Building a home gym is an awesome idea because it lets you work out regularly without leaving your house or paying for a pricy gym membership. Many people also prefer working out at home because they find gyms intimidating, especially when they’re just starting out.
If you’re thinking about setting up your own home gym, take your time and consider a few key things first. Not only do you need the drive to work out at home, but you also need to think about which room you’re going to use, the exercise equipment you want, and the kind of vibe you want to create.
With the average annual gym membership in America costing up to $800, building a home gym can save you money, time, and even add value to your property. Plus, it’ll help you achieve your fitness goals right at home.
Contrary to what many people think, creating a home gym doesn’t have to break the bank or get too complicated. You just need to understand your workout needs, budget wisely, plan properly, and know what equipment to buy. Follow these steps, and you won’t have any trouble setting up your home gym.
Building a home gym is also cost-effective if other family members want to work out too. Instead of paying separate membership fees for everyone, you can all use the home gym without spending thousands each year.
First, pick a space in your house to turn into a gym. This is crucial because the size of the room will determine what kind of exercise equipment you can get. Try using an unused room or your garage. Garages are usually ideal since they are spacious and have areas for storing equipment. Measure the space to ensure your gear fits perfectly. You’ll also need to insulate it for year-round use and map out a floor plan based on the room’s layout.
Creating a good gym atmosphere is key to staying motivated. Decorate with posters that help you visualize your goals, add personal touches like art, and make sure the lighting sets the right mood. Mirrors are also important as they help you check your form during exercises. Add a screen, DVD player, and stereo system to stream workout videos and play music, which can boost your motivation.
Don’t forget to protect your floors with foam, rubber, carpet tiles, or epoxy to prevent damage to the floor, equipment, and yourself.
Next, it’s time to buy and set up the equipment. But before you go on a shopping spree, set a budget. This helps ensure you don’t overspend and have enough money to complete your home gym. Typically, setting up a home gym costs between $1,000 to $3,000.
Start small and gradually add more advanced equipment. List your workouts so you can buy equipment tailored to your fitness needs. For instance, if you want to tone your thighs, invest in a squat stand.
Look for multifunctional gear to minimize costs. Check out off-price department stores, build DIY equipment, or buy second-hand gear from sites like Facebook Marketplace, LetGo, Craigslist, and eBay.
You don’t need a ton of equipment to start. A barbell and plate set, a rack, a sturdy bench, kettlebells, and a skipping rope can cover most of your workout needs. If you have the budget, consider adding a treadmill or spin bike. Over time, you can expand your gym with a stability ball, ab wheeler, suspension trainer, dumbbells, and a punching bag.
Keep your gym clean, and remember to set aside uninterrupted time for your workouts to see real results. Building a home gym is a great investment in your physical health and can be quite affordable if you avoid buying unnecessary equipment that you’ll never use.
