You all know that I love my gym, but some days, you just can’t make it. It’s not the workout that’s the problem – it’s getting to the gym. Sometimes you don’t have time for the journey or you’re stuck in traffic. Sometimes it’s freezing cold outside, and you’re scared that you might turn into an icicle if you step out of the front door. On these occasions, when we can’t make it to the gym (whether it’s our fault or not!), it means a missed workout. But not if you can do your regular workout at home. Ok, so a fully equipped gym is out of the question for most people, but you can set up a small home gym on a relatively low budget. Use these tips and tricks to create a gym at home without breaking the bank.
Spread the Cost
First of all, don’t buy everything at once. If you try and buy everything you want at the same time, you’ll be eating ramen noodles in no time. As well as the money factor, you don’t want to invest in twenty different pieces of equipment, just to find that you don’t use most of them. You might find that when you don’t go to the gym, you tend to stick to a couple of things at home. Think about the equipment you most enjoy using at the gym and prioritize what you want based on your usual workout.
Buy Used
Some people are squeamish about buying things that other people have already used. And they would be right to for certain things, where the item’s safety or hygiene has been compromised. But plenty of things can be just as good used as they are new, but with a way lower price tag. There are lots of places to get used gym equipment, and you can often get several things in a bundle at the same time. Look at local ads in newspapers and on sites like Craigslist, as well as the message board at your gym (if it has one). Sites like eBay can be pretty good for snatching up a bargain too.
Go For Cheaper Equipment
Your home gym doesn’t have to look like a miniature version of the gym where you have a membership. That equipment can cost hundreds and even thousands of dollars. You can have cheaper equipment for working out at home that does the same stuff as the high-tech equipment you use at the gym. If you’re toning, even just a large yoga mat could allow you to work out at home. Other cheap pieces of equipment include stability balls and resistance bands.
Shop Around
Just like you would with a pair of shoes or a new TV, shop around for the best deals. Don’t settle for the first thing you see and get drawn in by shiny promises. Remember to have a budget in mind and be strict with yourself, so you don’t go over it.
Do you have a home gym?
I’d love to have a treadmill at home, but it’s not practical with our transient lifestyle. For now, I have a set of free weights, a stool, and a foam roller (which I can’t live without). I do a lot of body weight circuit training, so I don’t need much. We also have some rings and TRX in the backyard, but I haven’t tried it yet.
Girl, use that TRX! it’s an amazing workout tool!
I love your post. I might build a proper home gym someday–but for now few weights, kettlebells and my beloved treadmill!