How To Build A Home Gym On A Budget
Key Takeaways
- Building a home gym doesnāt have to be expensive. Start by covering the basics and upgrade later on.
- Consider your budget and training goals, as well as how much space you have available. Powerlifting, for example, requires a different kind of equipment than CrossFit or functional training.
- Choose multifunctional pieces that can be used in more than one way. A power tower, for instance, allows you to do pull-ups, chin-ups, hanging leg raises, vertical knee raises, and dips.
- Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local garage sales are all great places to find used home gym equipment. With some luck, you could get a brand new bench, dumbbells, and other accessories for next to nothing.
- Opt for a set of adjustable dumbbells to save space. Combine weight lifting with suspension training or resistance band training and bodyweight exercises to get the most out of your home workouts.
Each year, Americans spend a whopping $1.8 billion on unused gym memberships. Roughly half of those who get a gym membership use it at least twice a week.
For most folks, itās only a matter of time until their motivation drops. Many times, even those who make it to the gym do it for the wrong reasons. Some use it as an excuse to binge on junk food, while others go there just to pick up dates.
The truth is, if youāre serious about making gains, you donāt even need a gym membership. From bodyweight exercises to TRX, home gym machines, and resistance band training, there are plenty of ways to get a heart-pounding workout at home.
Whether you have a spare room or just a small area in your bedroom, you can turn it into a home gym. This kind of setup doesnāt have to require a lot of money or space. For less than the cost of a yearly gym membership, you can get all the equipment you need to keep fit.
Putting together a home gym isnāt that difficult. What you need to consider is your budget, training goals, and how much space you have available. Here are some tips to help you out!
Set a Budget for Your Home Gym
Many pro athletes break a sweat at home when they canāt make it to the gym. NFL superstar Brian Orakpo, for example, spends at least two days a week in his home gym. His routine includes resistance band workouts, dumbbell training, stretching, treadmill running, and cycling.
Pro basketball player Tyson Chandler works out at home at least four times a week in the off-season. Ultramarathoner Michael Wardian starts every morning with stretching, bodyweight exercises, and yoga. Volleyball player Stafford Slick uses resistance bands for full-body workouts, stretching, and recovery.
The average person may not afford or need the same kind of equipment as an elite athlete. But you can still get an effective workout at home, regardless of your budget.
One option is to do bodyweight exercises. Weāre not talking just about push-ups and dips.
Depending on your fitness level, you can do box jumps, plank jacks, mountain climbers, pistol squats, and much more āsee our guide to bodyweight workouts for inspiration!
As far as home gym equipment goes, there are plenty of options for every budget. Brand new equipment is expensive, but you can buy used dumbbells, kettlebells, benches, and other stuff at a fraction of the price.
Determine how much you want to spend on your home gym. If youāre short on money, you can get the essentials at places like Wal-Mart or Target and upgrade later on.
Next, make a list of accessories based on the following criteria:
- Basic equipment, such as a fitness mat, dumbbells, and resistance bands
- Nice-to-have equipment like a gym bench, dip station, squat rack, and cardio machines
- Dream equipment, which may include a power cage, battle ropes, cross-trainers, and more
Cover the Basics
Start with the basics and take it from there. Think about your training goals and how much space you have. Obviously, if youāre looking to build mass, youāll need more than an exercise ball and a fitness mat.
Do you prefer cardio or strength training? What are you trying to achieve? Are there any specific exercises you canāt live without?
Ask yourself these questions before you start building your home gym. Consider the different home gym machines and accessories available, how they fit into your workouts, and how much space they require.
Letās see a few examples:
Strength Training Equipment
- Dumbbells ā ideally, choose a set of adjustable dumbbells
- Adjustable bench
- Multi-grip pull-up bar
- Resistance bands
- Exercise mat
Cardio Work
Depending on your budget, choose one or more of the following options:
- Stationary bike, spinning bike, or air bike
- Rowing machine
- Treadmill
- Elliptical trainer
- Step machine
Functional Fitness/Overall Conditioning
If youāre simply trying to keep fit, any of the above options will do. You may also consider the following accessories:
- Suspension training system
- Exercise balls
- BOSU balls
- Battle ropes
- Sled push
- Plyometric box
- Dip station
- Jump rope
āBasicā equipment means different things to different people. If, say, youāre into yoga or Pilates, you likely wonāt need a barbell or a rowing machine. A yoga mat, a foam block, and straps are more than enough.
Weight training, on the other hand, requires a set of adjustable dumbbells at the very least. If you have back pain or muscle aches, consider getting a foam roller too. Once youāve covered the basics, think about else you need for your home workouts.
Consider Nice-to-Have Equipment
Next, look for workout gear that could complement what you already have in your home gym.
Kettlebells, for instance, are not a must-have unless youāre into CrossFit. But they have some distinct advantages over dumbbells.
These accessories are ideal for explosive movements. According to a study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, kettlebell training may improve performance in weight training and powerlifting.
Most kettlebell exercises, like cleans, snatches, and swings, recruit all of the major muscle groups and build explosive power. At the same time, they skyrocket your heart rate and burn massive calories. This makes them ideal for both cardiovascular and strength workouts.
You may also want a barbell for heavy lifts like bench presses, back squats, and biceps curls. If you get one, youāll need a squat/bench rack and weight plates, so the costs will add up.
Unless youāre a powerlifter, you can use dumbbells for most exercises. Having a barbell would add some variety and allow you to go heavier, but itās not something you canāt live without.
Check out our guide to barbells versus dumbbells for mass and strength gains so you can make the right choice.
If you have enough space, get a few of these accessories too:
- TRX suspension system
- Battle rope
- Medicine ball
- Balance board
- Resistance bands in different strengths
- Dip station
- Punch bag
- Ab wheel
- Push-up bars
- Grippers
- Cardio machines
Suspension Training ā A Good Alternative to Weights
When it comes to functional training and core work, nothing can beat the good old TRX. Choose a different brand if youāre on a budget. The original TRX has a high price tag, but you can get a similar system for less.
What makes the TRX so great is its versatility. Suspension training systems take little space and can be used for hundreds of movements that would otherwise require dumbbells or barbells.
Here are some examples:
- TRX chest press
- TRX triceps press
- Clock press
- Pistol squats
- Low/high rows
- Hamstring curls
- Pike push-ups
- Inverted rows
- Biceps curls
- Reverse mountain climbers
- Glute bridges
- Single-leg burpees
- Squat jumps
Suspension training wonāt give you massive gains, but it helps build lean mass while improving your balance and coordination. Plus, it works your abs from every angle and puts less stress on the joints compared to weight training.
The downside is that it provides limited and imprecise levels of resistance, so thereās a limit to how big and strong youāre going to get. Our advice is to do what you can with a barbell or dumbbells and use a suspension trainer to fill the gaps.
The TRX is by means a must-have but rather something nice to have. If, say, youāre living in a studio apartment, this piece of equipment is totally worth it.
Upgrade Your Home Gym
Youāve probably seen those cool Instagram photos featuring home gyms equipped with power racks, climbing ropes, and high-end cardio machines. This kind of stuff is expensive and takes a lot of space.
Make sure you have realistic expectations. You may not be able to build the best home gym from day one, but you can do it over several months or years.
Perhaps youāll move to a bigger house or buy a garage two years from now on. Or youāll get promoted and get a raise. You never know what will happen next, so go ahead and plan for your dream equipment.
In the meantime, you can build a home gym on the cheap by investing in used gear. Focus on multifunctional pieces, like the TRX or adjustable dumbbells. Check out the following resources to get a good deal on used home gym equipment:
- Craigslist
- Facebook Marketplace
- eBay
- Amazon
- Garage sales
- LetGo
Each year, thousands of people buy dumbbells, elliptical trainers, and so on. Most of this equipment is only used for a month or two and eventually, it ends up collecting dust. Sometimes, itās listed for sale online at a fraction of the price ā you just need to know where to look for.
If you prefer brand new equipment, focus more on quality and less on the brand.
The Assault AirBike, for instance, is around $700, but you can get a mid-range product for less without compromising on quality. The Xebex Airmill Air Bike offers pretty much the same features but comes with a lower price tag.
Choose Multifunctional Pieces
Would you prefer to have five different sets of dumbbells or one set that allows you to easily change the weight used? Probably the second option is better as it requires less money and space.
Think about what your workouts look like. Are there any exercises you do regularly? If so, look for home gym equipment that you could use in different ways.
Take pull-up bars, for example. A basic model can only be used for pull-ups, chin-ups, and hanging leg raises.
A multi-grip pull-up bar, on the other hand, is more versatile and allows you to hit your muscles from all angles. Better yet, consider getting a dip station or a power tower with grips with pull-ups, dips, and other strength exercises.
Home gym machines are a great choice too. Some models allow for dozens of exercises, from preacher curl and triceps extensions to lat pull-downs, leg extensions, and chest flies.
This type of equipment was on the pricier side a few years ago, but now you get it for $300 or less.
The same goes for cardio machines. An air bike, for example, can replace an elliptical trainer, a stationary bike, and a spinning bike. It works both your upper and lower body while offering a heart-pounding workout.
Get Leaner and Stronger without Leaving Home
Nothing can replace the ambiance of an old-school gym, but you can build your own weightlifting heaven.
Forget about waiting in line to use the squat rack or driving miles to your favorite gym after work. Why waste time and money when you can get a mind-blowing workout without leaving home?
This doesnāt mean you stop going to the gym completely. Instead, use what you have at home to improve your form and maximize your workouts.
When you have a home gym, there are fewer distractions around. You can focus on each move without feeling rushed, try new exercises, and avoid unnecessary stress. Plus, youāre more likely to stick to your workouts, no matter how busy your schedule gets.
If you do decide to invest in the time, effort, and expense in a home gym, then consider also investing in the right supplements to maximize your results.
We recommend our Lean Muscle Stack to get you started right. It includes two of our Amazon #1 Best-Sellers in Vintage Burn the muscle-preserving fat burner, Vintage Blast our great-tasting two-stage pre-workout, and Vintage Brawn our famous triple protein isolate powder that should be a staple for anyone looking to gain fitness results.
Not sure where to start? Check out our guide on how to create a workout plan and take it from there. As far as gym equipment goes, buy what you need and skip the extras.
Is there anything else youād add to our list? Perhaps you have a favorite gym machine thatās just perfect for at-home workouts? Share your thoughts below!