding a £2000 barbell or a £20 dumbbell. Hypertrophy requires fatigue, not specific tools.
Is this better than a cheap multi-gym?
Yes. Cheap multi-gyms have friction in the cables and limit your range of motion. Free weights force you to stabilize the load, building real strength.
Do I need a rack?
Not for dumbbells. If you upgrade to a barbell later, yes. But for this setup, the floor is your rack.