Create a Home Gym on a Budget - Wisthoff's Fitness Warehouse

Contrary to what most people believe, creating your own home gym does not have to cost a fortune. There is plenty of budget home gym equipment on the market, making it easier to afford than you might think.

Cheap vs Affordable Home Gym Equipment

When talking about starting a budget home gym, it’s important to note the difference between affordable and cheap home gym equipment. These are very much two different things. Just because something is less expensive does not necessarily mean that is cheaply made. However, it will take some research to be able to identify the difference. The last thing you want is to buy cheap home gym equipment that you use less, provides less satisfaction, and ends up needing more replacement pieces. Luckily, more people than ever before are purchasing home gym equipment, which means more companies have been creating budget home gym equipment as well.

Budget Home Gym Equipment You Need

The specific home gym equipment you need will vary based on your fitness goals and what types of exercises you enjoy the most. However, there are also some items that every home gym should not be without. Here we will discuss the best budget home gym equipment you can buy to start creating your home gym.

Squat Rack

This is likely the item that you think of when you think of a home gym. It is typically the centerpiece of a home gym. With the squat rack, you are able to do much more than squat. You can also press, do pull-ups, and much more. A good quality squat rack will be one that you feel safe using, lasts a long time, and also offers attachments that you can add over time if you would like.

Barbell

If you have a squat rack, you’re going to need a barbell to use with it. If you are going to buy a more expensive item for your home gym, the barbell is where you should do it. With this piece of equipment specifically, there is a strong correlation between price and quality. The sweet spot for a barbell for a budget home gym is around $250-$275.

Weight Plates

Again, if you’re going to buy a barbell, you need plates to increase the weight. There are a few different types of plates out there and better applications for either of them. For people who are only powerlifting, iron plates are a great option if you do not mind the noise they create. Bumper plates are a more versatile option as they are multi-functional, quieter, and generally safer for your floor.

Weight Bench

If you are going to invest in a barbell and weight plates, a weight bench is another necessity. Many beginners might look past it when they are starting their home gym, but if you want to maximize your upper body strength, it is essential. With a bench, you can engage in heavy bench pressing and a greater range of movement for chest exercises. If you focus more on cardio and HIIT workouts, you might not need a bench, but anyone who likes to lift will want one.

Stair Climber

While not a necessity, a stair climber might be just what some people need for their home gym. Stair climbers provide a great cardio workout while still being easy on your joints. They also build pretty much every muscle in your legs and glutes since it is a weight-bearing exercise. The repeated stepping motions help tone your lower body and work your core muscles at the same time. You can adjust the speed of the stair climber, making it ideal for people of all fitness levels who want to improve their cardiovascular endurance and stamina.

Treadmill

A treadmill is an ideal piece of home gym equipment for many people. If you like walking, running, or jogging, a treadmill is a great way to reach your goals quickly and within the comfort of your own home. In fact, walking and running are two of the most efficient forms of exercise. This is because you must move your entire body and bear your entire body’s weight at the same time. That means you must do the most work possible in the shortest period of time, burning the maximum number of calories.

Elliptical

Some people might need to protect their joints more than a treadmill allows them to. It is a workout that simulates running without the same amount of impact. These machines are especially helpful for anyone with a history of knee, hip, or lower body injuries. They also allow for the movement of the upper and lower body, which is not used while you are on the treadmill. This means that you will use more muscles with an elliptical and make them stronger.

Jump Rope

No, jump ropes aren’t just for kids in elementary school. A jump rope can be a killer conditioning and coordination device when used in both short and long intervals. If you’re not a fan of running or sprinting, jumping rope is an affordable piece of home gym equipment that can act as an alternative. Jumping rope is an excellent way to warm up as well as increase your stamina and endurance. Jump ropes can be found just about anywhere, but generally thicker PVC ropes are more versatile and easier to learn how to use.

Exercise Mat

If you, or someone else using your home gym, enjoys yoga, pilates, or any kind of floor-based strength training exercises, a yoga or exercise mat is a must. It provides an important cushion and traction while you hit your poses or do your workout. If your wrists, knees, or hips are sensitive to hard surfaces, an exercise mat will help make these exercises much more comfortable.

You Can Create an Affordable Home Gym

If going to a gym and paying for a gym membership is not your style, you have probably considered creating a home gym at some point. Maybe you didn’t think it was possible to create a home gym without breaking the bank. We hope you have realized how easy it is to find affordable home gym equipment and start creating your dream home gym.