Creating a home gym doesn’t have to break the bank. With some strategic planning and smart purchases, you can build a functional and comfortable workout space that meets your fitness goals. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, this guide will explain how you can create a home gym on a budget using affordable and effective equipment.
Figure Out Where Your Workout Space Will Be
The first step in creating a budget-friendly home gym is identifying your workout space. You don’t need an entire room—a corner of a bedroom, garage, or basement will do.
It can be important to identify this place to create routine. This is especially important when you’re first getting started. And NEVER use your workout space for other household projects (like laundry). This is the quickest way to stop progress.
Consider the following when choosing your space:
- Size: How much room do you need for your movements? For example, a yoga mat-sized area works well for most bodyweight exercises, and tons of dumbbell and band movements.
- Flooring: If you’re working out on hard floors, consider adding a mat for cushioning. See below for our favorite mat!
- Ventilation: Choose a space with good airflow to keep your workouts comfortable. Having good airflow in your workout space will help uncomfortable workouts a little more comfortable ;-).
- Storage/racks: Look for ways to keep your equipment organized, such as wall hooks, shelves, or bins. And NEVER hang other household items on your workout equipment!
Having a dedicated space not only helps you stay consistent but also creates a motivating environment for your fitness journey.
Start With a Great Set of Exercise Bands
Exercise bands are one of the most versatile and cost-effective pieces of equipment for a home gym. They’re lightweight, compact, and can be used for a variety of strength training and mobility exercises. Here’s why they’re a great starting point:
- Affordability: A high-quality set of bands can cost less than $50.
- Versatility: Use them for resistance training, stretching, or even physical therapy.
- Scalability: Bands come in different resistance levels, allowing you to progress as you get stronger.
For the best results, look for bands that are durable, can include handles, and a door anchor for maximum functionality can be nice.
Our favorite bands are the Rogue Monster Bands. They provide the best linnear resistance and are the most durable bands we’ve found.
Look for Rubber Hex Dumbbells on Sale
You should be serious about strength training because the benefits are numerous, and a few pairs of rubber hex dumbbells are a fantastic investment. They’re durable, easy to handle, and perfect for various exercises like squats, presses, rows, and so much more.
To save money:
- Buy Secondhand: Check platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for used dumbbells.
- Shop Sales: Many fitness retailers offer discounts during holiday sales or clearance events.
- Start Small: Begin with a light and a medium pair, then expand your collection as needed.
Rubber hex dumbbells are often sold by the pound, so compare prices to get the most for your money. Plus, the rubber coating helps protect your floors and reduces noise during workouts.
We look for dumbbells around $1/per pound, and have recently found some great deals from Amazon Basics and CAP (also sold by Amazon).
Amazon Basics Dumbbells
CAP Dumbbells at Amazon
A Nice Dollamur Workout Mat Makes Bodyweight Movements More Comfortable
A high-quality workout mat can make all the difference, especially if you’re doing bodyweight exercises like push-ups, planks, burpees, handstand push-ups, or yoga. Dollamur mats are an excellent choice for durability and comfort, and although there are less expensive choices, this is a piece of equipment that is worth spending extra on. We’ve already wasted money on lesser quality mats and want you to avoid wasting your money.
Here’s why you should invest in a NICE mat:
- Cushioning: Protect your joints and make exercises more comfortable. The Dollamur mat we recommend is extra thick, you will never feel the hard floor underneath.
- Grip: A good mat provides a non-slip surface for safety and stability during workouts.
- Easy to Clean: Many mats are antimicrobial and easy to wipe down after use.
If Dollamur is out of your budget, we recommend using a thick beach towel and saving your money until you can afford one. Or asking around to see if any of your friends/family will give you a yoga mat until you can save for a Dollamur mat.
This is our recommended mat that we use in our van and at home.
Final Thoughts
Building a home gym on a budget is all about making smart choices and prioritizing the equipment that works best for you. Start with small, versatile items like exercise bands and dumbbells, then expand as your needs grow. By shopping strategically and utilizing your space wisely, you can create a home gym that supports your fitness goals without overspending.
We always recommend buying less quantity of higher quality items that will last longer, over buy more equipment that will fall apart.
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work and helping me create valuable content!
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