Why go to the gym when you can get the same workout at home? Work out anytime you want, never have to leave the house, never have to wait for equipment and get as ripped as you like – all in the comfort of your crib. Home gyms are ideal. Only problem is you’re going to have to lift a heck of a lot of weights before you can pick up the check. Home gyms are expensive. But what if you found out that with just 6 pieces of equipment, you can put together a killer home gym for under $200 and still get ripped?

This list will count down the 6 essential pieces of equipment to build a perfect home gym, including their average costs and a list of all the exercises you can perform with them. And, as soon as you put the pieces together, the sweetest deal is that you won’t have to spend a dime on gym memberships again.

1.     25 lb. Dumbbells – $50

A gym is never equip without at least one pair of dumbbells. For guys, 25-30 lbs. is just perfect. For shoulder presses, triceps extensions and lateral raises, 25 lbs. is actually quite heavy. For chest presses, maybe not so much. Just increase the reps and you’ll be all set, excuse the pun.

Popular exercises:

-Dumbbell presses

-Shoulder presses

-Lateral raises

-Back Rows

-Lunges

-Triceps extensions

2.     Ab Wheel. – $10

Now here’s an exercise where if you have a stomach, you won’t feel it by the end of the workout. Using the Ab Wheel is very inexpensive, yet super effective. Always read the instructions and keep proper form or the money you save from the gym will be used for the chiropractor. Believe it, this exercise sculpts your abs so quickly, and builds core strength so efficiently, it’s an absolute must for a home gym.

3.     Balance Ball – $20

Yeah, ladies love this thing, but guys shouldn’t take it lightly. In fact, this ball can make big dudes feel like ladies. Performing exercises on the stability ball adds a whole new dimension to your game. It builds superb balance, brute strength and explosive power, which is why it is a definite add-on to a home gym.

Popular exercises:

-Crunches

-Chest presses with Dumbbells (that’s harder than you think)

-Torso Rotations

-Jackknife Knee Tuck.

-One leg squats.

4.     Resistance band set – $25-$40

Promoted by NFL star Terrell Owens, the resistance band is another underrated exercise device that you can get a terrific workout with. Unless Terrell Owens is too skinny for you.

Popular exercises:

-Arm curls

-Shoulder presses

-Resisted crunches

-Lateral Raises

5.     IronGym – $30

Possibly the first “As Seen on TV” exercise machine that actually works! This device is a heck of an addition to your gym, allowing you to do pull-ups above your bedroom door. Pull-ups are maybe the best exercise for your back and arms. Remember: Although the back isn’t a “show” muscle, we should NEVER neglect it. A strong back will improve just about EVERY other exercise you do, as well as give you a posture ladies can admire. This simple, inexpensive device is a must.

Popular exercises:

-Pull-ups

-Chin-ups

-Leg raises for abs

-Push-ups

-Sit-ups

6.     Apex Flat Bench – $40

Last but not least, you’re going to need a bench if you want a real home gym. You can find a new flat bench, or a used adjustable bench for approximately $40. It’s either that or the floor. You can do most of your dumbbell or barbell exercises on the bench.

If you put these together, you’ll have spent just under $200! And with these simple, cheap pieces of equipment, you can get the same workout as any gym and pay so much less in the long run. The great thing about it is that anytime you want to expand your home gym you can always add on another simple element.  For now, start pumping!