How to Create a Home Gym on a Budget

Whether you want to save money by working out at home instead of the gym, or you need to cut down on the time and energy it takes to commute to exercise classes, creating a home gym could be your answer. Even if you’re on a budget, there are simple ways to make a home gym that meets your needs.

If you’re worried about going over budget or needing to dip into your savings, you could consider a personal loan from a bank, credit union or online lender. A personal loan can be a good alternative to a credit card because it offers fixed terms and often a lower interest rate.

The following tips could also help you figure out how to create your ideal home gym without breaking the bank.

Think about your priorities

Before you start putting your home gym together, think about what’s most important to you. What do you want to get out of a home gym? What’s your reason for creating a dedicated workout space in your home? What kind of exercise do you enjoy?

Next, think about how you might spend your money. If cardio is important to you, you might consider investing in a treadmill or a rowing machine. Are you an avid biker? A stationary bike could give you an opportunity to practice your hobby without hitting the road. If strength training or weightlifting is your goal, spending money on the best free weights and dumbbells you can afford may be your best bet.

Just remember to be honest with yourself about what type of exercise you think you’ll actually do.

Calculate your costs

Once you have a sense of your priorities, it’s time to estimate your costs. A home gym can run anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on the space, size and equipment. You may also need help with installation and ongoing maintenance for certain types of equipment or special pads to protect your floors.

As you consider how much you want to spend on your home gym, remember you’ll most likely be trading the cost of a gym membership, group classes and commuting with the cost of outfitting your new space. While it can be a lot of money up front, you could save over time.

If you own your home, your gym could add to your home’s value. By creating a well-considered space, you may be able to earn back some of the money you put into your gym if you sell your house one day.

Take some time to write down your expected costs so that you have the information in one place. Continue to update your budget as you narrow down your potential purchases.

Comparison shop

While it might be tempting to find the cheapest equipment available to save money, it might be more costly in the long run if you keep needing to replace quickly worn-out items.

Do your research before you make a purchase. Read reviews online and ask trusted friends for their recommendations. If you have a trainer or know someone who works in a gym, you could ask for their opinion, too.

As you consider spending on more expensive equipment, think back to your priorities and what you enjoy most in a gym. This might help you avoid buying gear that you just won’t use.

Invest in the right equipment

If your budget is really tight, start with basic equipment. Mats for warm-ups, stretching and yoga. Resistance bands for mobility and resistance training. Jump ropes are another affordable tool for a challenging workout — you can also easily pack a jump rope and resistance bands in your suitcase for exercising when you travel.

You could also look for lightly used or refurbished equipment. This way, you’ll be able to test out machines, figure out what you enjoy and find the right fit before you spend a considerable amount of money. Check Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and even local secondhand stores for used gym equipment — just confirm that it’s in good working order before you purchase it.

You could always save up for new items or upgrade your existing gear later.

Build a home gym that works for you

Creating a home gym may feel daunting at first — there are many decisions to make, and it can be difficult to know where you should put your money. Make the process easier by thinking through your priorities, calculating costs, doing research and investing in equipment that will give you the most bang for your buck.