Creating a home gym is an excellent project because it encourages regular exercise without leaving your house or paying for a costly gym membership. Many people also prefer home workouts to avoid the intimidation that can come with being a newbie at a gym.
If you’re considering setting up a home gym, take your time and think through a few important factors. Beyond your desire to exercise at home, you’ll need to consider the room you’ll use, the equipment you’ll invest in, and the kind of atmosphere you want to create.
To get you started, here’s a guide for building a home gym. According to CNBC, the average gym membership in the U.S. can cost up to $800 annually. So, a home gym can be a great alternative. It’s convenient, saves you travel time, adds value to your property, and lets you work toward your fitness goals from home. Despite the common belief that setting up a home gym is expensive and complicated, it can be affordable and straightforward with proper planning, budgeting, and understanding of your fitness needs.
A home gym is also a good investment for families, as it allows everyone to work out without spending thousands on memberships each year. The first step is choosing a space in your home for the gym. The room’s size will determine what kind of equipment you can get. Repurposing an unused room is a budget-friendly option. Many people choose storage rooms or garages. Garages are ideal since they typically have ample space and built-in storage solutions.
Once you choose your space, measure it to ensure your equipment will fit. Insulate the area to make it suitable for year-round use, and plan out the floor layout. Creating a motivating gym environment is crucial. You can add posters and décor that reflect your personality and goals. Good lighting and mirrors can enhance the atmosphere and help you maintain proper form during workouts.
Additionally, having a screen, DVD player, and stereo system can modernize your gym and provide entertainment or instructional videos. Music can also help you stay motivated. Protect your floors with foam, rubber, carpet tiles, or epoxy.
Next, you’ll need to buy equipment. Start by setting a budget to avoid overspending. Building a home gym typically costs between $1,000 to $3,000, according to Gym Crafter. Begin with basic, multifunctional equipment and add more costly items over time.
List your workouts to determine the equipment you need. For example, if you want to tone your thighs, a squat stand could be useful. If you enjoy running, a treadmill might be a worthwhile investment. Look for multifunctional gear to save money.
Source your equipment affordably. You can build some items yourself, buy new equipment from discount stores, or find second-hand gear on sites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay. Essential items include a barbell and plate set, a rack, a commercial bench, kettlebells, a skipping rope, and potentially a spin bike or treadmill. As your budget allows, you can add more equipment like a stability ball, ab wheeler, suspension trainer, dumbbells, and a punching bag.
Maintaining a clean gym is important, and a good shop vac can help with this. Overall, building a home gym is a worthy investment for your physical well-being. It’s affordable if you avoid buying unnecessary equipment and commit to uninterrupted workout time for real results.