Working out from home can be enjoyable and convenient. In recent years, more people have swapped the gym for an at-home workout. Not only do you not have to share the weights or wait for someone else to finish with a piece of equipment, but you can work out in peace and privacy, with your favourite music in the background. You can also grunt or shriek as loud as you like without worrying what other people may think – bonus!
But how do you go about building a home gym on the cheap? Here are a few things to think about before you start.
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Think About Your Workout Needs
Before you start excitedly buying barbells and weight plates, take some time to consider what equipment you actually require for your workouts. After all, different people do different workouts depending on their sport or their physical priorities.
For instance, if you’re not preparing for a body-building competition, you won’t need as many heavy dumbbells. Similarly, a bodybuilder doesn’t necessarily need an exercise bike in their home gym, but if you’re hoping to compete in a triathlon any time soon, you might want to install one.
When it comes to kitting out a home gym, many fitness experts recommend a few essential items to provide an all-around workout. These include dumbbells, kettlebells and an exercise bench. These pieces of equipment provide all you need for a solid workout on a budget.
Go For Second-hand Where You Can
One simple tip for saving money when equipping your home gym is to look for second-hand stuff where possible. Admittedly, it can be hard to find used gym equipment, but it’s still worth checking your local Facebook Marketplace and perusing the ads on Gumtree and Preloved.
On the other hand, if you would rather have brand-new equipment, you can find options to suit any budget online. Whether you are looking for cheap exercise benches to use to perfect your bench press or something more expensive that comes with extra bells and whistles, like a barbell rack, there should be plenty of options available in your price range.
Make Some Of It Yourself
Of course, a home gym doesn’t just consist of the equipment; it also consists of the room itself. Whether you’re converting your garage, a spare room, or an outbuilding into your very own home gym, there are some things you can make yourself if you or your partner is skilled at DIY. For example, reverse hypers and weight racks can be made quite easily at home.
When it comes to flooring, the rubber mats used in stables can be ideal and may be cheaper to buy than gym matting. Stable matting is also guaranteed to stand the test of time, as it has been designed to cushion an animal that can weigh almost half a ton – which means your gym bench and dumbbells shouldn’t be a problem!
The Finishing Touches
Last but not least, any good gym – including your own – needs those little extras that help make your workout pleasurable and productive.
Install a floor-to-ceiling mirror so you can check your form and avoid common mistakes that could cause unpleasant injuries. You may also want to add a CD player – or Alexa – and maybe even a mini fridge with your favourite sports drinks to keep you refreshed during your workouts!
Voila – you’ve created the home gym of your dreams on a budget!
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Great tips for setting up a home gym without breaking the bank! Loved the focus on practicality and space-saving ideas.
Great tips for setting up a home gym without overspending! Loved the practical approach.