Building A Budget Home Gym – Here’s The Equipment You Need

Building A Budget Home Gym

Are you interested in building your own home gym but want to do it without emptying your bank account?

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to exercise whenever and however you want?

Before you can figure out how to build a home gym, you need to purchase the right equipment.

Certain equipment is essential but others are not.

Below, I will give you a thorough explanation of the items you need and some extras you might want.

And here’s the thing, The equipment below I have listed based on the essentials that you will need for those that only want to buy the home gym equipment that they absolutely need so they can stay on the cheap side.

Although, I have listed below these must have’s a bonus sections so you can take a look at other equipment that you can save up and buy later on when you have the budget for it.

Must Have Home Gym Equipment For Those On A Budget

Cheap Dumbbells

I highly recommend purchasing a cheap pair of dumbbells. This equipment will become the centerpiece of your home gyms because you can use dumbbells for almost any purpose.

You can use a weight bench and get everything from curls to dumbbell bench press in. You can work your shoulders, your abs and even your legs with a pair of dumbbells.

You’ll always be able to find a way to use dumbbells so you’ll want to add a pair to your gym. Actually, let me phrase it like this. Dumbbells are an essential to any home gym.

Since you’re looking for cheap dumbbells, you’ll likely have to choose a traditional pair. This means that you’ll need to unscrew the clamp to adjust the weight.

And not to worry, even though we are staying on the cheap side of things there are still several pairs of dumbbells that are quality and will more than do the job. I would recommend checking out a round up guide and then go and read customer reviews of the ones you like most to see which pair and brand will be your best option.

If you have extra money to spend, you should buy a convenient pair of adjustable dumbbells because in the long run these will actually be cheaper because you will not have to buy a bunch of different weights.

Power Rack / Squat Rack

You’ll want a whole-body workout so you’ll need various equipment. Dumbbells can help but you’ll want to target your legs too. You should purchase a power or squat rack. With this rack, you’ll be able to lift your weights off of the ground so you can focus on your legs, arms, and other muscle groups.

Having a power rack opens the door to new workouts. In addition to that, you won’t have to bend down and lift the weights from the floor. This reduces the likelihood that you’re going to hurt yourself. Either way, a power rack will provide access to new workouts include squats and bench presses.

Adjustable Weight Bench

adjustable-weight-benches

Remember that a power rack is not going to come with a bench. You’ll want to add one to the setup. You’ll want an adjustable bench so you can use it for various exercises. You’ll be able to straighten the bench so you can use it for bench presses and throw it up at an incline for incline presses and so on.

After you’ve finished that workout, you can lift the back straight up so you can sit upright and enjoy lifting your dumbbells.

Once you’ve added a weight bench to your power rack, you’ll be able to take advantage of many workouts in the comfort of your home.

The thing about weight benches though is most can be large and if you are someone who is living in an apartment or your workout space is small then you are going to want to find one that is on the more compact side of things.

There are a handful of good choices to pick from that are small and still able to give you enough to get the job done.

Barbell

Whether you want to perform curls or bench presses, you’ll need to make sure that you have the right equipment. Without a barbell, you won’t be able to take advantage of these exercises. In addition to this, you’ll be able to use a barbell with or without weights.

If you’re starting out and trying to build your strength, you’ll want to use the barbell without weights. This is a good way to improve your strength and endurance before moving to harder workouts.

You’ll find an assortment of ways to use the barbell including performing bench presses. When you’re ready to take your workout to the next levels, you’ll want to add some weight plates and push yourself to the limit. Make sure that your barbells come with reliable clamps.

You’ll need to use these to keep the weight plates attached to the bar.

Weight Plates

A barbell is great on its own but you’ll want to take things to a new level eventually. With this in mind, you’ll want to purchase a handful of weight plates. You’ll need weights of all sizes so you can customize the weight depending on the workout you’re doing.

For instance, you may want to add more weights to the bar when doing bench presses. If you’re going to be practicing your curls, you may want to decrease the weight.

You can do so by removing the clamps and sliding the plates off of the bar. It is hard to go wrong with weight plates since they’re so durable. Even if you buy a cheap set, you can guarantee that they’ll last a lifetime.

Standing Punching Bag

There is a good chance that you’re working out and exercising because you want to excel in one sport or another. If that sport is mixed martial arts or boxing, you’ll need to work on your striking techniques too.

I recommend adding a standing punching bag to your home gym. This equipment offers a fantastic workout and you can guarantee that you’ll achieve a lot.

With a standing punching bag, you’ll be able to practice your jabs, power punches, and footwork. You’ll be able to do it all. Remember that standing punching bags likely need to be filled with sand or water. This will weigh them down so they don’t move around during use. Also, you’ll find a variety of standing punching bags.

Some look like traditional heavy bags but you may want a Bob Torso Training Bag. Consider your options before deciding which bag will work best for you.

Mat To Protect Flooring

I cannot stress the importance of protecting your floor. This is vital whether you’re a homeowner or you’re renting an apartment or condo. It is essential to protect your floor because a damaged floor will decrease the value of your home. Looking for an apartment with great amenities, check out apartments for rent in Nashville.

It could get you into trouble with your landlord too. This is why I suggest purchasing a mat or two to protect your floor.

You’ll want a thick mat that can prevent the floor from getting scratched. However, you also need to make sure that you can walk on the mat without any issues. You’re going to be moving around on it when you practice on the standing punching bag.

Therefore, the mat’s surface should resemble your floor so it doesn’t hinder your ability to work out.

Bonus Home Gym Equipment If You Can Afford It

Treadmill

beautiful-muscular-woman-running-treadmill

Whether you’re a boxer, martial artist, or basketball player, you need to go above and beyond to enhance your cardio. If you get winded before your opponent, they’re going to dominate you. You can’t let this happen.

Having a treadmill at home will prove to be very helpful. With a treadmill, you’ll be able to run during the snow, rain, and sleet. You can jump on your treadmill and run when your area is experiencing thunderstorms. With a treadmill, you’ll be able to enjoy various workouts from the comfort of your home.

With many treadmills, you’ll be able to adjust the incline so you can get a tougher workout. While expensive, owning a treadmill will be well worth it in the long run.

For those that live in an apartment, you are not to worry here as I am sure you are a bit because of your lack of space. The good news is there are several low profile treadmills to choose from that will allow you to still get a good deal and leave enough room to spare. 

Elliptical

I think it is important for aspiring athletes to use treadmills and elliptical machines. If you stick with the treadmill all the time, there is a risk that you’re going to damage your knees. Treadmills offer some cushion but running is harder on your joints.

Elliptical machines are designed to provide an excellent workout with limited pressure. These machines can protect the knees and ankles. When you need to give your knees a break, you should switch from your treadmill to your elliptical.

Despite being less harsh, elliptical machines can still provide an excellent workout. You can always use one of these machines to prepare for your next bout or game. They’ll force you to break a sweat so you can burn calories and improve your cardio.

Rowing Machine

Some people like treadmills and others prefer elliptical machines. What if you’re looking for something different? Well, I would tell you to look at rowing machines. With a rowing machine, you’ll be able to work on your cardio while building your leg and arm muscles. A lot of people are tired  of elliptical machines and treadmills. If you fit into this category, you’ll want to think about purchasing a rowing machine.

You’ll love the unique workout. If you can afford a rowing machine, you’ll want to think about adding one to your home gym.

Exercise Bike

You’ll want to do everything possible to improve your cardio. This will help ensure that you’ll be able to go toe to toe with your opponent. Buying an exercise bike is wise. With a bike, you’ll be able to build your leg muscles and endurance while taking your cardio to the next level. 

In addition to this, you’ll be thrilled to know that an exercise bike won’t damage your knees as bad as a treadmill will. Like elliptical machines, exercise bikes offer a low impact workout.

You can use them longer without severely damaging your joints. A good exercise bike will make a great addition to your home gym.

Jump Rope

When watching professional boxers, you’ll see them jumping rope. This is one of the oldest but most effective ways to work out. While a jump rope can help you enhance your cardio, it offers far more benefits. For instance, you’ll be able to use a jump rope to improve your coordination and reflexes. You’ll learn how to jump in harmony.

If you don’t, you’ll mess up and you’ll have to start over again. Just remember that you need plenty of clearance overhead to use a jump rope in your home. If you have short ceilings, you’ll need to go outside to use the jump rope. Regardless, I am confident that it’ll be well worth it.

Leave a Comment:

(1) comment

[…] there are no excuses for missing your gym sessions moving forward. With the right equipment in your home gym, you can be sure that you will succeed with your fitness goals moving […]

Reply
Add Your Reply

Leave a Comment: