Let’s face it, going to the gym is not for everyone.
It takes time to drive there, time to change into workout clothes, time to wait for equipment to open.
If you're new to working out or just starting up again it’s intimidating to work out in front of others. We assume everyone is watching us (in truth they aren’t) and it’s tough to bench press 135 lb. next to the muscle heads doing reps of 315 lb.
Let's not forget the membership fees of $50/month or higher.
I enjoy working out at home. I prefer being on my own and not worrying about wasting time waiting for equipment or driving to and from the gym.
Most people assume that a home gym is an enormous up front expense, but it doesn’t have to be.
Granted you won’t have as much room or items as a big box gym, but do you really did all the extra bells and whistles?
Truth is you don’t. You can get by just fine with a home gym.
Let’s take a look at some options:
Free
Who doesn’t like free? The fitness industry would like you to believe that you need all that fancy equipment to truly get fit. Otherwise how are they supposed to make their money?
No doubt some exercise equipment can improve your physique. But that shouldn’t be a deterrent to getting started. You can get in amazing shape with no equipment at all.
The internet is filled with body weight workout plans. Here is a simple one to follow.
Bare Basics (<$100)
Assuming you have some money lying around and want to get your home gym started, let’s look at the bare basics.
Workout Bands (~$30)
Workout bands provide resistance in a similar way to weights. While traditionally associated with woman and “toning”, some of the heavier duty bands can really help you put on muscle.
Kettlebells ($20-50)
Kettlebells have come into the fitness spotlight in the last 10 years. You can have a great workout with these bad boys.Word of caution they do take some experience to get the form correct. An average size female can start with a 20 lb kettlebell and the average male 40-50 lb.
Before attempting please check out this youtube video.
Pavel Tsatsouline is also a great source of knowledge if you would like to know more.
Jump Ropes ($10)
An old school classic. Great for cardio and warming up for any workout. Don’t worry you will be terrible at jump roping at first, but you’ll soon get the hang of it.
Pull Up Bar ($20-30)
Arguably the most overlooked exercises of all. Find me someone who can do a lot of pull ups and I will show you a fit person.
Best (<$500)
Ok, the creme dela creme of at home gyms, that's still affordable.
PowerBlock Dumbells ($300)
Don’t be afraid of that price tag. PowerBlock dumbbells have been one of the best fitness purchases of my life. It is like have a whole rack of dumbbells in one convenient package.
I spent years debating whether or not to drop the money on these. What a waste of time. Buy them and thank me later.
Adjustable Bench (~$100)
Having a bench will allow you access to many more exercises. Make sure it is adjustable, meaning it can incline and decline.
That’s it.
Don’t make fitness so confusing.
Truth is you can get in shape and have everything you need in a home gym for less than you think.