How to build a home gym on a budget
If you are looking want an incredibly convenient way to exercise at any hour, on any day you feel like, I will show you how to build a home gym that you can depend on 24/7/365.
Whether you are building your home gym on a budget or not, there’s equipment that you can strategically buy to use for different workouts.
I have a gym membership but prefer working out in my home gym because I don’t have to worry about wiping someone else’s sweat off a machine or having to wait for equipment to be free before I can use it.
Home gym vs gym membership
Another thing that you will come to appreciate about building your home gym is the flexibility that it offers you. You won’t have to build your life around a gym’s trading hours, you get to workout whenever you want.
As we know, life can get quite unpredictable. Things requiring your urgent attention will suddenly pop up at a time when you need to be at the gym, and leave you skipping the workout entirely.
You probably know lots of people who have a gym membership but don’t make use of it because they are always busy or simply intimidated by the gym environment.
READ: How to workout at home + best home gym workout plan
Others can’t just afford gym membership fees that are often tied to hard-to get-out-of, terms, and conditions.
Whatever your reasons for building a home gym, your home gym will allow you to exercise in your own space, at your own pace, without worrying about the gym’s working hours, clashing with your unexpected responsibilities.
An extra bonus about building a home gym is that you will have the freedom to exercise in your underwear or cotton socks only if you wish to (and if you can pull it off).
*This post may include affiliate links. You can read the full disclosure here
How to build a home gym so that you can workout in your underwear
Related post: WORKOUT MOTIVATION TIPS- HOW TO MOTIVATE YOURSELF TO WORKOUT
Essential equipment for a friendly home gym
Before we get into it, you must remember that it requires discipline to workout consistently from home.
I know you are itching to know how to build a home gym on a tight budget, but I would like to also give you a few very important tips that will ensure that your home gym equipment doesn’t end up just collecting dust in your house.
Home gym tips
Essential reading:
Summer Workout Plan – Your Ultimate Bikini Body Workout Challenge
Printable Health and Fitness Planner to Help You Smash Your Goals
Having clear cut reasons and goals of what and why you want to achieve anything in life is key to success. You have heard this before I know.
I am here to tell you that even with fitness and working out from the comfort of your home, your goals should be clearly defined.
What is your fitness goal?
Before you splurge on any equipment follow these home gym tips and figure out what your ultimate goal to training will be. That will determine what sort of fitness tools you should have in your gym.
If you want to build muscle, then you will need a stack of dumbbells, weight plates and barbells.
If your focus is cardio, then stuff like jump ropes, kettlebells, treadmill etc., is what you should spend your money on.
What is your budget?
Building a home gym on a budget doesn’t need a lot of money, but, you will still need some money to set up your gym.
How much are you willing to spend to get started? You may not afford to buy all the equipment at once, depending on the cash flow but, allocating a budget to building the home gym within a specific period, will help you get there faster.
You might like:
How to lose weight on a budget in 7 simple steps
Home gym tip- How much space do you have?
I have seen some home gym setup ideas that make use of very little space. My first ever home gym set up a few years back was a small area in my living room. In that space, I had 3 sets of dumbbells, resistance bands, a kettlebell and a jump rope.
At this point, I should say that I lost over 44 pounds and I honestly feel that that is one of the best home gym equipment that you can start with whatever amount of space you have.
You can check how I lost weight here
My home gym looks different today. I have moved from how to build a home gym to set up a garage gym. The photo below is how my garage gym looks like now.
But, I digress. What I am saying to you is that taking note of how much space you have available, is a great way to help you figure out the size of home gym equipment you should be eyeing.
How to build a home gym on a budget
If you are struggling to find the motivation to workout, read this post for some of that fitspiration.
Best home gym equipment that won’t break the bank
1. Resistance bands
Resistance bands are a must-have for any home gym because not only are they affordable, they are also very portable and great for a full body strength workout.
There are lots of exercises that you can do with resistance bands, and depending on your fitness level you can switch bands to suit the level of resistance you want.
Be careful not to buy resistance bands made out of cheap material that may eventually snap in your face. I have had this happen to me.
I recommend the anti-snap Bodylastics Stackable max tension resistance bands which are of high quality.
2. A jump rope- cheap exercise equipment that works
A skipping or jump rope is the most affordable body conditioning tool that you will ever buy and invest in your home gym.
A jump rope also happens to be one of the very effective when it comes to torching calories. Depending on your skipping pace, you can set your own level of intensity ranging from low to medium to high.
I have a very basic jump rope and it cost me less than $5 but it does what I need it to do, and so will yours.
You can always buy the fancy ones available on the market if you are so inclined. The King Athletic Jump Rope is long-lasting and can be adjusted to the desired length.
3. Kettlebells
My favourite moves to do with a kettlebell are the kettlebell swings. The exercise, when properly done, hits the glutes, hamstrings, abs, shoulders and quads – while building strength and muscles as well as burning fat.
The secret to getting all the benefits out of training with kettlebells is to do all the moves such as the Turkish get-ups, the swings, or the goblet squats, with correct form.
I would highly suggest that you start with very a lightweight kettlebell if you have never worked with kettlebells before, and practice, practice, practice, until you get the grips and moves right.
Once your form is perfected you can then move to something heavier.
Quick tip for how to buy kettlebells: shop for the ones with smooth handles, that aren’t painted or made from plastic, like this kettlebell.
Related post: BEST JILLIAN MICHAELS WORKOUT DVDS THAT WILL GET YOU SHREDDED
4. Adjustable dumbbells
Instead of regular dumbbells, I am recommending the adjustable dumbbells because depending on the type of exercise you are doing, you may require different weights, and that is where adjustable dumbbells beat the regular dumbbells.
If you decide to go the regular dumbbells route, you may have to buy multiple weights, whereas the adjustable ones come in one stack.
You just pick the weight you want to work with and off you go. Although adjustable dumbbells are more expensive than the everyday ones, they will save you loads of money and space if you wisely select a set or two that fits your current and future strength training goals.
If right now the adjustable dumbbells either don’t fit your budget or you would just rather have regular ones, then my recommendation is that you buy these rubber encased hex dumbbells chrome handle.
Building a home gym on a budget
5. Battle rope
If you have enough space to accommodate the length of a battle rope, (widths and lengths vary for battle ropes), then go for it and get yourself one.
I would suggest getting yourself a battle rope if you want to include High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) into your routine.
Battle rope training is effective for hitting the shoulders, abs, legs and back muscles. Great moves to do with a battle rope include the double or alternating waves.
6. A foam roller
I wrote this article a few months ago, explaining how to recover from gym muscle soreness. You will need a foam roller for an amazing but painful relief from pain (If you do not understand what I just said, try foam rolling when your muscles are still sore).
Foam rolling will improve your muscle recovery time, increase muscle blood flow and also improve your flexibility.
Related post: 5 BEST HOME WORKOUT PROGRAMS ON YOUTUBE
7. Yoga mat
A yoga mat comes in handy when you have to do floor work such as donkey kicks, planks and a lot of abs and core routines.
If you can afford more than just a yoga mat, then buy a larger floor mat which can cover your entire workout space. Gaiam makes premium print yoga mats which come highly recommended.
8. A mirror
Not what you were expecting to see on the list I assume, but a wall mirror should be up on the list you need to complete your home gym.
Because you will probably be working out alone, you shouldn’t go in blindly. A well-positioned mirror will help you check and correct your posture and movements during exercise. Plus, if you enjoy self-admiration, this is a great excuse to stock up on a really large wall mirror.
Other essential equipment you may need to build a home gym in a small space
The above items are the essential equipment for building a home gym on a budget.
Once you have these items and have mastered how to build a home gym without breaking the bank, you may then consider adding barbells and plates, an adjustable bench and a power rack
You may need this sturdy Marcy Flat Utility weight bench for weight training and Abs workouts.
Once your gym is in place, consider putting up a workout plan that you can change up every 6-8 weeks. If you do not know where to start, check out these free weight training programs for beginners.
Susan Chanda is a professional content writer/journalist with over 20 years’ experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing management from University of South Africa and a diploma in Journalism and Public relations.
Susan has been writing evidence based fitness and health articles since 2016 for Fitness Chat, and is a certified fitness trainer, and diet and nutrition coach.
Fitness Chat is one of the several other websites that Susan owns, or co-owns with her children.
You can read more about Susan here.
I have some of these things, but the trick for me is actually using them LOL. I am so bad about motivating myself to workout when I am at home.
Haha you are not alone. It takes real discipline to exercise from home.
I think I have maybe 2 of the items up there and I bought them with the intent on using them… but somewher between working out an my couch i got lost! great tips and definitely got me reconsidering working out again!
I ma excited to hear that you reconsidering getting off the couch. You can do it!
I like the idea that you don’t need a lot of big giant equipment to have a decent home gym. I’m with Robin on this now who’s going to get me to use the equipment that I have it at home I need some motivation .
Hi Janel, I have a great post on finding the motivation to workout. Please check it out and make use of that equipment you already have 😉
http://fitnesschat.co/workout-motivation-tips/
My husband has his own workout space and I read your post to him. He scored very well! Thank you for the information on the pieces he didn’t have and why he should!
Love the idea of setting up a little circuit at home and quite inexpensive when you think about it! I have a gym membership but if I was ever to cancel I think I’d implement a few of these!
I would love to so some more things from home, sometimes it is just so hard to get out of the house to work out!
I want to get some adjustable dumbells so I can use them at home. I have a kettlebell and used to use it loads but I need to get into more of a habit x
Those adjustable dumbbells are on my fitness wish list for sure. We don’t have a lot of space, so they would be really handy.
Well I have kind of a home gym…just a couple weight bars, free weights, a mat and all my videos since I am mainly a runner. But I need to invest in some battle ropes and kettlebells for sure!
A mirror is so helpful when working out. I use mine all the time to make sure my form is on par.
You don’t really need much to be able to workout at home. Although it depends on the workout routine that you have planned for yourself. I think these items are important to have!
I love working out at home because I don’t have to go to the gym, saves time and money! I think these are great, having the basic equipment is important.
I never thought about having battle ropes in a home gym. What a good idea. I love the idea of a home gym. I should consider it.
I have a couple of these pieces and they make it so much easier to get a good workout in when the weather is bad or when I’m home alone with the kiddos. I need to get some kettle bells. Great tips!
I love the idea of setting up a home gym! Thanks for sharing these tips 🙂
I have always wanted my own home gym. I never heard of adjustable weights though. You really have my mind going now lol.
You are right, I wasn’t expecting a mirror but that is a pretty good shout. Also a jump rope is affordable and motivating x
The mirror is such a great tip, and I really think that it isn’t something most people would consider but is crucial for checking your form!
I have a bit of a home gym thing going in my apartment. I have a treadmill, huge mirrors, dumbells, and mats. I wish I had high enough ceilings for a jump rope though and I also wish I didn’t live on the top floor. Having a home gym definitely helps with fitting in workouts and living a healthier lifestyle! I love it!
I have a bit of a home gym thing going in my apartment. I have a treadmill, huge mirrors, dumbells, and mats. I wish I had high enough ceilings for a jump rope though and I also wish I didn’t live on the top floor. Having a home gym definitely helps with fitting in workouts and living a healthier lifestyle! I love it!
I would love to set up a home gym at my house someday. These are some great equipment ideas for sure.
Ooooo just love thIs!!! I was just tellIng my hubby how we need to set up a home gym. I will have to show him your suggestions
These are great tips. Currently I only have a treadmill…in my bedroom! I’ve seen some amazing home gyms in small spaces to get me motivated.
we live in a 3 bedroom house and when we only had the one child we used the spare bedroom as a little home gym. But then we had to get rid of it when the other two kids came along
I am currently working out at home, I need to get some more equipment! I’m hoping to join a gym this summer, though!
These are good ideas. My husband wants a home gym… I will show him your post.
I used to workout at home but I swear its really a commitment.
I have some of these things at home, I just don’t use them often enough. I should really start to use them more
Great tips. I don’t have much space at home but it seems your chosen items don’t take much space up which is great.
This is exactly what I need right now I”m starting to workout at home and I’m thinking to buy an equipment, Glad you share this tips
I really prefer working out at home so I have set of essential equipment such as kettlebells, dumbbells, pull up bar etc. It’s more practical than going to the gym.