How To Create A Complete Home Gym On A Budget?

Posted on October 21, 2020

There is nothing new about the hassle we have to deal with our membership at our local gym. It’s an infinite rat race. You have to drive to your gym, change, then wait for your turn to start working on your muscles. That’s such a waste of time! And if you have a busy schedule, then things start to mess up.

Why don’t you use your garage, basement or backyard for a personal gym instead?

Get into your gym shorts and start working out without wasting time driving or waiting in line. And of course, you can play your heart-pumping playlist to get you in the groove.

But you might be thinking: a home gym must be expensive? And that’s where this guide comes in handy.

So, where do we start?

There are so many pieces of equipment to choose from, which ones should you get? Well, the idea is to start small and focus on your primary goals. You can always add more equipment later on according to your requirements.

Setting up your home gym can be expensive. Some people have gone on to spend up to $50,000 to set up their pit. But, if you’re careful, you can conveniently set up your home gym for about $1,000. You just need to be specific to your fitness goals.

Here’s a list of must-have equipment regardless of whether you are looking to lose some fat or gain some lean muscle.

Olympic barbell
Plyo box
Squat rack with a pull-up bar
Rubber weight plates (iron if you have a bigger budget)
Flat bench
Jump rope

Olympic barbell

It needs to be of the highest quality equipment in your home gym because you will use it more than anything else. Don’t go for any cheap quality rods. We highly recommend using the Ohio Power Bar. It’s an excellent quality bar that will last for a long time.

Plyo box

You will be jumping on it, so it needs to be robust and sturdy. We recommend using the Rogue Foam Games Box because it features dense foam that will not fall apart. There is softer foam on all sides, so you won’t get injured while jumping. Reda Elmardi has a great guide on plyo box over at Strong Chap; you should give it a read.

Squat rack featuring a pull-up bar

The squat rack is one of the main equipment pieces because you can do squats, presses, and pull-ups (among other things). If you pick a good quality rack it can last you for 15+ years. And you can add additional attachment over time. A great option to consider on a budget is the PR-1100 by Rep Fitness. If you’re looking for something smoother for the knees and maybe a bit more secure, you could go for a Hack squat instead. Here’s a great guide about choosing one.

Rubber weight plates

We are recommending using rubber weight plates because they will cost you less than the iron plates. A good option here is the weight plates by FringeSport. They are relatively inexpensive and safe for you to use. You can always go for iron weight plates if you want to take your workout to the next level.

Flat bench

People think that a flat bench is only useful for bench press. But that is not true because it is equally helpful for box jumps, rows, box squats, split squats, and a range of other workouts. Look for a stable platform and it needs to be at least 17-inch from the ground with a firm foam pad. We recommend going to the CAP Flat Weight Bench.

Jump rope

And we cannot forget that trusty old jump rope. It’s the best coordination and conditioning workout device in addition to jumping, sprinting, and running. It will increase your endurance, stamina, and will help you warm up quickly. We recommend using Degol Skipping Rope that comes with memory foam handles and PVC cable.

Final word

Once you have all these items, you can quickly start your workout regime at home and stay fit. You can always add more equipment like kettlebells, dumbbells, rowing, and cycling machines as your bank balance increases. It’s just about getting to the basics and improving gradually to attain your goals. It will be a lot easier for you to work out in your personal space; you can access any time during the day.