HOME TRAINING BUYING GUIDE
A beginner's home gym: three sensible first purchases
You do not need a room full of machines to train at home. In a small space, the priority is equipment that supports several exercises and lets you increase resistance as you progress.
Updated 20 September 2026
| Equipment | Strength | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Adjustable dumbbells | Many exercises and progressive loading | Higher initial cost |
| Resistance bands | Affordable and space-saving | Harder to compare resistance precisely |
| Kettlebell | Good for dynamic movements and carries | One weight does not cover everything |
Adjustable dumbbells
A good first weight purchase if you want to do presses, rows, squats, lunges and arm exercises without needing much storage space.
A price link is not available yet. Check the current price with your chosen retailer.
Resistance bands
If low cost and easy storage matter most, a resistance-band set is a straightforward start. Bands can also be useful later for warm-ups and accessory exercises.
A price link is not available yet. Check the current price with your chosen retailer.
Kettlebell
A kettlebell works well for swings, carries and dynamic movements. With a single weight, however, adjusting resistance is more limited than with adjustable dumbbells.
A price link is not available yet. Check the current price with your chosen retailer.
This is a general buying guide, not personalised training or health advice. Your choice depends on your goals, space and budget.
Choose one first purchase
If space is limited and you want to try home training at little cost, bands are a natural starting point. If you want several exercises and adjustable resistance, check a dumbbell set's weight range and whether the price includes a pair. If you specifically want kettlebell exercises, a kettlebell can serve that purpose well.
Measure storage and exercise space before buying. Buy the next item when you notice a limitation of the first one in use. See a buying order for a small home gym.