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fitness starter kitnew year home workout starter kit

Everything to start working out at home in the new year, from your first dumbbells to recovery gear.

12 picks3 categoriesevery pick researched ✓

Updated October 2026 · save to pinterest

top picks at a glance

Strength

4 picks
Dumbbells 7.5score
budget
essential #1 dumbbells

Amazon Basics Neoprene Dumbbell Set

best for: Absolute beginners

Light, grippy dumbbells for total beginners. You'll likely outgrow them, but they're a cheap start.

Weights
Light pairs (up to about 5 lb)
Coating
Neoprene
the good & the not-so-good
  • Cheap
  • Comfortable grip
  • Too light once you progress
~$25typical Compact
3 colors
Dumbbells 6.3score
splurge
nice to have

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells

best for: Getting serious about home strength training

One pair replaces 15 sets of dumbbells. Turn the dial to pick a weight from 5 to 52.5 lb.

Range
5–52.5 lb per dumbbell
Adjust
Dial
the good & the not-so-good
  • Replaces a whole rack
  • Quick weight changes
  • Expensive
  • Bulky to drop
~$430typical Large
Black only
Resistance bands 7.5score
budget
essential #1 resistance bands

Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Bands

best for: Workouts anywhere, even hotel rooms

Five resistance levels for glute, leg and warm-up work. Packs into a pocket.

Levels
5
the good & the not-so-good
  • Very cheap
  • Portable
  • Loop bands can roll up on thighs
~$12typical Compact
4 colors
Resistance bands 6.3score
budget
nice to have

WHATAFIT Resistance Band Kit

best for: Full-body workouts without weights

Tube bands with handles, ankle straps and a door anchor — a full-body gym in a bag.

Includes
Handles, ankle straps, door anchor
Warranty
2 years
the good & the not-so-good
  • Stackable resistance
  • 2-year warranty
  • Door anchor needs a sturdy door
~$30typical Compact
Black only

Cardio & mat

4 picks
Yoga mat 7.5score
budget
essential #1 yoga mat

Gaiam Essentials Yoga Mat

best for: Beginners and floor workouts

A thick, cushioned mat for floor work, stretching and yoga. Comes with a carry strap.

Thickness
10 mm
the good & the not-so-good
  • Cushioned for knees
  • Cheap
  • Too squishy for balance-heavy yoga
~$25typical Large
4 colors
Yoga mat 6.3score
splurge
nice to have

lululemon The Mat 5mm

best for: Regular yoga and pilates

Grippy even when you're sweaty, with enough cushion for knees. A mat you'll keep for years.

Thickness
5 mm
Top
Polyurethane grip layer
the good & the not-so-good
  • Excellent grip
  • Durable
  • Heavy to carry
  • Expensive
~$110typical Large
4 colors
Jump rope 6.8score
budget
nice to have

WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope

best for: Cardio without a machine

Adjustable speed rope for quick, sweaty cardio in a small space.

Length
Adjustable
the good & the not-so-good
  • Cheap, fast cardio
  • Fits in a drawer
  • Needs ceiling height
~$15typical Compact
3 colors
Suspension trainer 6.8score
mid
nice to have

TRX All-in-One Suspension Trainer

best for: Small spaces and travel

Straps that anchor to a door for hundreds of bodyweight exercises at every level.

Anchor
Door or overhead
the good & the not-so-good
  • Scales from beginner to advanced
  • Packs small
  • Learning curve for form
~$170typical Compact
Black only

Recovery & tracking

4 picks
Foam roller 6.8score
budget
essential

TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller

best for: Post-workout soreness

A firm, textured roller for working out sore muscles after training.

Length
13"
the good & the not-so-good
  • Firm and durable
  • Holds its shape
  • Intense for first-timers
~$37typical Standard
3 colors
Massage gun 8.1score often $50 off
splurge
nice to have

Theragun Mini (3rd Gen)

best for: Faster recovery between workouts

Pocket-size percussion massage for sore legs and tight shoulders.

Size
Ultra-portable
the good & the not-so-good
  • Small and quiet
  • Often on sale
  • Expensive at full price
~$180typical$220 Compact
3 colors
Smartwatch 6.8score
splurge
nice to have

Garmin Forerunner 165

best for: Staying motivated with stats

Tracks runs, workouts, sleep and recovery, and suggests daily workouts that adapt to you.

Battery
Up to 11 days
the good & the not-so-good
  • Adaptive daily workouts
  • Long battery life
  • Overkill if you don't run
~$250typical Compact
2 colors
Water bottle 7.7score often $7 off
budget
essential

Owala FreeSip 24 oz

best for: Staying hydrated

Sip or swig from the same leakproof lid. The gym bag essential.

Size
24 oz
Insulated
Yes
the good & the not-so-good
  • Leakproof in a bag
  • Keeps water cold
  • Lid has more parts to clean
~$30typical$35 Standard
5 colors

side by side

questions people ask

What equipment do I need to start working out at home?

A yoga mat, a set of resistance bands and a pair of dumbbells cover almost every beginner workout. Add a jump rope for cardio and a foam roller for recovery.

Are adjustable dumbbells worth it?

If you stick with strength training, yes. One adjustable pair replaces a whole rack and saves floor space. If you're just starting, light dumbbells or bands are a cheaper way to build the habit first.

How do I stick to a New Year's fitness goal?

Start small (three short workouts a week), schedule them like appointments, and track progress. Having gear ready at home removes the biggest excuse.

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