Written by Mia Barnes
Creating a home gym doesn’t have to empty your wallet. With a little creativity and some smart choices, you can set up a functional workout space without spending a fortune. Whether you’re into strength training or cardio, here’s how to make it work on a budget.
Prioritise the Essentials
You don’t need fancy machines to get a great workout in. Focus on versatile, affordable equipment like:
- Resistance bands for strength training and stretching.
- Dumbbells or adjustable weights
- A jump rope for affordable cardio
- A Pilates ball for stability, stretching and balance
Use What You Have
Before buying anything, check what’s already in your home. A sturdy chair or ottoman can double as a workout bench, and towels (or paper plates!) can replace sliders for core workouts. Even a backpack filled with books (or adding hand weights to your coat pocket) can act as a weighted vest.
Find Budget-Friendly Alternatives
A gym membership can be pricey; however, creating a home gym and investing in durable, quality equipment you only buy once is a great long-term alternative to keep exercising. It is even better when you don't have to spend time and money driving to get there!
If new equipment isn’t in the budget, look for second-hand options. Check Facebook
Marketplace, Ebay or charity shops. Many people sell barely used fitness equipment for a fraction of the price.
Focus on Bodyweight Exercises
You don’t even need equipment to build strength. Squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks are all effective and free. Bodyweight movements are a fantastic way to build muscle and improve balance. Combine them into circuits for a full-body workout.
Core sliders are a great way to add resistance and strength to bodyweight workouts on a budget without weights.
Get Creative With Cardio
Treadmills and stationary bikes can be pricey, but there are other options. If you can't get out for a run, try high knees, jumping jacks, HIIT (think Joe Wicks) or dance workouts on You Tube. Low-impact cardio like Pilates or Vinyasa yoga can help you deal with chronic conditions like diabetes or osteoporosis. Walking is a great, low impact cardio workout with so many health benefits, and it's free!
Make Use of Free Online Resources
Skip the expensive workout programmes. YouTube has thousands of free workout videos, from yoga to strength training. Fitness apps often have free versions with great workouts, too. We have downloadable workouts available in our Workout Centre to help you get started.
Create a Motivating Space
Your home gym doesn’t need to be fancy. Just clear a small area and keep it organised. A
corner of your living room, garage or even outdoor patio can work. Keeping your equipment in one place helps create a habit of working out regularly. A yoga mat
or foam tiles can make hard floors more comfortable. A mirror — even a small one — can help with form.
Make Your Own Equipment
If you’re handy, you can build some of your own workout equipment. A sandbag or plastic bottle filled with rice can replace traditional weights. A duffel bag stuffed with heavy objects makes a great DIY weight for deadlifts and squats. You can even fill an old basketball with sand to use as a homemade medicine ball. You can read about the benefits of adding light weights to your exercise regime here.
Upgrade Over Time
There’s no need to buy everything at once — start with the essentials and upgrade as your fitness goals evolve. Begin with resistance bands and bodyweight workouts, then add weights and other equipment when your budget allows. The key is to prioritise what you’ll use and invest in quality pieces instead of buying equipment that might collect dust.
Stay Consistent
A home gym is only effective if you use it, so find workouts you enjoy and set a schedule that works for you rather than makes fitness harder. Even short workouts done consistently will lead to progress. The beauty of a home gym is that you have full control over your space and routine. Find our latest blog post here on how to create a consistent routine as part of your daily life that you can stick to.
Make the Most of Your Home Gym
Creating a home gym on a budget is completely possible. Whether you’re shopping second hand or using free workout resources, there are plenty of ways to stay fit without spending a fortune. The most important thing is to get started and stay committed to your fitness journey.