How to Build a Home Gym on a Budget: 6 Easy Steps

6 Easy Steps to Build a Great Gym at Home

Say goodbye to gymtimidation and hello to workouts in your home gym!

No more over-priced memberships or awkward post-workout run-ins with your ex.

And best of all, you can grunt, sweat and flex to your heart's desire - all in the comfort of your own home. 

Mini dumbbells and a gripped band - useful equipment for your new home gym!

In this article, we’ll show you how to transform your living room into a muscle palace without draining your bank account. Ready, set, sweat!

8 Reasons a Home Gym is Possibly Better Than a Regular Gym

Don't let the word “gym” scare you; with a home gym, you've got this! Here's why:

1. You'll be saving your hard-earned money from gym memberships and personal training.

2. No more awkward workout routines in public, do it comfortably at home.

3. Control the environment - it's your gym, so you control the tunes and the temperature.

4. Workout in private, nobody needs to see that...

5. Workout anytime, you don't have to worry about the gym's schedule.

6. Waiting in line for the bench press? With your own gym equipment, you don’t have to share.

7. Limited time? Get more done in one session, no more wasting time switching between activities.

8. No gym around? No problem, you can still achieve your fitness goals from home.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Build a Home Gym on a Budget

Are you already sold on getting a gym membership for your basement or garage? - Good.

Let's get to the best part: how to make a home gym for cheap!

1. Defining Your Fitness Vision

Your fitness vision is what will help you reach your goals.

It's a clear, concise statement of where you want to be physically, and you should be able to use it when making decisions about your workout routine, diet and lifestyle.

A few things to keep in mind when crafting your fitness vision:

• Be realistic: It's important to set achievable goals, otherwise you'll likely get discouraged and give up. A good rule of thumb is to start with small, attainable goals and then build from there.

• Be specific: Vague goals like "I want to lose weight" or "I want to get in shape" are harder to stick to because it's difficult to measure your fitness progress. Instead, try setting more specific goals such as "I want to lose 10 pounds" or "I want to be able to run a 5K.”

• Think long-term: Your fitness journey is not a sprint; it's a marathon. Focusing on the long-term will help you stay motivated even when you have setbacks.

2. Equipment Research and Selection

Listen up, budget builders! If you want to create a home gym that's the envy of all your friends, you better buckle up for some gear research.

Finding equipment that's top-notch, built to last and won't break the bank is crucial.

Lucky for you, there are deals aplenty both online and in stores. Just make sure to compare prices and features like a pro.

And once you've picked out your gear, do yourself a favour and read those reviews.

Trust me, you don't want to be stuck with equipment that's only good for your Instagram pictures. Your hard-earned cash deserves better!

3. Setting a Budget for Your Home Gym

So let's break down the tricky part of building a home gym on a "budget." There are a few key ways you can save money.

First of all, buy used equipment whenever possible. You can often find great deals on lightly-used fitness equipment at local garage sales or online marketplaces like Craigslist or eBay.

Secondly, consider what type of equipment you need first.

For example, if cardio is your main goal, you might not need much more than a good treadmill.

A Floor That Doesn't Require a Mortgage

Okay, when you say you want to build a home gym, you aren't always thinking about the floor. But let me tell you this: the floor is probably the most important aspect of a home gym.

Don’t be tempted to use old carpet! Its firstly not very safe, you need something with a grip, but also for the following reasons;

• Fleas in Carpet - if you have animals or live in a rural area you could possibly have some friends living in the old carpet who might be unwelcome in your new gym.

• Slip hazard - you need stability under your feet to execute exercises and stay safe.

• Sweat - carpet will soak up sweat and liquids, which is gross, you need to clean that stuff up, which with carpet is impossible.

A cheap and fun option for gym flooring is a puzzle floor from Amazon or eBay. Puzzle floors are simple to cut to fit the space you'll be converting into a killer gym.

Some Thrilling Boomblasters 

Workouts just got a whole lot groovier with some top-notch speakers in your home gym.

But there's no need to break the bank! You can still get your jam on with some budget-friendly options.

Just look for speakers (or televisions) that are Bluetooth-ready, so you can seamlessly blast your pumped-up workout playlist.

You can score some super cool options for under $50, and some even come with a built-in mic so you can take calls while you're breaking a sweat!

A Budget-Friendly Fitness Bench

Who says a home gym needs to break the bank? Not us! Sure, a fitness bench might seem pricey, but you can always keep an eye out for secondhand options on places like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.

Or, why not go for a multitasking bench that can do it all? A flat bench is perfect for step-ups, dips and box jumps, so you'll get more bang for your buck.

And, if you're looking for something a little more heavy-duty, companies like Rep Fitness and Titan Fitness have got you covered with budget-friendly benches that won't let you down.

Saving Money with Kettlebells

No need to take out a loan to get your kettlebell fix!

Just do a quick online search for "used kettlebells" in your area, and voila, you'll find plenty of options for around $30. Talk about a steal!

Budget-friendly Resistance Bands

Get yourself some basic latex bands that offer just enough resistance to make your muscles work without causing a financial strain.

Ideal for newbies or those looking to add some "oomph" to their workout routine, it can be hard to score some decent resistance bands since they are in high demand (especially during the winter).

However, I'm sure you can find a good pair on Facebook or eBay!

Choosing a Great Jump Rope for Sale

Thinking of skipping your way to a home gym on a budget? No problemo! Just make sure to choose a jump rope wisely.

First things first: the material matters. You don't want a cheap, flimsy rope that's just going to break and ruin your trip. Look for a durable option like beaded plastic or PVC.

Second, don't be a cheapskate and just buy a brand-new rope.

You don't want to be a jump-rope jack who constantly has to replace their rope. 

Putting money into quality will save you time and money in the long run!

Let’s Not Forget a Pull-Up Bar

A pull-up bar is something that every home gym needs. They don't cost too much and can be used for many different exercises.

If you want to get a pull-up bar for cheap, you could ask your friends and family if they have one.

Take, for example, an old PVC tube. With a little imagination, it's easy to turn it into a pull-up bar. 

4. Building Your Power Temple Without Calling Bob the Builder

Don't sweat it if you don't have a hammer and hard hat handy; building a home gym doesn't require a PhD in construction.

With a little imagination and the right tools, you can make your workout space look better without spending a lot of money.

First, use your space-finding skills to choose a room, corner, or garage that will become your gym.

Then, let your imagination run wild and map out your dream gym on a piece of paper.

But wait, you don't have to be Bob the Builder or call in the big machines.

While some gear might need a little bit of piecing together, most equipment can be assembled with basic tools like a drill, screwdriver and wrench.

If you can't afford to buy all the gear, you could borrow it from a friend or rent it from a hardware store.

Another way to save money is to buy used tools or equipment on websites like Craigslist or eBay.

5. Creative Alternatives

If you want to home gym on a tight budget, here are three creative bonus tips that can help you save money:

1. Make weights out of old tires or car wheels.

2. Make use of free online resources and YouTube videos.

3. Get creative with everyday household items (i.e. use a milk jug as a weight or a chair as a step).

6. Keeping Your Home Gym in Shape

Even if you're a gym rat who adores working out at home, there will come a time when the couch calls your name—take it from someone who’s had their own home gym for five years now!

To prevent your home gym from turning into a grumpy workout partner, it's crucial to keep it in tip-top shape. 

1. After each use, clean the equipment

This will help keep your gear clean and stop sweat and bacteria from building up.

Use a disinfecting wipe or spray, and make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.

2. Vacuum regularly

You might get sweat, protein bars and other food on the floor of your home gym, making it slippery and dangerous.

Vacuuming regularly will keep you safe and make sure your space stays clean.

3. Check for loose bolts and screws

Try slowly improving the weight machines and other equipment in your gym.

Check for loose hardware regularly and tighten it as needed to prevent accidents.

Key Things to Think About When Building a Home Gym

There are a few important things to think about when building a home gym that can make or break your success.

1. First and foremost, you need to consider your budget. How much can you realistically afford to spend on equipment and space?

2. Second, you need to think about what kind of equipment you need. What kind of workouts do you want to do?

3. Third, you need to consider the space you have available. Do you have an unused bedroom or basement that you can convert into a gym?

4. Fourth, you need to set some ground rules. Will this be a strictly no-children zone during workout hours? Will music be allowed?

5. Lastly, you need to stock up on basic supplies like water, towels and first-aid supplies.

If you keep these important things in mind, you will be well on your way to building a home gym that fits your needs- and your budget.

Pump It Up: How to Build a Home Gym That Will Make Your Buddies Jealous!

Building a home gym can be a cost-saving and fitness-boosting decision.

But once you have your gym set up, you may want to upgrade it to a pro-level workout paradise that can put any commercial gym to shame.

Start small and add things like weight plates, benches and cardio machines as you go.

To really step up your game, add some stylish lighting to set the mood for a killer workout.

It's a bit of a workout in itself, but with the right tools and a touch of know-how, you can create a home gym that'll make your friends green with envy and beg to join your gym membership!

Wrapping Up and My Experience With Building my Home Gym

To get to the point, I would recommend looking online for sales and deals, especially if you are on a budget. Once you have all of your equipment, it is time to start setting up your home gym.

I can speak from personal experience when I say that building a home gym is an extremely rewarding process.

Not only will you save money in the long run, but you will also have the freedom to work out whenever you want without having to deal with crowds or travel.

Plus, there’s a certain satisfaction in looking at all of your hard work and knowing that you did it all by yourself.

With this guide, you’re ready to build your gym and start reaching your wildest fitness goals!

Read more content about fitness, training and wellbeing on our fitness blog!

About the Author

Evander Nelson

Founder at evandernelson.com

Evander is a kickboxer and NASM-certified personal trainer.

With over 10 years of experience, Evander has dedicated himself to helping those around him become the best versions of themselves