You don't need a full commercial gym to train effectively at home. Whether you've got a spare room, a garage, or just a corner of your living room, here's exactly what you need at three different budget levels.
Tier 1: The Essentials ($100 – $150)
Perfect for bodyweight conditioning, shadow boxing, and basic striking practice. Zero installation, zero permanent setup.
The kit:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Skipping rope | $25 |
| Boxing gloves (12oz) — GoodNYT or SKS | $59 – $89 |
| Hand wraps | $15 |
| Yoga mat | $20 |
| Glove deodorisers (GoodNYT) | $12 |
| **Total** | **~$130 – $160** |
With this setup you can do full-body conditioning circuits, shadow boxing rounds, skipping intervals, and stretching. Add YouTube follow-along workouts and you've got a solid home routine. The GoodNYT gloves and deodorisers keep your gear from stinking up your living room — worth every cent.
What Most Beginners Get Wrong (Budget Tier)
Buying the cheapest gloves on eBay instead of proper training gloves. A $30 pair from a department store won't protect your hands and will fall apart in weeks. Spend the extra $30—your wrists will thank you. GoodNYT and SKS are budget-friendly ranges built for actual training, not costume parties.
Tier 2: The Fighter's Garage ($500 – $600)
For anyone who wants to hit things. This setup adds a heavy bag — the single biggest upgrade you can make.
The kit:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Heavy bag (40kg) | $150 – $200 |
| Bag stand or wall mount | $100 – $150 |
| Boxing gloves (16oz) | $120 – $150 |
| Hand wraps (x2) | $25 |
| Skipping rope | $25 |
| Gym mats (2x2m) | $50 |
| Timer app (free) | $0 |
| **Total** | **~$470 – $600** |
Setup tips:
• Ceiling joist mount is cheaper and more stable than a freestanding stand
• Put mats under the bag — you will sweat
• Hang the bag so the bottom is at chest-to-navel height (higher for striking, lower if you're kicking)
Tier 3: The Full Dojo ($1000+)
Full striking and grappling capability. This is a legitimate home training space.
The kit:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Heavy bag + stand/mount | $350 |
| Grappling dummy or second bag | $200 – $400 |
| Gym mats (full floor, 3x3m) | $150 – $200 |
| Boxing gloves — training + sparring pair | $200 |
| Muay Thai gloves | $130 |
| Shin guards | $100 |
| Skipping rope, timer, wraps | $50 |
| Mirror (second-hand) | $50 |
| **Total** | **~$1,200 – $1,500** |
Space requirement: Minimum 3m x 3m. Garage, spare bedroom, or shed is ideal.
What You Can Skip
• Speed bag — fun but limited use for MMA. Get a double-end bag instead.
• Fancy flooring — gym mats from Bunnings work fine. Nobody cares what your floor looks like on Instagram.
• Cage/ring — unless you're running a gym, don't bother.
• Cheap eBay gloves — they'll disintegrate. GoodNYT and SKS gloves start at $59 and actually protect your hands.
Start small. Add one piece at a time. The heavy bag is the single best investment — everything else is supplemental. A $150 bag and a pair of SKS gloves beats a $1,000 setup you never use.