7 Ways to Create an Inexpensive Home Gym ...

Perhaps you gave up your gym membership or are starting a fitness routine and want to implement an inexpensive home gym. I’ve got some great tips for you! It is possible to bring the workouts home and save money too. The great thing is you don’t need a lot of space. This last year, I actually couldn’t afford a gym, nor did I have transportation to get to a local one. I wasn’t about to give up my daily fitness routines, nor was I willing to spend tons of money I didn’t have installing the perfect home gym. In a tiny bedroom, with a total of 10’x10’ space for the whole room, I created a home gym that has allowed me to not only stay fit, but actually gain more lean muscle than when I used to hit the gym each day. Here are my tips and what you can do to get your own inexpensive home gym!

1. Spread Some Space

One of the easiest and most inexpensive home gym tips I have is to make some space for your fitness area. I rearranged my entire room last year to serve my fitness needs. Though I loved my bed coming out in a diagonal view from my wall for a more aesthetic appeal, I had to move it against the wall to give me some carpet space to work out. I positioned my desk so that my computer would face the space so I could pop in fitness DVDs or watch online fitness videos, convenient to my space. The tiny workout space was only about 4’ x 6 ‘ in total, but it was just big enough for me to be able to do most everything I needed, even if I had to turn a few different ways to do so! Spread out your room, consider getting rid of some furniture and get yourself at least a 6’x8’ space to work out. This allows you to do floor exercises and cardio activities in place, along with yoga or HIIT exercises.

2. A Used Treadmill

I was lucky enough to be able to get a used treadmill from someone I know that is fairly old, but it does the job! Though it is somewhat cramped in my room, after I created the space I did for my fitness area, it aligns perfectly with the floor space I designated. Since I couldn’t get in my cardio elsewhere, I asked around until I found someone I knew with a treadmill and luckily, someone stepped up to the plate. Check area auctions, yard sales, and ask all your friends and family. Post something on Facebook, Twitter or look on eBay for a super cheap option. Be sure to get one that works, but it doesn’t have to be super fancy.

3. DVDS

If you can’t get a treadmill, be sure that you get access to some great cardio DVDs to get your heart rate up. I like Tracy Anderson’s line, along with The Biggest Loser series, and Kathryn Budhig’s yoga series. I absolutely love yoga DVDs for toning and strengthening, along with pilates DVDs. Find whatever kinds you like and don’t feel like you have to buy the newest, most expensive ones. Some of my favorites are actually 10 years old, but do a better job than many new ones on the market. You can even rent these at the library or buy them for under $5 on Amazon.com.

4. YouTube

You can get free workouts nonstop with this favorite feature of my inexpensive home gym. I love YouTube videos for free workouts, and they are constantly updated, so you never have to miss out or get tired of the same exercises. Some of my favorite channels are the Tone It Up girls on the Livestrong for Women channel, along with Tracy Anderson’s channel.

5. Get Some Light Hand Weights

I bought some hand weights last year from the Tracy Anderson website, but you can find some at your local superstore or online for very little money. I also have one single kettle bell that is a 10 pound weight for a variation on weight lifting. I don’t need super heavy weights, nor do I have anywhere to store them. These weights let me tone and strengthen, while still maintaining petite lean muscle. I keep them under my bed for storage space, right next to my fitness workout area.

6. Get a Bosu Ball

Many people love Bosu Balls for toning their abs. I personally do not have one, but I do know how awesome they can be to have in your home gym. Keep them in the top of your closet if you have to for storage, or hide them under a tablecloth. These balls are great for toning and strengthening ab muscles that don’t normally get attention on the floor.

7. Make It Sacred

My favorite tip for creating an inexpensive home gym is to make your fitness area sacred. Dedicate yourself to this space, wherever it is, every single day. Do something. Make this area not just part of your home, but part of your fitness life. Don’t throw clothes on your treadmill. Instead, keep your earbuds on it, and place your workout shoes on top of your treadmill. You can keep a water bottle on it too, if you want. This allows you to receive visual cues every single time you enter your room that it is your workout space and nothing else. Even though my treadmill is in my already cramped room, I relate that side of the wall to fitness and nothing else. It greets me every morning and reminds me every single night of my dedication. That is a free tool anyone can afford!

Do you work out at home? Let me know your favorite tips for saving money and still getting your sweat on at the same time!