If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that we can live at home and get it all done. That includes working out! Don’t get me wrong, I do love a good fitness class, and I even teach those from time to time (Yoga and Les Mills BodyPump are my jam). But for us busy folks (especially us busy moms), having the equipment to get in a good sweat session at home is a must. I’ve got you covered as you build that perfect but cheap home gym! Check out my suggestions for what you need. Note: There are some affiliate links included in this post.
Stick with the Basics
First things first in setting up your cheap home gym – what type of exercise do you enjoy? I’m a huge fan of strength training, but I love my cardio days too. The key is to focus on what equipment you will actually use, not what you think you might start trying when you have a free moment.
Next, think about what you tend to use when you are at the gym. Are there particular machines or equipment that you gravitate towards? If you are like me and take fitness classes, what do you use in those classes? Make sure you feel confident knowing how to use the equipment on your own.
Lastly, don’t forget about the little extras. Do you need any sort of storage equipment to keep everything organized? Think weight rack or exercise mat. What about some things to help with motivation or nutrition? I absolutely love my tiny fridge that I can keep drinks in.
Another good fridge option is here!
Once you have a wish list of equipment for your cheap home gym, then we have to figure out where it is going to go!
Use Space Saving Equipment
Whether you live in an apartment or a house, none of us want our workout stuff taking up that much space. Looking at your cheap home gym wish list, think about where you can actually put these things. How much room around the equipment will you need? I typically work out in my attic, but it has slanted ceilings, which I never thought was a problem until I stood up on my spin bike and hit my head! So it might be helpful to check the dimensions of both the equipment you want, especially bigger items like a treadmill or bike, and the size of the space you plan to put it in.
You may need to also swap some of the items you use at the gym for a space-saving option. Here are some of my favorites:
- Use an adjustable dumbbell instead of a slew of hand weights. I’m a fan of this Bowflex model, but there are other affordable options too.
- Find resistance tubes or bands in a range of intensities.
- Choose a walking pad instead of a full-size treadmill. I love this one! Here is another cheap option.
- Look for a shorter exercise bench like this Reebok one or this one.
- Get a smaller profile cardio machine. There are lots of options – I like Sole bikes or this popular one. Of course, you could always splurge on a Peloton bike with a built-in screen.
Set it Up and Use it!
Getting your cheap home gym planned out is only half the battle. Now, you have to get everything set up so it is functional for you to jump right into a workout! If you are a fan of interval workouts where you often switch between cardio and strength moves, make sure you can transition to each piece of equipment you’ll be using without too much hassle. This may take a few workouts to nail it down.
If working out at home is new to you, staying motivated can be a challenge. Check out free YouTube videos for inspiration, or consider signing up for a program like Les Mills On Demand, Peloton, or Bodi. You can also work with me! I can help you map out an exercise AND eating plan that supports your goals. Reach out to me to get started!
