Top 10 Tips for Building a Home Gym on a Budget
Despite the high cost of a gym membership, almost 80% of the people with it don’t visit the gym regularly. The need for convenience is so pressing when it comes to training. Most people who end up building a home gym do so for privacy and to save time.
Are you dreaming of creating a home gym? A home gym can be the best thing to happen to your training regimen, as it can make you more committed to workouts. The flexibility of working out can make you healthier and happier.
But there are many challenges to having a home gym, with the cost being the major one. This guide lists the top 10 tips for building a home gym on a budget.
1. Figure Out Gym Space
Space determines the kind of a home gym you can set up. The more space you have, the better the options of building a home gym.
What’s important is to create your home gym plan based on the available space. Even with a tiny studio apartment, you can use basic equipment such as dumbbells. Other options to consider include using a spare room or garage gyms.
Space is important because it allows you to figure out the equipment to buy. A good gym should allow some movement after stationing the exercise equipment.
2. Start with the Essential Home Gym Equipment
Building a gym on a budget entails a lot of caution, especially in buying gym equipment. You don’t want to rush because you might buy what you don’t need or skip essential equipment.
The equipment you buy must be the right fit and also essential for your training. Consider your training goals and the kind of workouts you want to do. Then list the equipment needed to meet the stated goals.
It would help to start with most basic equipment such as a yoga mat or a kettlebell. Then move onto other essentials such as dumbbells.
3. Start Small
Buying all the equipment at once can help you get discounts or save some shipping costs. You may qualify for free shipping especially if you’re buying from a manufacturer.
But on the flip side, buying everything at once can be too expensive and also risky. You may not use some of the bought equipment at all.
There’s also no guarantee that you’ll be able to work out daily.
Sometimes buying fewer items when building a home gym may be more budget-friendly in the long run. You’ll start with the basics and expand your accessories as you build consistency.
4. Look for Bargains
Don’t spend on premium gym equipment before trying to look out for bargains. Most equipment may be expensive. Yet with enough research and patience, you can find hidden deals.
Visit various stores, both online and offline, for comparative research. Compare both price and quality, and avoid the pressure from the
marketers.
Also, visit sites where people may want to discard items when moving. Most items here are low cost or bulky. Neighborhood garage gyms or shutting-up gyms may also have amazing deals.
5. Go for Second-Hand Gym Equipment
Using strictly new items when building a home gym will shoot up your costs. An excellent way to save costs is to go for second-hand equipment. For instance, on Craigslist, you can find countless listings for most gym equipment.
The Facebook marketplace might also have incredible second-hand gym equipment deals. For personal items such as a home gym mirrors, consider the specialists in your home area. You may want a close look at the item, and the vendors can also give a variety of options to find a match for your budget.
6. Look for Multipurpose Gym Equipment
There’s no need to spend on a range of gym equipment when a few items can suit your training requirements. Most gym equipment has different uses. You can also save a part of your budget by prioritizing versatility.
Kettlebells, for instance, are one of the most functional or versatile equipment to own. You can use them for various exercises like squats, shoulder presses, and deadlifts.
Jump ropes are both affordable and useful for exercising several muscles per go. Other versatile equipment includes wall balls, dumbbells, resistance bands, or weight vest.
7. Master DIY to Save Costs
Consider doing some gym projects yourself when building a home gym. It can be a chance to improve your craft skills and save money. Some gym tasks may also serve as workouts making the project a useful way before completion.
Even a newbie can build sandbags from a bunch of accessible and cheap raw materials. A sandbag can boost your workouts as a kettlebell or traditional weights would. There’s also no need to pay for some interior décor or light installations tasks such as mounting speaker boxes.
8. Choose Durable Equipment
Building a home gym on a budget doesn’t mean going for the cheapest equipment. Focus on quality. Durable or high-quality items are likely to last longer and save you more money in the long run.
It’s a good idea to test the gym equipment or buy it from a familiar source. A friend or your usual gym are more likely to sell you a genuine item. Or you can focus on brand names when looking for bargains. Brands associated with high quality can save you money even on second-hand equipment.
9. Buy Based on Your Training Routine
Chances are you will spend a lot of time on your favorite exercise routine. And to save gym building costs, it would be best to buy the equipment that aligns with your routine.
If you jog a lot, you may want to avoid buying a lot of weights or treadmills. Buy resistance bands, benches, or yoga mats if you’re a fan of body weights.
10. Stick to a Budget
One of the best ways of controlling home gym costs is to create a budget and stick to it to the end. You may know how to make a home gym but control is another thing. Make sure the budget focuses on the vital equipment and aligns well with your goals.
Building a Home Gym on a Budget Shouldn’t be a Struggle
Creating a home gym requires patience and commitment. Start with a budget, and take your time to find the right fit of equipment for your gym.
Remember building a home gym is a process. Start small and improve the structures as you expand. For more tips on home projects, check out our blog.
