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Working from home isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. For many of us, it comes with neck and back pain, stiff joints, weight gain, and other health issues associated with prolonged sitting. While regular gym workouts can help, there’s an even better option: build a home gym so you can train anytime—even when your schedule is jam-packed.
A home gym can cost as little as much as you want it to. If you’re on a budget, start with adjustable dumbbells, resistance bands, and other training essentials. Weight benches, spinning bikes, and squat racks come with a higher price tag, but you can buy them used.
Make a list of must-haves and then contact an interior designer to help you maximize your space. For example, they could help you turn any room into a home gym that blends seamlessly with your decor.
Their online portfolios are often based on interior design website templates, but when it comes to working with clients, everything is done from scratch.
First, research your options in terms of training equipment. Consider your budget, workout preferences, and how much space you have available. Here’s how to get started.
Set Up a Budget-Friendly Gym You’ll Want to Spend Time In
Building a home gym costs anywhere between $300 and $15,000 or more, with the average being around $2,000. What you’ll pay depends on its size, layout, location, equipment, and other factors, such as the addition of mirrors or flooring.
However, you don’t have to do it all at once. Instead, cover the basics and add more stuff over time. Use the strategies below to plan things out.
Define Your Must-Haves
Start by making a list of exercise machines and accessories for your home gym, organized into three categories:
- Must-haves: These may include dumbbells, kettlebells, elastic bands, weight plates, and other accessories you absolutely need or want.
- Nice-to-haves: These are items you plan to buy sooner or later. For example, a barbell, squat rack, or treadmill. Take them into account when designing your workout space.
- Dream equipment: These are larger or more expensive items you’d like to have but can live without, such as a rowing machine and battle ropes.
Next, look up the products on your must-have list. Compare their features, check the current prices, and determine which items are worth buying brand new.
For instance, a used set of dumbbells or kettlebells will be just as good as a brand-new one. Resistance bands, on the other hand, wear out pretty fast, so it’s best to buy them new unless you find some barely used ones.
Prioritize Multifunctional Pieces
Some pieces of equipment can be used for multiple exercises and can replace dozens of gym machines, but they’ll require often maintenance. Think of suspension training systems, adjustable dumbbells, exercise balls, or pull-up bars.
For example, a suspension trainer like TRX takes very little space and allows for both cardio and strength workouts. It’s ideal for rows, lunges, pull-ups, mountain climbers, biceps curls, triceps kickbacks, and all sorts of squats.
Suspension training can be just as effective as traditional gym workouts. In one study, men who used a suspension trainer three times per week for two months experienced significant improvements in muscle strength, speed, and overall physical performance. Their risk of lower extremity injuries decreased, too.
Skip the Frills
Trust us, you don’t need designer gym flooring, mood lighting, or smart home gym equipment to get your heart pumping. The same goes for calf-raise machines, upright benches, ab boards, and similar products.
Let’s assume you want to build core strength. Believe it or not, the best core exercises require little or no equipment and are more effective than any gym machine. Think planks, crunches, Russian twists, side bends, TRX rows, or Turkish get-ups.
Consider Your Workout Style
Do you prefer cardio exercises, strength training, or functional workouts? Is there a running trail or park in your area? Would you rather lift weights or use resistance bands?
Consider these aspects when planning your home gym. If, say, you live close to a park, you may not need an indoor bike or other cardio machines. Jogging or outdoor cycling should be enough as far as cardiovascular exercise goes.
Think about your health, too. For example, if you have lower back pain, you may be better off using dumbbells or resistance bands than a barbell.
Get a Good Deal on Used Equipment
Facebook Marketplace and other online platforms can be a goldmine for exercise enthusiasts. With some luck, you could get like-new equipment for next to nothing.
Depending on where you live, check out these platforms to grab a good deal:
- Craigslist
- eBay
- OfferUp
- Classified ads
- Play It Again Sports
- Online forums and communities (e.g., local Facebook groups)
Look for simple, durable items like kettlebells, weight plates, and plyo boxes. Used rowing machines and indoor bikes can be a steal, too, since many people sell them due to lack of use or space constraints.
If possible, see the items in person before you buy. Alternatively, ask the seller to record a video—especially when it comes to electronic cardio machines or more complex pieces of equipment, such as spinning bikes.
Last but not least, don’t force yourself into buying stuff you don’t want or need.
For instance, many athletes praise the Assault AirRunner or the Concept 2 RowErg. These machines are great and can last for years, but are you going to use them often enough to justify the cost?
If yes, then go for it. But if you’re more comfortable using a standard indoor bike or jogging outdoors, then keep your money. Remember, you can always “upgrade” later on.
Bottom Line
Building a home gym doesn’t have to break the bank or overwhelm your living space. Start with the essentials that match your fitness goals, and gradually expand as your needs evolve and your budget allows. Prioritize multifunctional and space-saving equipment to maximize your investment, and don’t be afraid to buy secondhand from reputable sources.
Remember, your home gym should be practical, comfortable, and suited to your workout style—not just trendy or overly expensive. Whether you’re lifting weights, doing bodyweight exercises, or focusing on cardio, consistency and dedication matter more than having the fanciest gear.
