How to Set Up a Home Gym

Whether you made your New Year’s Resolution to get in shape or you’re just tired of traveling to the gym to work out, setting up a home gym is an excellent way to make your fitness goals more achievable. 

Setting up a home gym can be a fantastic way to provide yourself with direct access to workout equipment, helping you stay motivated. The best part is that installing a basic home gym does not necessarily mean that you’ll have to spend a ton of time or money. 

In this blog post, we will provide tips and guidance on how to set up a home gym by first determining your fitness goals, then choosing a dedicated location in your house, deciding which equipment you need, and finally, figuring out the best places to get that equipment.  

Setting Your Fitness Goals 

Before you start looking at equipment or figuring out where in your house to make your gym, you should first set your fitness goals. This will help you plan and prepare for all the other parts of your home gym setup. 

Most commercial gyms have a wide array of equipment to attract people with varying experience levels and goals to join. When planning a home gym, you really only need to consider the goals of those who will be using it in your household.  

Here are some tips for setting your fitness goals: 

1. Define your objectives: Start by determining what you want to achieve with your fitness journey. Be specific and realistic about your goals. For example, your objective could be losing a certain amount of weight, increasing strength, improving endurance, or training for a specific event like a marathon. 

2. Make your goals measurable: Ensure that your goals are measurable so that you can track your progress. Instead of saying, “I want to get stronger,” specify the weight you want to lift or the number of push-ups you want to do. 

3. Set a timeline: Establish a timeframe for achieving your goals. This will provide a sense of urgency and help you stay focused. Consider short-term goals (like monthly) and long-term goals (like yearly) to keep yourself motivated and create a sense of accomplishment along the way. 

4. Break it down: Divide your long-term goals into smaller, more manageable short-term goals. Breaking down your goals into actionable steps will make them more manageable and easier to achieve. For example, if your long-term goal is to run a marathon, your short-term goals could include running a certain distance each week or improving your pace gradually. 

5. Be realistic and attainable: It’s important to set realistic and achievable goals within your current fitness level and lifestyle. Consider your commitments, time availability, and any physical limitations you may have. Setting unattainable goals can lead to frustration and disappointment. Remember that your fitness is always a work in progress, and achieving your goals may take some time. 

Choosing a Location in Your Home 

Now that your exercise goals are figured out, you can start choosing the location for your home gym so that you have a realistic understanding of what equipment to get. Selecting the ideal space for a home gym is a critical decision that can significantly impact your fitness journey. 

First, selecting a room that offers sufficient space to accommodate your workout equipment and allows for comfortable movement during exercises is crucial. Consider the layout and dimensions of the area, ensuring there is enough room for larger equipment like treadmills or weight benches.  

Natural or artificial lighting can also create an energizing and inviting atmosphere. Adequate ventilation is essential to maintain a comfortable workout environment, so select a space with windows or good air circulation.  

Finally, privacy is key for an uninterrupted workout, so choose a room away from the main living areas or consider soundproofing measures. By carefully considering these factors, you can create a dedicated space that inspires and motivates you to reach your fitness goals. 

Figuring Out What Gym Equipment You’ll Need 

Now that you have set your fitness goals and you have an idea of where in your home you can set up your gym, you can focus on which equipment you’ll need.  

The equipment you choose should be tailored to your specific goals and preferences.  

Here are some different types of equipment to consider by the kinds of training that they support: 

• Cardiovascular equipment: This includes treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical trainers, rowing machines, or jump ropes. Cardiovascular exercise aims to strengthen your heart, lungs, and the rest of the circulatory system. 
• Strength training equipment: Dumbbells, barbells, adjustable weight benches, power racks, or resistance bands are examples of equipment that you may require. Strength training aims to build muscle and protect your joints from injury. 
• Functional training equipment: This includes suspension trainers (such as TRX), stability balls, resistance bands, or kettlebells. Functional training aims to strengthen and support your joints. 

• Flexibility and mobility tools: These are yoga mats, foam rollers, or stretching bands. Flexibility training is excellent for getting you warmed up to exercise or cooling off and preventing injury.  

Where to Buy Your Equipment 

You don’t need to buy the same commercial-grade equipment that Planet Fitness or Gold’s Gym has when starting your home gym.  

Instead, you should start by acquiring your essential equipment first. You might even be able to take advantage of lightly-used equipment that’s being resold. Here are some great places to find workout equipment without breaking the bank. 

• Facebook Marketplace: One person’s trash may be your treasure. Facebook introduced its marketplace feature in 2016 which allows users to list unwanted items for sale. Like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace lets you search for listings by location and negotiate directly with the seller. You can arrange to meet up somewhere or for contactless pickup or delivery. If you choose to meet up somewhere, it is crucial to stay safe. Choose a well-trafficked public location and let a trusted acquaintance know where and when you plan to meet. 
• Local Thrift Stores: You never know what someone may donate. Many people know that thrift stores are a fantastic source for workout clothes, but did you know that you also might be able to find equipment too? Depending on your area, you may be able to find older elliptical machines or weight sets. If you don’t want to leave your house to thrift shop, Goodwill started an auction-style site during the pandemic.  
• Auction Sites: Have you ever wondered what happens to the equipment when a gym closes? There’s a good chance it will end up on an auction site! You may be able to find great deals on gym equipment, but before bidding, make sure that the auction can ship to you or that you will be able to pick up your item.  

While a home gym does not need to be expensive, having extra money on hand can make your planning easier. One great way to do this is by converting your home’s equity to cash.  

Meet with one of our experienced loan officers for a free consult to see if it makes sense to refinance.