I’m a big fan of having a gym membership. I like having someplace to go, away from the distractions of my home, away from my work, and where I can focus on my my workout. (Since working from home, this also gives me an excuse to actually leave my house…) But I know that’s not an option for everyone and sometimes the only way they can fit in a workout, or “afford” to workout, is if they’re doing it from home.
If you’re one of those people or if you’re just looking to build an in-home option for the days you can’t get to the gym, today I wanted to share my tips for making an affordable home gym.
1 – Yoga Mat – if there’s one item you should get, this is it! You can find free yoga classes online but this will also just set your space for those body weight workouts too.
2 – Exercise Ball – These are great! Not just for your workouts, but you can use it while sitting at your desk and keeping your core activated while you work!
3 – Fitness Bands – You can find these for relatively cheap. I know I found some in the dollar section at Target once but many retailers sell them and they’re great for your resistance training.
4 – Deck of Cards – Chances are you already have these in your house but remember they’re a great addition to your home-gym for those Deck of Cards Workouts.
5 – Free Weights/Medicine Ball/Kettlebell – Either or. And while if you’re looking to buy a whole rack, then yes, they’ll get a little pricey but if you buy a set at a time, then it’s not so bad.
6 – Exercise DVDs – Again, if you’re looking to buy sets, they will get expensive, but buy one or two to have on hand that you can rotate into your workouts, will be a great addition.
Clearly, building that at-home workout doesn’t have to be expensive. Start with what you can do and know you can always add to it later. (Someday, I’d love to have a treadmill at home, but that’s still pretty far down the line.)
Do you workout at home or at the gym?
What are your must-haves for your at-home gym?
Love this. Everybody can easily get an at-home gym with these materials.
I’m completely spoiled with a great home gym (elliptical, treadmill, bike, complete weight system and dumbbells and more … I enjoy having my tv/Netflix or music too). I love NOT having to leave the house to hit the gym, it’s just so convenient that I have NO excuses!
Music is definitely key for me too!
Love these! I’m going to be working out at home a lot more and I love my ball, free weights, and yoga mat!
Yes you are! 🙂
All I have at home are free weights and a copy of the 30 day shred. Oh, and a foam roller! I do have a gym membership but would also like to add to what I own so that it’s more balanced. I’m thinking that I can’t believe I don’t have a yoga mat!
Oh yes, sir foam roller – a love to hate! 😉