How to Build an Affordable Home Gym

There are lots of perks to building a home gym. Not only can you avoid a commute, you can save money on membership fees and enjoy the freedom of using your own equipment whenever you want. A budget-friendly home gym is well within your grasp, as long as you have a quiet space you can use to set it up. 

Let’s look at what you’ll need for a small home gym. 

Where to locate your gym

When setting up a home gym, ideally you want a dedicated room with a door that you can close to block out distractions. However, if you live in a one bedroom apartment, you may not want to work out where you sleep. That’s perfectly fine. A corner of your lounge can also be suitable for a small home gym as long as you have enough room to stretch out and to move your limbs freely.

What equipment do I need?

The amount of space you have will dictate the equipment you can use. But even if you have a decent sized room, you don’t need a ton of expensive equipment for an affordable home gym. Personal trainers who have successfully set up a small home gym recommend only hiring or buying equipment that you’ll use regularly. 

For instance, there’s no point getting an elliptical trainer if you’re only going to use it once a month! Small and versatile is a better way to go for home gym equipment. 

Here are some suggestions for must-have home gym equipment according to New York trainer Bianca Vesco:

• Resistance bands– Resistance bands are one of the most versatile pieces of fitness equipment you can buy. You can target your entire body with resistance bands and mimic most machine-based strength moves. One thing resistance bands are particularly good for? Butt and hip exercises. 
• Jump rope– Jumping rope is hands down one of the best ways to get a cardiovascular workout. It increases your heart rate quickly, and also works your arms, shoulders, legs, and core. And a rope packs up super small, which makes it great for those with limited storage space.
• Mini foam roller– One way to use foam rollers to challenge your balance is to put your hands on them while doing push-ups. 
• Kettlebell– There’s lots of possibility with a heavy bell. A heavy weight is also great for squats, overhead presses, and deadlifts.
• Yoga mat– Especially if you have hard floors, a yoga mat is key for at-home exercises. A basic yoga mat that rolls back up for storage works for any workouts where you’re lying down.
• Light dumbbells– If you’re focusing on building muscular endurance primarily with your lifting exercises, low-weight, high-rep exercises are key.
• Heavy dumbbells– It’s good to have both a lightweight and heavyweight option on hand for working on building strength in the lower-body.

Make it attractive 

A home gym has to be somewhat inspiring so you’ll actually use it. Whether it’s a basement, a garage or an alcove in your lounge, it needs to be an inviting and comfortable spot that you feel good in. However you want to decorate your small home gym is up to you, but you don’t have to spend a lot to furnish it. 

Here are a few home gym ideas you might want to consider:

• Good lighting– lots of natural lighting or soft bright bulbs that invoke energetic vibes at any hour. Avoid low light or fluorescents that strain the eyes.
• A good full length mirror– Checking your form and technique is important as you exercise as you’ll lessen the risk of injury.
• Non slip flooring– A hard surface like concrete, vinyl, wood or laminate is best with a mat on it. Carpet isn’t ideal for performing moves like skipping. 
• Good music– When you’re working out in a public gym you have to put on your headphones. Now you’re at home why not invest in an affordable Bluetooth speaker so you can experience great workout sounds?
  
  

Smart storage

If you don’t have a dedicated room for your home gym, then you’ll want to look at getting a basic storage unit or baskets to store your home gym equipment when not in use. This keeps your home clutter free so you’re not stubbing your toe on dumbbells left lying around.

As you can see building a home gym can be a fun and rewarding exercise once you’ve got it set up right, and it’s so convenient. All you have to do is roll out of bed, don your gym gear and start your workout!

Author’s Bio:

Angela Pearse is a blogger for Zumper who frequently combines travel with freelance writing. She’s passionate about Art Deco hotels, historical novels, Netflix, hiking and healthy living.