Creating a home gym on a budget: Tips for staying fit at home
Staying fit and healthy doesn't have to mean splurging on a pricey gym membership or fancy equipment. With creativity and smart investments, you can set up an effective home gym that fits your needs without overspending. Whether you're looking to build muscle, lose weight, or stay active, creating a home gym can be easier than you might think. Here's how you can build your home gym on a budget.
1. Set clear fitness goals
Before you start gathering equipment, take some time to define your fitness goals. Are you focusing on strength training, cardio, flexibility, or all three? Understanding your fitness objectives will guide purchasing decisions and workout space planning.
2. Your body weight is your first tool
Bodyweight exercises are often overlooked but incredibly effective for building strength and endurance. Exercises like push-ups, squats, lunges, planks, and burpees don't require equipment and can be done virtually anywhere. These movements engage multiple muscle groups and can be modified for all fitness levels. Best of all, they're completely free! Onepeloton offers 11 bodyweight exercises that will give your whole body a workout.
3. Start with the basics
When setting up your home gym, you don't need a lot of equipment to get started. A few inexpensive pieces, such as resistance bands, a jump rope, a set of dumbbells or a kettlebell, and a yoga mat for floor exercise, can provide various workout options. With these items, you can create diverse routines to get your blood pumping.
4. Buy pre-loved
One of the best ways to save money when creating your home gym is by purchasing used gym equipment. Many people sell fitness equipment because they bought it on a whim and don't use it much or when they want to upgrade. Check online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Gumtree. You might be surprised by the quality and range of equipment you can find at a fraction of the price. You can also check out local thrift shops or garage sales for bargains. Even though the equipment may not be brand new, it can still serve your needs perfectly well for a home workout setup.
5. DIY equipment
If you're good with DIY projects and don't mind getting your hands dirty, there are plenty of ways to make your fitness equipment using household items or inexpensive materials. For example:
- Create sandbags for weight training using an old carry bag, heavy-duty zip-lock bags, and sand. Sandbags are incredibly versatile and can be used for everything from squats to deadlifts, fireman's carry and shoulder presses
- Instead of buying expensive dumbbells, use plastic bottles or milk cartons filled with water or sand. They function similarly to free weights and cost almost nothing
- If you want to incorporate box jumps into your workout, consider building your own plyo box using a few wood planks. This can save you a lot of money, and you can adjust the height to match your fitness level
6. Limited space? No worries!
If you have limited space, getting creative with your home gym setup is essential. You don't need an entire room dedicated to fitness - just a tiny corner can work perfectly. If space is limited, it's worth considering collapsible or stackable equipment. For example, adjustable dumbbells and kettlebells take up minimal space compared to full-weight sets, and resistance bands can easily be stored in a drawer or under the bed.
7. Opt for free workouts
There are plenty of free or affordable online resources and fitness apps available these days. Whether you're interested in HIIT, Pilates, yoga, or strength training, there are numerous free apps, videos, and online programs, many of which offer a low-cost subscription. For instance, free workout videos are abundant on YouTube, and PC Magazine has compiled a list of the best workout apps for 2024.
8. Consistency and accountability are key
Consistency is key, no matter how advanced or straightforward your home gym setup may be! Set regular workout times and hold yourself accountable. Tracking your progress through an app, journal, or fitness tracker can help you stay motivated and see the results of your hard work.
Final thoughts
You don't need much space or expensive equipment to reach your fitness goals. With creativity, resourcefulness, and determination, you can create a home gym that allows you to stay fit, healthy, and active, all within your budget.
But, if you have been eyeing up a new all-in-one trainer and don't have the funds you need right now, we can always lend a financial hand. Just look at our cash loans up to $5,000 to find out how quick and easy it is to borrow some extra money. Once a loan is approved, the cash is usually in your bank account within a few hours, so you can start building a fantastic home gym this week!