Are you thinking of building a home gym on a budget? Let us help you! We have the best home gym equipment with all the know-how to create your dream fitness center – right in the comfort of your own home.
How to make a home gym with little time commitment – and little money!
Thinking of making a gym at home? A home gym definitely has its advantages:
Save time!
- No more driving to and from the gym several times per week
- No waiting in line to use workout equipment
- Work out when you want – any time, day or night
- Work out as many times as you want – up to 7 days per week
- Work out how you want – privacy, better music, no distractions, no sweaty machines
Save money!
- No gym membership fees
- No paying for classes and individual or group training sessions
- Save on gas traveling to the gym
- Great Return on Investment – the money spent on exercise equipment is made within years or even months
- Pay for what you need and nothing else – tailor the equipment to your personal needs and abilities
Build Your Home Gym on A Budget in 5 Steps!
1. SET YOUR FITNESS GOALS
In order for you to have the best home gym to fulfill your needs, you need to first set your fitness goals. Do you want to:
- Lose weight?
- Increase your endurance?
- Build muscle?
Or, simply maintain your current fitness level?
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2. SET YOUR BUDGET
Set the maximum amount you are willing to spend on your home gym and stick to your budget! Generally, most people spend the cost of one year’s gym membership for their family when starting a home gym. But, you can set your budget to whatever cost works for you.
3. CHOOSE THE SPACE
You can use a separate room for your home gym or you can build your home gym in the corner of a room. (An entire room is not necessary!) The amount of space you need and your budget will help you determine the type of exercise equipment you should buy. Just make sure your space has enough square footage to accommodate your exercise routine: jumping in place, weight lifting, aerobics, stretching, etc.
Test the size of the space:
Lie down with your hands over your head and your legs spread apart. Move your arms up and down along the floor as if you are making a snow angel. Then, stand up with your arms spread out. Move your arms up and down. Last, jump up and down with your arms lifted above your head. If you can perform all of these moves without touching the walls or ceiling, you have enough room to perform aerobic exercises.
If you are purchasing several pieces of gym equipment, you will obviously need a larger space. As a rule of thumb, treadmills, elliptical or stair climbers will require about 30 square feet. A multi-station gym necessitates anywhere between 50 to 200 square feet.
What exercise equipment do I need for my home gym?
4. CHOOSE THE BEST HOME GYM EQUIPMENT FOR YOUR FAMILY
The equipment you need depends on your fitness goals, your budget and availability of floor space. Ideally, you want to make sure to include devices that have features for all the important muscle groups – arms, shoulders, chest, back, abs, hips, buttocks, thighs, calves and hamstrings. (If you are on a limited budget, choose multifunctional machines, as these usually allow you to work out multiple groups of muscles at the same time.) Here are tips to help you narrow down your choices:
Start by getting an exercise mat or pad
An exercise mat will keep your muscles and joints adequately cushioned on a wood or carpeted floor. If your home gym is on a cement floor get heavier rubber padding.
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Purchase at least one item for cardiovascular fitness/conditioning
Select one or more to work on your cardiovascular fitness:
- Elliptical
- Treadmill
- Exercise Bike
- Rowing Machine
- Stairclimber
- Mini trampoline
- Jump rope
Choose one or two items to build your strength (think about the muscles you want to work most)
Select one or more to build strength:
- Bench Press
- Squat Rack
- Power Rack with Safety Pins
- Ab Machine
- All-in-One Machine (such as a Bowflex)
- Free Weights (barbells and dumbbells)
- Kettlebell and/or Medicine Ball (The kettlebell and medicine ball increase your core strength, overall flexibility, and provide a great cardiovascular workout.)
- Resistance Bands
Consider these miscellaneous Items:
If you get serious about weight lifting & strength training, you’ll probably end up needing some of these extras:
- Shoes
- Workout clothes
- Towels
- Dip Belt
- Foam Roller
You might also consider purchasing only two or three items to begin and then grow your gym as your fitness level increases. If you spend all of your money purchasing every piece of equipment at one time, you may later regret that you didn’t purchase something better suited to your needs.
Should I get new or used exercise equipment?
You can find excellent used exercise equipment at a fraction of the cost of new equipment, which means you can buy more. Let’s face it: the more equipment you have, the greater your chances of sticking with an exercise routine. You won’t get bored if you can rotate workouts and use a variety of equipment.
Also, consider that you will get a faster return on your investment if you purchase used items.
5. CREATE AN EXERCISE ROUTINE
When you have your space and you have your gear, concoct an activity routine and focus on it. Set explicit occasions. For instance: I am going to work out 45 minutes out of each day for 3 days out of each week. You should feel incredible about yourself as you focus on week after week exercises and begin to feel fit genuinely. In this way, feel free to start making your own special home exercise center. Get the entire family amped up for it and partake in it together.
To Your Health!
