I'm a fitness writer and these are the 20 items under $30 I would buy in the Amazon Big Deal Days sale if I were building a home gym from scratch

If you're just getting started, a set of 5lb dumbbells is a must. This pair from CAP ticks all my boxes: they are easy to grip, don't roll away and are rubber-coated so they won't mark your floors.

I'm a confessed kettlebell freak and love them for core workouts and to add weight to squats and lunges. In my opinion, a good kettlebell should be cast iron, with slim, easy-to-grip handles and a flat base. This 20lb 'bell from Marcy more than meets the brief.

My colleague wore a weighted vest for a month and rates it as a way to add challenge and intensity to your workouts. This one from CAP is comfy, well-padded and has a handy pocket for your phone.

Medicine balls are a great way to add challenge to a workout and are a favorite of trainer and fitness writer Maddy Biddulph, who uses them with clients to improve stability, core strength and balance.

This one is textured to make it easier to grip and can be used as a slam ball, too.

Even if you don’t own a barbell, grip plates are worth adding to your home gym. They’re more comfortable than dumbbells or kettlebells to use for Russian twists and weighted crunches!

You've heard of hex dumbbells (if not, scroll up); now meet the 12-sided dumbbell. With easy-to-grip, textured handles and flat sides to prevent rolling, this is a great choice for those wanting a heavier dumbbell to add to their collection.

Slam ball workouts are hard, but worth it, especially if you want to add some stress-busting to your day. The textured surface of this Spalding ball makes it easy to grip and gives plenty of purchase for throws.

If you've already got a Peloton bike, get the dumbbells to match and step up your cross-training workouts. Designed to be used both on and off the bike, you'll be able to match the instructor move for move.

Steps are a versatile addition to any home gym and this one from Tone Fitness can be easily adjusted to meet your needs. Plus, it offers a handy place to rest when your legs turn to jelly from one too many squats.

I am an ab-wheel convert after using one for a month and seeing a dramatic increase in my core strength.

Ab rollers offer an effective way to engage your core using just your bodyweight and momentum. If you don't like holding a plank, rollers add a fun way to spice things up.

My colleague tested this one from Vinsguir and loved it, ranking it as her best budget-friendly find.

We always recommend you buy resistance bands from a reputable brand like TRX rather than any old pseudo brand. Not sure how to use them? Have a look at this resistance band leg workout.

Your new home gym needs to be comfortable and you're going to want to protect your floors from sweat, scratching and spilled protein shakes. This exercise mat from CAP folds away neatly but provides a thick, comfortable workout surface when you need it.

If your dumbbell collection is starting to look a little messy, tidy it away with this dumbbell rack from CAP. A must-have for anyone who has stubbed their toe on a dumbbell one too many times.

Gaiam makes great, budget-friendly yoga equipment. The carry strap makes it super portable and the thick cushioning cradles your body in resting poses.

Another piece of equipment my personal trainer colleague swears by is the core slider. Sliders are simple, inexpensive tools that will give you an ab workout you won't forget in a hurry.

If you're addicted to Adidas, add the three stripes to your yoga practice with this grippy 6mm mat, a more suitable thickness for balancing poses. It comes in a range of cute colors and has a textured surface to keep you stable and slip-free.

If you've never tried a Pilates ball workout, you're in for a treat. These little balls can add extra resistance to make your workouts harder or offer support to help you access positions that might presently be too difficult. For under $10, this ball gives you an inexpensive way to upgrade your exercise routine.

If you prefer round sliders to the capsule-shaped set above, look no further than this set from BetterMe. With a range of colors available and 30% off all of them, you’re spoilt for choice.

Yoga straps can help you to access deeper stretches and support you with poses you find tricky. A must-have for every home yoga studio.

Yoga blocks can be useful for propping you up, supporting your joints and helping you to access some of those harder poses. If you can't reach the ground with your fingertips, try adding a yoga block to make the distance more manageable.