Short answer
Stage 1: a rack or squat stand with safeties, a barbell, plates and mats (or adjustable dumbbells and a bench in a small space). Stage 2: a bench upgrade, dumbbells and a kettlebell. Stage 3: cardio and extras. Buy used for plates, dumbbells, benches and racks; buy unused where wear hides inside, such as treadmill motors.
Spend here, save there
Budget priorities (our view)
| Spend on | Why | Save on | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rack safeties | They catch failed reps | Plates | Buy used iron |
| A straight bar | Every lift uses it | Dumbbells | Used fixed sets or one adjustable pair |
| A stable bench | Load over your body | Flooring | Stall mats instead of gym tiles |
| Thick mats where you lift | Protects floor and plates | Accessories | Add only what you miss |
The three stages
Start: the lifts that matter most
Rack or stand with safeties, bar, plates, collars, mats and a flat bench. In a small space: adjustable dumbbells, bench and pull-up bar.
Add: variety
Adjustable dumbbells or a kettlebell, bands, and an adjustable bench if you want incline work.
Full: cardio and comfort
One cardio machine, more plates, storage, and a heater or fan for the season.
The home gym builder sorts its list into these same stages for your space.
Buy used, in Utah
Steel and iron hold up second hand. Check KSL, Marketplace, Craigslist and university surplus and take the inspection checklist along. The University of Utah and Utah State University both sell surplus to the public (University of Utah, USU).
Skip for now
- All in one cable machines and leg machines.
- Specialty bars until a program calls for them.
- A rack of fixed dumbbells when one adjustable pair will do.
See squat stands with pull-up bars
Questions people ask
What is the cheapest way to start a home gym?
Used iron plates and dumbbells from local listings, a squat stand with spotter arms, and a basic bar. Rubber stall mats from a farm store are usually the cheapest thick floor per square foot.
Where should I not cut corners?
Safeties on the rack, a straight bar, and a stable bench. These carry load over your body.
Is it cheaper to buy a gym membership?
It depends on what you buy and how long you train at home. Price your stage 1 kit, compare it with a year of membership, and remember that steel gear resells well in Utah’s used market.
Sources
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. Store hours, listings and models change; call a store before you drive and follow the maker’s instructions for setup and weight limits.