2017

How to Build the Ultimate Home Gym on a Budget

How to Build the Ultimate Home Gym on a Budget
Do you like to workout? Are you interested in maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle?

If you have answered 'yes' to either of these questions, you have arrived at this article for all the right reasons. In the paragraphs below, we will provide all the information you need to know about building the ultimate home gym on a budget. Just think, instead of spending money and time on a gym membership, that now you can roll out of bed, and head to the 'gym' and workout in the comfort of your home. (And, maybe charge your neighbors for drop-ins!)


Why Project Planning is Key for Creating the Perfect Home Gym


Before you begin creating your home gym , you need a plan.

First of all, decide on the space, such as a garage or basement of your house. Then, take into consideration the available space, organizing a list with the possible equipment that might fit into that space. Better to plan for less equipment initially, especially if space is a premium.

Here are 4 questions to ask yourself during the planning stage:

  1. Who will be using the space?

  2. What type of fitness or lifestyle goals do you want to attain and MAINTAIN?

  3. What types of equipment would best help you with reaching your goals?

  4. How many people may use your gym at the same time?


Second, decide on a budget.

Based on the list you've created, does your budget work? Make a secondary list of "wants but not needs" which include items like accessories etc, all items you'd love to have, but would be OK to add in at a later date.


Equipment to Consider for Setting Up your Perfect Home Gym


Strength training is key ! So from the on-set your home gym should included either a couple of barbells with an assortment of weight plates or sets of dumbbells - or BOTH!

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Remember, if men and women are using the space, consider a 35lbs and 45lbs Olympic Barbell along with assortment of dumbbells - or a Powerblock set. Don't skimp out on the barbell and dumbbells! Buy them once and never buy them again.

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With the help of the internet, shopping around is done in the click of a few buttons, and yes, deals are everywhere. But, word of the wise: make your purchase from a reputable company (i.e. Rogue ) that knows the industry and deal in quality, brand name products with a great warranty.

Barbells: Note that when searching for barbells that there are two types - standard with a 1" diameter and Olympic standard with a 2" diameter. These use very different weight plates and if you are going to make the investment, best to go Olympic. It will allow you room to grow your goals, as well they tend to hold their value long-term.



Weight Plates: As for the weight plates , you can find them all over the place, from brand new at the local sporting goods store to used at your neighborhood flea market or Craigslist. No matter where you buy them, just be sure that they are free of defects, and work with what you need now and potentially will need a few years down the road.



Dumbbells: these are essential, but can take up a crazy amount of space. If you have the means (and space!) to invest in a wall of dumbbells - have at it! But, if you are like me, using an all-in-one solution, like the Powerblock system may be the best option.



Power Rack:   Working out at home is not the same as going to the gym, especially if you do not have the right equipment nearby. For this reason, the power rack is one of the most versatile and quite frankly, most essential pieces to any home gym. Power racks offer up the potential for simple strength workouts to sophisticated, strength and conditioning style training. Most have the option for a ton of different accessories so your workouts can evolve over time. (Tip: tight on space, then consider a wall mounted, folding power rack)



Workout Bench:bench press is also essential, especially if you are the kind who likes to train all important muscles groups of the body. However, most bench presses are sold at high prices, so be sure to look around before making a final purchase. Avoid cheap benches as well, as these will not give you the opportunity to lift the weights you might want. As always, you need to find a balance between quality and price, making sure that the bench corresponds to your needs 100%. Adjustable benches are the best, due to the increased flexibility offered.


No home gym is complete without some basic accessories...


get your stretch on

Kettlebells, yoga mats, TRX, tubing, bands, BOSU balls , gymball, medicine ball, speed ropes... all of these little purchases add-up, but they add so many incredible options to your variety of workouts. Most of these items are easily stored, offer functional movements, and let's be honest - make your workouts a lot more fun!

Always ask yourself - what are my lifestyle goals and what is the best way for me to maintain and attain these goals? Reverse engineer your gym needs to be based on these answers. Or feel free to book a 1-on-1 call with me and I can help you with planning your fitness room. (After 17 years of working in the fitness equipment industry, I know a thing or two)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1d6sekZFuW0

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All else fails... headstands work great!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTZy63ODay8/

Studies Confirm the Importance of Regular Workouts


If you have managed to build your ultimate home gym, and stick to your budget, then you are going to reap the rewards of regular workouts. After all, you have the shortest commute to the gym ever, right?  According to a study undertaken by the researchers at the University of British Columbia and published on Harvard Health Blog, regular exercise has a beneficial effect on both the brain and the body. Regular exercise will improve your memory, help you further develop great thinking skills and ultimately escape the effects of 'brain fog', associated with the aging process.

In another study , published online by the researchers at the University of Minnesota, confirmed the psychological benefits of vigorous exercise. High-intensity interval training can sometimes be a bit more challenging to accommodate at traditional global gyms. On the other hand, when you work out at home, in your gym, you have the freedom to do whatever you want - even workout naked if you like! Vigorous exercise, according to the study, can protect against cognitive decline - wow the benefits just keep coming, don't they?

Having a home gym can help you cope with stress efficiently and conveniently, further improving your overall well-being. According to a study  by the Southern Illinois University and published in Scientific Research, regular physical exercise has a massively beneficial impact on your ability to cope with stress. And now, take that one step further and do it from the comfort of your living room! BAM!

Final Word


I think you get my point now, don't you? Even on a budget, building a home gym is very doable. Create a plan based on your personal lifestyle goals, and reverse engineer your equipment needs to support those goals. Not only will you start to benefit from the convenience of working out at home, but you'll see most of the usual excuses to why you couldn't make it to the gym today fly out the window.

Happy training!

PS - have pictures of your home gym? I'd love to see them. Please send them my way on social.

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Author Bio: Meighan Sembrano

Meighan Sembrano is an enthusiast and passionate writer. She is a contributor to Consumer Health Digest. She is expertise in Beauty and skin care articles. Also, have contributed in the health and fitness field. Her work gives an enthusiast twist to the readers. She resonates the readers with her sincere and thoughtful words. You can follow Meighan on Twitter and Facebook.

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