If you are someone that prefers to workout at home, enjoys functional fitness or has to trek a ways to the gym then building an at-home gym could be the best situation for you. The good news is that home gyms don’t have to be that expensive and they don’t really need to take up a lot of space. If you had any hesitations in the past to build a home gym, we suggest you read our tips on building the best workout space in your own home.
Figure Out Your budget
We are pretty confident that if you want a rack, some heavyweights to lift with barbells, add some TRX or rings then you can pull this off with roughly $1000. If you are looking to just have some dumbbells, a mat, some kettlebells and maybe a treadmill, then you can shoot a bit lower. It all really depends on what type of set up you want and go from there.
Consider Non-Brand Name Alternatives
Just like when you go to the grocery store you can find the exact same product packaged a little differently. The same goes for weightlifting equipment too. Take the time to shop around and really price things out. If you really aren’t in a real rush, then you can wait until things go on sale to purchase the item too, this will really save you a lot of money.
Shop Local
Another money saving tip is to shop locally. Weightlifting equipment is heavy which means shipping is costly. If you are already shopping non-brand names then chances are you will have a lot more options available to you locally. Check out local fitness shows for manufacturers and maybe even a local fitness facility is looking to get rid of some equipment while they are upgrading.
Check Out Craigslist
Everyone sells everything on Craiglist. I am always amazed every time I put something up on Craigslist for sale thinking that no one wants to buy it. Pop on there every so often or every day, you literally can find almost anything on Craigslist (and sometimes that is scary).
Use It
Now that you have an at home gym, don’t let it sit there and just collect dust–use it. Find some great programs online, crank up the jams and get to it. If you are someone that needs a bit more motivation, invite a friend to come over and workout with you. Hold yourself accountable by having an accountability partner.
At the end of the day, having an at home gym is really just a preference. At home gyms are totally for some people, but others want the sense of community from being part of a gym. Either way, as long as you stay active, eat healthily and are happy that is all that matters.
