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Looking to build an at-home gym on a budget?
I have been there before.
I used to love going to the gym daily. But, once I had my daughter it became almost impossible to continue that routine.
Between the time it took me to get ready, drive there, warm-up, work out, cool down, get ready to leave, + drive home… way too much time.
It was making me anxious + unhappy + I realized I needed to create a similar environment at home where I could get the same results.
I just didn’t have that much money to work with.
But, I have created a cute little nook in my basement + an area in my living room to make it work! Honestly, I don’t know if I will ever go back to the gym regularly again.
Now, I am addicted to waking up early before work + having my own time at home to work out in peace without other people around me [or caring what I look like!].
Want to know what I purchased when building my at-home gym on a budget? Scroll to see.
HOW TO KNOW WHAT YOU NEED WHEN BUILDING AN AT HOME GYM
Ok, so before I dive into each type of product I have purchased for my at-home gym, let me just explain how my workout setting looks like at home. I have 2 places where I work out:
1. My living room: I follow videos on my TV + sometimes even weight lift there while watching TV.
2. My basement: I walk on the treadmill down there [I have THIS treadmill] + have the option to work out with a workout bench [I have THIS bench].
You can create your at-home gym setup however you see fit! My way works for me. But, we all have our own unique goals + layout of our living space.
For you? Maybe you want to just work out in your garage, a spare bedroom, or your back porch!
Note: I love to workout using videos that infuse lightweights as well as lifting heavy on my own with walking as cardio. That’s how I built my budget gym. Assess what your goals are + what items below you would need.
GYM PUZZLE FLOORING
Having gym-like workout flooring for your at-home gym is great if you’re lifting + accidentally drop a dumbbell because it won’t damage your flooring. But, it’s also important for comfort, safety, + support if you’re laying on the floor or on your knees for an exercise. I chose gray because it matched my basement decor! I have THIS gym floor puzzle mat.
WORKOUT BENCH
This is a must if you lift weights + want to have a range of motion for how you position your body for various exercises. You can do most bench workout moves by laying on your back. So, you can skip this if you don’t have the room or want to save a little. But, these are cheap ones with great reviews! I recommend getting THIS one — very budget-friendly + does everything you should need it to do for at-home workouts. It’s identical to mine, which has been sold out for a while.
- Related: 20 MINUTE LEG WORKOUT
WORKOUT MAT
I have 2 mats for my at-home gym: a thick workout mat that I use for weight lifting + a yoga mat for yoga/pilates. Since I weight lift the most the workout mat is the one I use the most [4/5 workouts a week!]. For me? It’s hands down a must-have + such a great price. I have THIS workout mat — I got the 1/2 inch.
DUMBBELLS
You don’t need to spend a ton of money on lots of weights for your at-home gym! Just get the ones you absolutely need to start with + build your collection over time as you get stronger + shift your goals. For 6 months I just used a 3lb pair, 5lb pair, 10lb pair, + the adjustable set below that went up to 20lb [mine has been sold out for months. But, THIS ONE is similar!]. Over time, I have also bought 1lb, 8lb, + 12lb dumbbell pairs — all from Target.
AB ROLLER
If you’re interested in working on your ab game at all, this gadget is gold. The best part is that anyone can use it, no matter what level you are at ab-wise. It also works great on any surface level in your house — carpet, hardwood, tile, workout flooring, etc. I got mine at Marshalls, but the ones below are just like it.
YOGA BLOCKS
If you’re into yoga these blocks are great to help steady you + support you as you gradually work on your flexibility while practicing yoga. It helps me modify intermediate/advanced moves I am not yet balanced/flexible enough to complete by myself. I have THESE ONES in gray.
NON-SLIP LEG/BOOTY BANDS
The key is finding leg/booty bands that don’t slip! I have bought the thinner ones in the past + they just don’t work. You need ones with thick fabric like these! Bonus? They’re not expensive + all + really help give you a good burn as you work out. I have THESE + love them!!! They don’t slip at all + give you such a good burn during workouts.
RESISTANCE BANDS
To be honest? I saved some money by cutting my crappy thin leg/booty bands that always rolled up my legs + use them as resistance bands before buying real ones. They work for anything with my upper body! But, having simple, cheap ones are a great option. THESE are the ones I recently bought!
TREADMILL
I know… I know. Treadmills are a pricey item. Yes! But, THIS is the exact one I got + it is such a reasonable price. If you love to walk or jog for cardio + need to do it from the comfort of your home while the baby is sleeping or it’s cold/hot out… you really should invest in this thing. I LOVE it + it’s worth more than I paid for it for sure. So, if you want a treadmill + are on a budget, this one is the one to get.
WANT TO UP YOUR WORKOUT GAME?
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