Best Home Gym Equipment Under £100
Fitness on a Shoestring
You have £100. What do you buy? Most people waste it on a cheap, wobbly bench or a single adjustable dumbbell. We've done the maths to get you the maximum gains for your pound. These 'bundles' (purchased as separate items) kill any excuses.
Viavito 20kg Black Cast Iron Dumbbell Set
- •Excellent grip
- •Trusted brand
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTP Microband+ Resistance Bands - Pack of 3 | £19.99 | Best Overall | 4.5/5 | Check Latest Price |
| Viavito Tri-Fold Exercise Mat with Handles | £25.00 | Great Value | 4.7/5 | Check Latest Price |
| Viavito 20kg Black Cast Iron Dumbbell Set | £39.00 | Great Value | 4.6/5 | Check Latest Price |
| York 2kg Vinyl Kettlebell | £4.99 | Great Value | 4.7/5 | Check Latest Price |
| Molten Stirrup Pump | £19.99 | Great Value | 4.6/5 | Check Latest Price |
1. PTP Microband+ Resistance Bands - Pack of 3
Pros
- Great value
- Trusted brand
- Versatile
- High quality
- Great value
Cons
- Premium investment
- Check dimensions
- Specific use case
Our Review
Dollar for dollar, these bands provide more exercise variety than any other tool. From assisted pull-ups to bicep curls, they add resistance in planes that gravity-based weights cannot, making them the smartest first purchase for any budget.
2. Viavito Tri-Fold Exercise Mat with Handles
Pros
- Comfortable
- Trusted brand
- Versatile
- High quality
- Great value
Cons
- Premium investment
- Check dimensions
- Specific use case
Our Review
Protecting your floor is cheaper than repairing it. This mat serves as a designated workout zone in a multi-use room, instantly transforming a lounge into a gym while offering essential cushioning for core work and kneeling exercises.
3. Viavito 20kg Black Cast Iron Dumbbell Set
Pros
- Excellent grip
- Trusted brand
- Versatile
- High quality
- Great value
Cons
- Premium investment
- Check dimensions
- Specific use case
Our Review
Cast iron lasts forever. This simple set provides enough load for a beginner to make linear strength gains for months. The standard 1-inch hole allows for cheap expansion plates later, making this a future-proof investment unlike fixed-weight plastic bells.
4. York 2kg Vinyl Kettlebell
Pros
- Great value
- Trusted brand
- Versatile
- High quality
- Great value
Cons
- Premium investment
- Check dimensions
- Specific use case
Our Review
A low-cost tool for learning movement mechanics. While too light for strength, its handle teaches the importance of grip and wrist position in the rack, laying the neurological foundation for heavier kettlebell work later.
5. Molten Stirrup Pump
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Space saving
- Versatile
- High quality
- Great value
Cons
- Premium investment
- Check dimensions
- Specific use case
Our Review
An often overlooked essential for stability balls and Bosu trainers. This robust stirrup pump moves significantly more air than hand-held needle pumps, ensuring your inflation equipment is actually firm enough to provide the intended instability challenge.
Buying Guide: Budget Home Gym
What to Look For
Compound Movement ROI: With £100, you need tools that hit multiple muscle groups. Adjustable Dumbbells or Kettlebells allow you to squat, press, and row. An 'Ab Roller' or 'Thigh Master' is a waste of your limited budget.
Durability vs Flash: Buy ugly but strong. A rusty second-hand cast iron weight is better than a brand new plastic one that will crack. Prioritise metal and rubber over plastic mechanisms.
Budget Allocation Strategy
The essential £100 shopping list:
1. Heavy Resistance (Dumbbell/Kettlebell): £40
2. Floor Protection (Mat): £20
3. Mobility/Warmup (Bands): £15
4. Cardio (Skipping Rope): £5
Save the remaining £20 for a future upgrade plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buying Cheap Cardio Machines: A £90 exercise bike will be jerky, unstable, and break in 3 months. For cardio on a budget, buy a skipping rope or just run outside. Spend your money on weights.
The 'All-in-One' Trap: Avoid cheap door-mounted multigyms. They are often flimsy and damage door frames. Simple, free weights are safer and effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the #1 essential?
A pair of adjustable dumbbells or a mixed set of <a href="/reviews/best-resistance-bands-uk-2026">resistance bands</a>. Resistance is key to changing your body shape.
Is cheap equipment safe?
Cheap weights (iron/sand) are safe. Cheap complex machines (benches/towers) are dangerous. Stick to simple tools where less can go wrong.
Used vs New?
Used iron is identical to new iron. Scour local marketplaces. You can often find a rusty weight set for £20 that works perfectly fine with a wire brush clean.
Cardio on a budget?
A jump rope costs £5 and burns more calories than a £2000 treadmill. Or simply go for a run outside. Don't waste budget on cheap steppers.
Floor protection?
Don't skip this. A cracked tile costs more than a £20 <a href="/reviews/best-exercise-mats-small-spaces-uk">mat</a>. Protect your home first.
Future proofing?
Buy 'standard' 1-inch diameter bars. This allows you to buy cheap plates from any brand later to add weight. Avoid proprietary 'fixed' sets that cannot expand.
DIY alternatives?
Backpacks filled with water bottles make great weighted vests. A robust coffee table can serve as a bench (check weight limit!).
Storage?
A simple £10 plastic storage crate keeps your bands, ropes, and small weights tidy. Equipment that is easy to get out is equipment that gets used.