You will find plenty of approved substitutes that could transform into fitness equipment, likely already in your own home. From do-it-yourself dumbbells to resistance bands and even a workout bench, you can enjoy a great workout without visiting a gym. You can always buy new workout gear if your budget allows, but if you don’t have the room or quite frankly, you’re not sure you’ll use it again once you start going back to a gym – these items, that aren’t usually used for fitness, might be a good alternative.

To start doing a workout on a budget, you can use pantry items and other cleaning products as substitutes for dumbbells. You can use canned goods and a reusable bag to create whatever weight you desire. You can find cans that weigh in the 1-pound range. Although they’re not going to be heavy, they can help flex your muscles. You can do this by putting cans in a shopping bag, tote bag, or a plastic bag that you’re reusing.

A backpack would also be a good type of bag to use, as it is easy to grip and you can use it for various weights. Bookbags and backpacks are an excellent alternative since they have handles. You can use it with one or two hands, you can put it on your back as you would normally wear it, or you can place it on the front, so it’s like a weighted vest. Beyond the cans that can be put in a bag, here are some items to grab for weight increments of 1, 2, 5, 8, 10, 15 pounds, and even up to 20 pounds.

· For 1 lb., you can use a 16 oz water bottle (filled), one shoe (preferably a sneaker), one can of beans or soup, or three medium bananas, if you’ve got them.

· For 2 lbs., you can use one can of diced tomatoes, one pineapple, or one quart-sized recyclable milk/water carton (filled with water). You can also put two cans in a bag.

· For 5 lbs., use one standard bag of flour, one 2-liter bottle of soda (filled with water), or two quart-sized recyclable milk/water cartons (filled with water) in a bag.

· For 8 lbs., use 1-gallon milk/water jug (filled with water).

· For 10 lbs., use one large container of laundry detergent.

· For 15 lbs., you can use 1 gallon of paint.

· For 20 lbs., you still can use a backpack. Just fill up a regular-sized bag with assorted cans until you feel the desired weight.

When you want to lift heavier weights, it’s a good idea to fill a backpack with books and play a bit of a guessing game as to what the desired weight would feel like on your back.

The furniture you have in your space would be great to use for dead lifts. You can use a little bench for an easy dead lift by holding one end of it. You can also use the corner of your bed, or if you have a lighter couch, you could easily dead lift it.

For those who like to use a small workout ball during sweat sessions, it’s a good idea to use a circular pillow as it can provide the same result. Or, if you don’t have a pillow, roll up a towel and use that instead.

When you use alternatives to sliders, it will depend on whether you have a rug or hardwood floors. If you have a hardwood floor, use either a towel or paper plate. If you have carpet, it would be better to find some fuzzy socks.

You can also create a workout mat with different linens, blankets, and towels that you have around the house. Layering them depends on your floor and how much cushion your body needs. If your mat is thin, you may need to add a towel or blanket underneath. That way, you have the grip of the mat. If using extra sheets or blankets isn’t an option, you can lay the mat on a carpeted floor.

For some athletes who are on a tight budget and want to get fit, you can do it without going to the gym as there are many things in your home that you don’t usually realize, but they can be an excellent alternative to use on your workout.