Hey there!

So, I've been working out for 3 or so weeks and already feel that my limited gym equipment is prohibiting everything I want to do. I want more variation. Anyways, my current equipment is:

A gym standard cross trainer
A set of 20 kilo dumbbells[44 lbs]
A punch bag[boxing gloves and mitts]

Now, I'e got some money from my dad coming in at the start of July, and really want to begin to progress with more equipment? Bare in mind I can't afford that much[maybe $150 at a push] and was wondering what you think would be the best addition?

I guess the options are:

A big kettlebell[maybe 70lbs+]
A barbell[could use weights from dumbbells]
Additional weights for dumbbells[spose could be bought with the barbell]
A weights bench[some are quite cheap $70-80 and that's what I would get]

Any thoughts/what you think would be the next best thing are all appreciated.

Olympic barbells, olympic weights, weight cage or squat stands.

Do not buy cheap, you'll regret it later. Get a barbell and 2 45lb plates, you can get a bench/cage later as you save more money.

With these, you can learn to deadlift, clean, squat, and press which will take you further than an equivalent amount of weight in dumbbells or kettlebells.

Buy used. There is plenty of equipment for sale in excellent condition (most of the stuff is never even used...)

While olympic will definitely last you a lifetime, standard size stuff costs a lot less, and will give you plenty of room to progress.

With $150, I'd get a bench that could also work as a squat stand, a bar, and some big plates.

A Chin bar.....one that can be affixed to a solid support and will hold your bodyweight plus 100 lbs. at least. This will give you a safety margin for weighted chins.

A Dip station......same as above in sturdiness and strength.

An ordinary Bench....but strong and sturdy...preferably one with an adjustable back that goes to "upright"

A Squat/Dead rack......same as above for strength/sturdiness.


While Benchpressing is done by a lot of people, it isn't the only game in town. You can do dumbell benches if you like off an ordinary bench. But weighted pushups are great too. So something like a backpack that you can load up with weight and do pushups while wearing is good.

The Chin bar and dip station you can build yourself if you're any good with tools/know-how.

I built my own Dip-rack for 20 bucks (out of wood) and it will hold 300+ lbs easy.

I used chain/pipe/shackles and took advantage of the 16" centers on the basement floor joists to make a chin/bar. Total cost was about 15 bucks. I already had some pipe laying around (real strong pipe).

Buy some more used weights that will fit your Dumbells.

Later on find a long-bar to match those.

I'd stay away from the big kettlebell at this time.