Build strength, tone your body, and lose weight with the Best Home Exercise Equipment For Weight Loss. With no bulky machines, these simple, space-saving tools help you get real results at home.
If you’re a busy mom, the best home exercise equipment for weight loss isn’t big, bulky machines, it’s simple tools that help you build strength in minimal time.
Because real results don’t come from spending hours doing cardio… they come from consistent, effective strength training you can actually stick with (check out benefits of resistance training).
These are the few pieces of equipment that give you the most bang for your buck, helping you get stronger, boost metabolism, and feel better without overcomplicating your routine.
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What To Consider When Setting Up A Home Gym
Setting up a workout area at home means you have a lot to consider:
- Space
- Cost
- How often you will actually use it
This home exercise equipment takes that into consideration to give you the best bang for your buck on all accounts.
The Best Home Gym Equipment For Weight Loss
When it comes to weight loss, the goal is to get stronger and build muscle, not to just burn calories (check out these weight loss tips for women). Which is why this equipment focuses on strength training.
I am spoiled to have a full gym set up in my house (you can peek at a gym tour to check it out!)
But I didn't always have this home gym equipment, and most of my clients don't either.
The gym equipment below all have three things in common:
- Cheap: you don't need to spend more than $100-300 for gear
- Good for small spaces: not everyone has the floor space to store workout equipment. These pieces tuck away pretty easily.
- Easy to use: the choices are amazing for beginners or advanced fitness enthusiasts.
The best advice is to figure out what you're most comfortable with and start there. If you're overwhelmed by the equipment, it'll be hard to be consistent.
#1: Resistance Bands (Best For Beginners and Mobility)
Resistance bands are one of the best pieces of home exercise equipment, especially for beginners. They're:
- Inexpensive
- Take up almost no space
- Easy to travel with
- Versatile for full-body workouts
Not only are they inexpensive but they take up virtually no floor space and you can do so many exercises with them (here’s a upper body resistance bands workout with PDF!).
Which Bands To Get
- Strength band (not pilates bands): better tension for building strength
- Light band (yellow): great for arms and shoulders
- Mini bands (green): perfect for glutes and lower body
If you only get one thing, start with a mini band, it’s simple, effective, and super beginner-friendly. Check out these mini band exercises.
Why They Work
Resistance bands give you different tension levels so you can progress over time, helping you get stronger and see results without needing heavy weights.
Try these workouts:
Staples for anyone working out at home resistance bands provide tension at the hardest part of an exercise but they pack up light and are super cost-effective.
#2 Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a simple, powerful tool for full-body workouts at home.
They're
- Great for strength, fat loss, and power
- Versatile (can replace dumbbells or be used for circuits)
- Easy to use and hold
You don’t need much, start with one or two kettlebells (around 15–25 lbs) and build from there.
Kettlebell Workouts To Try:
#3 Dumbbells (Best For Strength and Fat Loss)
Strength training is one of the best ways to improve posture, build muscle, and lose weight.
The good news? You don’t need a full rack. Start simple:
- 15s or 20s
- Or even just one pair to begin
You can always use one dumbbell at a time, a one dumbbell workout is incredibly effective (and great for weight loss).
If you’re on a budget, grab a pair of 15s and go from there. Skip the adjustable plate sets, they’re bulky and slow you down. Basic hex dumbbells are your best bet.
And if you want a plan that shows you exactly how to use them, my 6 Weeks to STRONG program walks you through simple, effective workouts you can follow at home.
Dumbbell only workouts:
#4 TRX
My favorite equipment for at home! A truly great piece of compact exercise equipment.
TRX straps are compact, versatile, and can be set up almost anywhere, hang them from a beam or use a door anchor and you’re good to go.
- Full-body workouts
- Adjustable resistance (just change your angle)
- Low-impact and joint-friendly
- Great for core strength and stability
This makes them perfect for beginners, anyone with injuries, or moms looking to lose weight without high-impact training.
Because you’re working on an angle, your core is constantly engaged, which means more bang for your buck in every exercise.
Strengthen your entire body as a beginner or an elite athlete with these suspension straps.
Don’t forget to pin these awesome pieces of home gym equipment for weight loss!
What You Don't Need
You don’t need bulky machines like treadmills or a full home gym setup to see results. A few simple tools and consistent strength training will take you much further.
Resources To Help You Work Out At Home
Remember, if you want a plan that shows you exactly how to use them, my 6 Weeks to STRONG program walks you through simple, effective workouts you can follow at home (with only a set of dumbbells and a mini band!).
Home Exercise Equipment FAQs
Items like resistance bands, mini loops, and gymnastics rings are the best equipment for small spaces and to lose weight. They're compact and can be put away easily.
Exercise equipment like resistance bands, mini loops, a gym mat, and a set of dumbbells are all great options and take up little floor space. From there a skipping rope, TRX suspension straps, and kettlebells give great at-home workouts for weight loss as well.
The best gym equipment to lose weight is the one you'll use consistently! However, equipment like dumbbells, resistance bands, or kettlebells will be a better investment than things like an exercise bike or rowing machine in terms of long-term weight loss.
Jennifer says
What a great article! I don't have a lot of space for equipment, and I loved all your tips! I'm making a shopping list now!
Claire says
I have been following your blog since I had to stop going to the gym during isolation.
Man I feel like I have isolated or been at home with a child isolating for a very very long time! (5 kids and they never got it at the same time!)
Anyway, I started following you and trying some workouts, I have missed the gym a bit, but I am so happy with how much I can do at home and it has made me feel like I have more time.
But I was looking to progress my workouts so this is a great list
fitasamamabear says
I am so happy to hear all this (except the kids sick a lot haha story of my life and I've only got three!). Honestly, there is so much you can do at home and get wicked results, I'm happy I can help. If you have questions at all, don't hesitate to reach out!
Kim says
I love my resistance bands! I bought them because they were cheap but I didn't know what I would do with them. After having them for a while they are one of my goto pieces! Now you convinced me to try the kettleball too.
fitasamamabear says
Honestly you can do SOO much with bands! They're such a great "get started" piece of gear. But yes... give KB's a go! They're fun to play with lol
Sarah says
Thank you so much for this helpful information. It is so overwhelming all the possible equipment and I appreciate you keeping it simple.
fitasamamabear says
It's insanely overwhelming.. and expensive! And it totally doesn't need to be.
Deanna says
Love this article. Perfection! Yoy just took the stress out of my shopping for equipment, thank you!
fitasamamabear says
Happy to hear it Deanna!There's so many options out there it's nice to have it narrowed down 🙂