Get fit without breaking the bank: affordable home fitness gear to kickstart your journey
The fitness industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few years, with the global Covid-19 pandemic acting as a major catalyst.
As gyms closed and social distancing became the norm, many people turned to home workouts as a solution to stay fit and healthy.
What began as a necessity has now evolved into a lifestyle choice, with millions embracing the convenience, flexibility and affordability of home fitness.
As we settle into 2025, many of us are revisiting our New Year's resolutions, with getting fit and staying active often topping the list.
January and February are the perfect months to refocus on healthier habits, and home fitness offers a practical and cost-effective way to achieve these goals, no matter your schedule or fitness level.
Here are some of the key reasons why home fitness is booming:
The popularity of home workouts continues to grow, and for good reason. According to a 2023 survey by Statista, 59% of global fitness enthusiasts reported exercising at home regularly, compared to just 37% pre-pandemic.
South Africans have embraced this trend wholeheartedly, with a growing number of people investing in workout gear, apps, and online classes to make staying active that much more accessible.
Convenience: No need to commute to a gym or adhere to strict schedules. You can work out on your own terms, whether that’s early in the morning, during your lunch break or late at night.
Affordability: Gym memberships can be expensive, especially when paired with travel costs. Home fitness equipment and apps often provide a more budget-friendly alternative.
Flexibility: From yoga to HIIT and strength training, the variety of workouts you can do at home is endless.
Privacy: For those who feel self-conscious in a gym environment, working out at home offers a safe, private space to focus on your health.
Affordable home fitness equipment to get you started
You don’t need an elaborate home gym set-up to start your fitness journey. In fact, some of the most effective workout tools are compact, versatile, and budget-friendly.
Five must-have items to consider when starting your fitness journey at home:
1. Walking pads
Perfect for South Africans working from home or spending long hours at a desk, walking pads are a compact way to stay active throughout the day. They’re ideal for integrating light movement into your routine without requiring much space.
2. Ankle weights
These small but mighty tools are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re doing leg lifts, donkey kicks, or even a casual walk around the house, ankle weights add resistance to your movements, helping you build strength and endurance.
Walking is a simple but effective activity with several health benefits, such as lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke, and osteoporosis.
Adding ankle weights to your walking regimen can further boost these benefits, but use them correctly to avoid injury.
3. Quad-core abdominal trainer
For those looking to level up their core workouts, an abdominal trainer is a game-changer. This device provides controlled resistance during rollouts and guided assistance on the return, making it effective for both beginners and advanced users.
4. Wooden wobble balance board
Balance boards are fantastic for improving stability, coordination, and core strength. They’re also a fun way to incorporate movement into your daily routine, whether you’re watching TV or taking a break from work.
5. Deep tissue massage gun
Recovery is just as important as the workout itself. A massage gun can help reduce muscle soreness, improve circulation, and promote relaxation after a tough session. It’s a worthy investment to keep your body feeling its best.
Home fitness isn’t just about convenience, it’s about creating a sustainable lifestyle. The beauty of working out at home is that it allows you to seamlessly integrate movement into your daily routine, making it easier to stick to your goals.
One of the greatest advantages of home fitness is its accessibility. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or working full-time, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. You can tailor your workouts to suit your lifestyle, fitness level, and budget.
Whether you’re aiming to lose weight, build strength, or simply feel more energised, home fitness provides an accessible and empowering way to achieve your goals.
Start small, stay consistent, and don’t forget to celebrate your progress along the way.