Sometimes the thought of leaving the house and heading to the gym can be stressful enough to turn a workout day into a rest day. There is no need to let the effort of getting to the gym dissuade you from getting your workout in! I have included below all the information and equipment you will need to create the perfect home gym regardless of your space or budget.
Pro Tip: look to purchase equipment on second hand sale sites. You can score great bargains and as long as you clean the equipment well a lot of it will be in like new condition.
Low-Budget home gym setup ($113 – $320)
If you are looking to setup your home gym with little space and budget then you will need to focus on purchasing the essential equipment. Make sure that the equipment relates to the exercises that will get you going and you’ll find enjoyable. The most demoralizing experience is to purchase equipment that just gathers dust and takes up valuable space and funds. With this in mind, consider each of the items listed as suggestions. Think about how they will relate to the workouts you will complete at home. This entire setup should be easily storable in an apartment and cost less than a few months gym membership.
Yoga mat ($10 – $30)
A yoga mat or two are essentials for the home gym, not only will they be useful for follow along yoga sessions but will also act to protect your floor if you are lifting and moving around weights.
Resistance band set ($8 – $35)
Resistance bands take up a tiny amount of space and can be used for a huge variety of different workouts, while also being low impact. Having a set of different lengths and resistance weights is a great way to maximize the variety of workouts possible.
Exercise ball ($15 – $30)
An exercise ball is great for core and stabilization workouts. They do tend to take up quite a bit of space so, if that’s an issue, you can look at getting a slightly more expensive ($20 – $50), but much smaller, half ball/ balance ball.
Doorway pull up bar ($15 – $30)
The doorway pull-up bar is a classic piece of home gym equipment that, if necessary, can be stored away when not in use.
Gliding disks ($10 – $25)
Gliding disks are a great tool for stabilization and core workouts, they help to work muscles that aren’t traditionally activated.
Pro Tip – Make sure you get the right kind, as some are suitable for hardwood floors whilst others are designed for carpeted areas!
Dumbbell set ($35 – $90)
Dumbbell sets are great for a variety of exercises but if saving space is a high priority, resistance bands can be substituted in most situations.
Ab Roller Wheel ($12 – $30)
A strong core has a great number of benefits for everyday living outside of Bumble profile pictures! An ab roller wheel is a fun and effective way to ensure that you have a strong core.
Foam roller ($8 – $30)
In order to reduce soreness after a heavy workout it’s always a good idea to roll your muscles out afterwards! Foam rollers are easy to use and come in many varieties. For a deep muscle roll out, ensure that you purchase one with handles which will help to provide maximum pressure as your roll.
Youtube fitness channels ($FREE)
To keep your workouts varied and intense, it is key (and free!) to be subscribed to a good selection of youtube workout channels. Check out POPSUGAR Fitness, Yoga With Adriene, Fitness Blender and other top channels on our Top 10 Youtube Workout Channels article.
Mid-Budget home gym setup ($944 – $1849)
If you have a bit more space and money set aside for creating your home gym, then the following setup will provide you with great variety and quality of exercises at a reasonable price. At around $1000 this setup should cost you less than an annual gym membership.
Kettlebell set ($40 – $80)
Kettlebell workouts train strength in motion, they are great for strengthening your core and improving your balance. A set is recommended as some exercises are more suited for lighter weights whilst others require heavier ones.
Olympic barbell + clips + Weight plates ($300 – $800)
The barbell and plate combo can be used for squats, deadlifts, bench pressing and more. These traditional weight lifting workouts are great for anyone looking to bulk up and increase their maximum numbers.
Adjustable bench ($40 – $80)
The bench is a great accompaniment for dumbbells and weighted barbells, allowing for a wide variety of free weight workouts as well as bench pressing.
Squat rack + pull up bar ($130 – $200)
Squats are a great way to build up stability and leg/glute muscles. If you have the space for it, a squat rack and pull up bar combo are a great addition to any home gym.
Foam flooring (36 SQ. FT $45 – $70)
Foam flooring is an essential element for a good home gym. It will not only protect your floors but also provide some cushioning for your joints and reduce noise complaints from downstairs neighbors.
Adjustable dumbbells ($70 – $150)
Adjustable dumbbells are a great space saving solution that allow you to work with a variety of free weights without the necessity of a large rack to keep them organized.
Medicine ball set ($90 – $140)
Another set of tools great for working your abs and lower back. Medicine balls are fun to throw around and provide great core workouts. These are not recommended if you live in an apartment with downstairs neighbors.
Battle ropes ($50 – $80)
Battle ropes provide an intense workout that will leave your arms and shoulders burning. These are a great tool to incorporate if you are looking to do circuit training in your home gym.
Standing / Wall mirror ($80 – $150)
A mirror is great for checking your form. Ensure that you are holding yourself accountable to the full range of your movements.
Chromecast + Wahoo TICKR heart rate monitor + ClassPass Live ($99/ Year)
If you want the studio experience in your home then ClassPass live is a great option. Bundled with the heart rate monitor provided in the starter kit you can track your workload and progress as you follow along with the interactive live sessions.
High-Budget home gym setup ($40,808 – $43,658)
If you have a garage or a large room that you are looking to kit out with the latest and greatest home exercise equipment then this next setup will be the perfect fit for you! If you can’t stay motivated with this awesome gear, then there is nothing that will get you active at home.
Peloton bike ($2,245 + $39/ month)
This high tech stationary spin bike comes with a subscription to live instructor led classes. The 22-inch screen mounted to the bike is your portal to the studio spin class from the comfort of your home gym.
Technogym Skillmill Connect ($9,740)
This high tech curved non-motorized treadmill provides a much more realistic running experience than a traditional motor powered treadmill. With the connect package you will have access to live performance data to track your progress and compare to others.
Water rowing machine ($1000 – $2500)
When performed with the correct technique, rowing can be a great full body exercise. Enjoy the sound of water displacement as you pull through the water rowing machine as if you were on the water.
Multi gym ($800 – $2000)
An all in one multi gym can be great if you have the space for it! With adjustable pulleys, racks, bars and plates there are a huge variety of workouts you can achieve with a multi gym.
Rubber gym floor ( 6FT x 4 FT $400)
High quality rubber non slip flooring is great for a high end home gym. The surface will provide good grip as well as protection for your joints, floor and equipment.
Bot Boxer ($24,900)
This high tech punching bag uses cameras to evade your punches. It comes with built in training sessions and is a fun, interactive way to train your cardio and hand eye coordination.
Mirror LCD interactive home gym ($1495 + $39/month)
This high tech mirror allows you to project coach led workout sessions that you follow along with by matching your movements to theirs in the mirror. As part of the monthly subscription you have access to a variety of classes include cardio, strength, yoga, barre, Pilates, boxing and HIIT.
Athletes massage gun ($150 – $300)
A sports massage gun is a perfect tool for effortlessly reducing swelling and soreness after an intense workout. A good gun comes with a variety of settings and massage heads. This allows you to target a wide range of muscles and tight areas.
Hopefully these setups will provide you with some inspiration for your own home gym. Remember to think through the exercises you like doing and match the equipment you get to those exercises!
Kaitlin is a travel writer and marketing consultant. On any given day, you can find her surfing, reading, and/or on the eternal search for the cutest cafes (with tons of power sockets, of course).
I really didn’t know these tips before which you have informed us through your helpful and informative article!! Thank you and keep sharing awesome stuff.
Great! I’m glad you found the tips helpful!