What $100 Can Actually Buy You
For $100 or less you can build a starter home gym that covers full body strength training, cardio, and recovery. Here is exactly what to buy to get the maximum results from a $100 budget.
The Perfect $100 Starter Kit
- Resistance bands set: $14 — full body training covered
- Pull-up bar: $27 — best upper body exercise available
- Yoga mat: $25 — essential for floor work and stretching
- Foam roller: $37 — recovery tool used by professional athletes
- Total: $103 — a complete starter gym for virtually nothing
This $103 setup will give most beginners everything they need for 3-6 months of effective training. Resistance bands and a pull-up bar alone cover hundreds of exercises. Do not let a small budget stop you from starting.
The Single Best Purchase Under $20
If you can only buy one thing, buy resistance bands. At $14 for a set of 5 they are the most cost-effective fitness purchase available anywhere. They work every muscle group and have enough variety to keep you training for months.
Best Cardio Under $100
True cardio machines under $100 are generally too cheap to recommend. Instead use your resistance bands for high intensity circuits — they burn just as many calories as moderate cardio and build muscle at the same time.