Setting Up a Home Gym: Cost, Equipment, and More

Finding time to hit the gym can be difficult. Thanks to home gyms, you can build a better body and improve your health without leaving the comfort of your own space. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast looking to workout more or a beginner starting on a journey to better health, setting up a home gym is the first step toward achieving your goals.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about setting up a home gym so you can find your path to fitness.

Setting up a home gym doesn’t have to break the bank. You can create a basic home gym for as little as $200. This usually includes essential items like dumbbells, a yoga mat, and resistance bands. These simple pieces of equipment can provide a solid starting point for your workouts without burning a hole in your wallet

For those looking to spend a bit more, around $500 to $2,000, you can add more variety to your workouts. This allows you to buy a decent treadmill or a weight system on top of the essential items for a well-rounded workout.

For those willing to invest more in their home gym setup, the high-end budget range offers the opportunity to create a fully-equipped fitness space. With a budget ranging from $2,000 to $15,000, you can afford top-of-the-line cardio machines, a complete set of weights, and possibly smart fitness equipment.

No matter your budget, there are options available to match your needs and preferences. You can always start small and build as you go.

While the amount you invest in your home gym will determine what products and equipment you can buy, there are a few common options you should consider. Before buying any equipment, be sure to read product recommendations and reviews online.

Cardio equipment is a great addition to home gyms, whether you're looking to improve your cardiovascular health, lose weight, or increase endurance. Here are a few pieces of equipment we recommend:

• Treadmill: Great for walkers, joggers, and runners, offering a large range of workouts from light walks to intense sprints.

• Elliptical Machine: Combines upper and lower body movement for a full-body workout. Perfect for those seeking a low-impact option to reduce strain on joints.

• Rowing Machine: Works multiple muscle groups at once, offering a cardiovascular challenge that mimics the action of rowing on water.

• Exercise Bike: Known for its ability to offer a high-intensity workout by combining leg movement with resistance that adjusts to your effort.
  
  

Adding resistance to your home gym setup is important for building strength, muscle, and achieving your fitness goals. You can start with weights and move up to a suspension trainer to increase your core fitness:

• Dumbbells: Can be used for many exercises, allowing for both upper and lower body workouts. Adjustable dumbbells save space and are cost-effective over time. These replace multiple sets of dumbbells by adjusting the weight with a simple click.

• Kettlebell: Offers a unique combination of strength training, flexibility, and cardiovascular improvement through movements like swings and snatches.

• Barbells and Plate Weights: Ideal for progressive overload and strength training, perfect for exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.

• Suspension Trainer: A moveable system, such as TRX, that uses gravity and body weight for hundreds of exercises, improving core stability and muscular strength.

These additional pieces of equipment are inexpensive ways to shake up your daily workout routine. They have many uses and target multiple muscle groups:

• Exercise or Yoga Mat: Provides a comfortable and stable surface for floor exercises, yoga, and stretching routines.

• Resistance Bands: Affordable and versatile tools for adding resistance to workouts, suitable for all fitness levels.

• Stability Ball: Enhances core workouts, improves balance, and can be used as a bench for exercises like chest presses or tricep dips.

• Jump Rope: A simple yet effective tool for cardiovascular exercise that improves coordination, stamina, and speed.

• Ab Wheel: Targets the core muscles through roll-out exercises, challenging stability and strength for advanced ab workouts.

Setting up a home gym offers convenience and flexibility in your fitness routine. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of creating your dream workout space, from choosing the right location to selecting equipment that fits your goals and budget.

Begin by identifying your fitness goals, whether you’re losing weight, building muscle, or increasing cardiovascular endurance. Having a clear idea of what you want to achieve will help you make equipment decisions and customize your workout routine.

For strength training, focus on buying weights, such as dumbbells, barbells, or kettlebells. If heart health is your focus, consider machines like treadmills, stationary bikes, or rowers.

To maintain variety, make sure your home gym setup targets all the major muscle groups. Adding equipment with multiple uses, like resistance bands, stability balls, or adjustable benches, allows you to keep your workouts interesting without spending a lot of extra money.

Remember, progress takes time and consistency. Choose equipment and workouts that match your interests, preferences, and lifestyle to help you keep going.

Setting up a home gym within your budget requires balancing affordability with quality. Start by deciding how much you’re willing to spend and focusing on high-quality equipment. While high-quality equipment comes with high costs, it tends to last longer and requires less maintenance than cheaper options

Next, consider equipment with multiple uses, such as dumbbells and resistance bands. These pieces are cost-effective and can be added to many different types of workouts. This will help you stretch your budget further without losing out on quality.

Pick one space in your home to exercise comfortably and store your equipment. This could be a spare room, garage, or a corner of your living room. Good airflow, adequate lighting, and a pleasant atmosphere will make your workouts more enjoyable and motivating.

Make sure there's enough room for both the equipment and to perform exercises safely. If space is limited, consider foldable equipment or items that can be easily stored away when not in use. You can also look into creative storage solutions, such as using wall mounts for equipment and designing layouts that increase the usability of the space.

Lastly, make sure the flooring is stable and suitable for exercise. This helps prevent injuries while protecting your home’s floors and exercise equipment. If you don’t want to workout directly on your home’s floors, consider materials like rubber mats, foam tiles, or specialized sports flooring.

Choose items that can be used for multiple exercises, such as adjustable dumbbells, resistance bands, and a stability ball. Equipment that combines multiple uses in one, like a multi-gym station, can save space.

Adjustable weights, resistance bands, and equipment with different difficulty levels can adapt to your changing needs. Technology such as smart mirrors, fitness tracking devices, and apps that offer online classes and training sessions can also keep you motivated and engaged.

If you want to include more equipment that isn’t multi-purpose, start with equipment that matches your fitness goals before adding specialty items. It’s better to have a few high-quality pieces than a room full of equipment that doesn’t last or meet your needs.

Building your home gym doesn’t have to happen overnight. Start small with a few essential pieces of equipment, such as dumbbells, resistance bands, or a yoga mat. As your strength, experience, and goals change, so should your gym setup. Regularly assess your needs and add or replace equipment as needed.

Keeping up with fitness trends and new equipment can also guide your home gym expansion. You can find inspiration from online communities, fitness influencers, or friends with similar interests to keep you motivated. Academy is always adding new health + fitness equipment you can find on our website.

• In addition to exercise equipment, consider adding a few other items to help you stay comfortable, motivated, and entertained, such as a TV, mirror, motivational posters, mini fridge, towel rack, or fan.

• If this is your first time setting up a home gym or you are new to working out, talk to a fitness professional to learn the right exercise form and avoid injuries.

• If you or your family have any physical limitations, you can modify your gym space by installing ramps or grab bars.

Ready to start setting up your home gym? Academy Sports + Outdoors offers a large selection of home gym equipment. Whether you need equipment for cardio, weightlifting, boxing, or yoga, we’ve got everything you need to create your ideal fitness space. Shop now and start building the home gym of your dreams!