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Americans are spending more on health and wellness, research shows — and for some home gym enthusiasts, the cost can quickly climb into the thousands.
A September 2026 YouGov poll found that 31% of Americans are spending more on health and wellness than a year ago, while 20% expect to spend more in the coming year.
Meanwhile, a 2026 survey by Garage Gym Experiment, an online community for home fitness enthusiasts, found that 44% of respondents planned to spend at least $1,000 on their home gym this year.
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But building an effective home gym doesn’t have to break the bank, according to New York City-based fitness trainer Jacob Zemer.
The biggest waste of money in home gyms may not be particular equipment, he said, but rather anything that takes up a lot of space and is difficult to set up or use consistently.
Building an effective home gym doesn’t necessarily require breaking the bank, according to New York City-based fitness trainer Jacob Zemer. (Jacob Zemer)
Zemer spoke with Fox News Digital about the most cost-effective investments for working out at home — and which equipment might not offer enough value for money.
The 3 essentials of the home gym
“A lot of people think that building a home gym requires an elaborate setup, and that’s not the case,” Zemer said.
If someone is building a home gym from scratch, the fitness professional recommends starting with a few affordable pieces and adding equipment over time.
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“You can accomplish anything for each muscle group with just three things,” he said.
No. 1: Groups
Exercise bands are a good first investment, Zemer said, “simply because they’re incredibly affordable.”
They’re also very effective, he said, especially for those new to strength training.
Exercise bands are a good first investment, Zemer said, “simply because they’re incredibly affordable.” (Jacob Zemer)
“You can do whatever you need to do with these pieces of equipment – and you can travel with them, take them on a plane and to a hotel, which makes them very versatile,” Zemer said.
No. 2: Dumbbells
When choosing dumbbells, it’s important to consider the floor space they will take up, especially if the home gym is in a multi-use room, according to Zemer.
“With adjustable dumbbells, you can have a very small footprint. However, they are a little more expensive and some of them are slightly flimsy, so be aware of that,” he advised.
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Beginners should first focus on learning proper form and choosing a weight that makes the final reps difficult, according to Zemer.
Progress doesn’t always mean moving to heavier dumbbells, he noted.
When choosing dumbbells, it’s important to consider the floor space they will take up, especially if the home gym is in a multi-use room, according to Zemer. (Jacob Zemer)
“Pushing yourself doesn’t mean adding 20 pounds — it could mean doing an extra rep,” Zemer said. “You need to gradually get stronger, because your body will adapt to the stimulus you are using.”
Once it becomes easy to perform a high number of repetitions, it may be time to increase the weight.
No. 3: A bench
With some exercises, it can be limiting if you have to lie on the floor or stand, Zemer said.
“You can get a bench online at a very affordable price,” he said. “I would look for one that both declines and reclines, maybe even sits completely upright. This will give you a lot of versatility.”
For added versatility, Zemer suggests looking for a bench that both tilts and reclines, and perhaps even sits completely upright. (Jacob Zemer)
The biggest waste: equipment you won’t use
Before purchasing home gym equipment, Zemer recommends considering how much space it requires, how many exercises it supports, and whether it will be easy to use consistently.
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Equipment that is bulky or difficult to move, or requires too much setup, can end up becoming an expensive waste of money.
“The most important thing is that it is quick and easy to install, easy to grip and therefore more likely to be used,” he said. “The more setup it requires, the less likely you are to use it.”
Before purchasing home gym equipment, Zemer recommends considering how much space it requires, how many exercises it supports, and whether it will be easy to use consistently. (Jacob Zemer)
Zemer learned this lesson after purchasing lever arms, accessories that connect to a power stand and move up and down for exercises such as presses, rows and squats. The equipment was difficult to move, so he eventually sold it second-hand.
“The used sports equipment market is brutal, so if you buy something and don’t use it, the resale value is almost zero,” Zemer warned.
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He recommends prioritizing items that serve multiple purposes, rather than devices designed to target just one part of the body.
“I’m always looking for equipment that can do multiple things,” he said.
“Many people think that building a home gym requires an elaborate setup, and that’s not the case.”
Do you need cardio equipment?
Cardio equipment is not essential for everyone, according to the trainer, especially for those who are mobile.
Many people can also increase their heart rate through activities such as walking, running or strength training exercises performed at a faster pace, he said.
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For those who prefer a cardio machine, Zemer recommends choosing an option that is versatile and less likely to aggravate your knees or back, such as a stationary bike or ski erg (an indoor exercise machine that simulates the movement of cross-country skiing).
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