The Ultimate Guide How To Build An At-Home Gym On A Budget

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When I was introduced to weightlifting in high school, I was immediately hooked. Since then, I have lifted pretty consistently – and even more so in 2023 and 2024. I have made incredible gains and did it all with my at-home gym that fits neatly in the corner of a room.

Today, I want to share with you the items in my home gym so you can put together your own gym. With my recommendations, you will hit every major muscle group in your body.

You can definitely go to an actual gym, but I enjoy working out at home. It is extremely flexible. I can literally crawl out of bed, get my workout clothes on, and work out right there. Plus, it will save you money in the long-run. 

I set up my surroundings so I am most comfortable. I have a motivational banner of Arnold Schwarzenegger on my wall. Plus, I have my music set up so I can blast it as loudly or softly as I want.

To give you an idea of my situation, I live in an apartment, so space is a luxury. To keep everything organized and tidy, I have to utilize my limited space in the most efficient way possible. Therefore, I have chosen workout equipment that utilizes my space efficiently and allows me the ability to perform each exercise in my workout plan.

Because of space constraints, and my budget, I do not use barbells or machines at home. I make sure to use them whenever I work out at the gym, though.

Having said all of that, next I’ll go over the pieces of equipment you will need. Also, I’ll give you some examples to show you what I mean for each item. Some of the items I have listed are optional.

Bottom line: These are merely personal suggestions that can enhance your at-home gym.

Adjustable Dumbbells

For an at-home gym that you are building on a budget, adjustable dumbbells are a better option than a barbell and the larger accompanying plates (unless you have the money and space for those). Remember that we are focusing on saving money and utilizing space to the fullest.

Adjustable dumbbells are nice because they are a great space saver and easy to store between workouts. To save space and affordability, adjustable dumbbells are the way to go.

I highly recommend cast iron adjustable dumbbells. When I first set up my gym, I purchased a bundle that included several 2.5, 5, and 10-pound dumbbell plates. As my strength increased, I purchased a bundle of 10-pound plates, and then I purchased another round of 10-pound plates when I needed to up my weight again. Just make sure the size of the dumbbell handles matches the hole size of the plate you purchase when you order more weight plates.

As I mentioned, adjustable dumbbells are a great space saver.

Foldable Bench

To do most upper body exercises, you need a sturdy bench. It is important to get a foldable bench to maximize the space you have. I love the current bench I have because it declines and can adjust up to a sitting position and at intervals in-between. 

When I am done, I simply fold it up and set it to the side when I’m not using it. I used to slide mine under the couch when I worked out in my living room. Either way, you can pull it out for your workout. 

Pull-Up Bar

An over-the-door pull-up bar is great for targeting your back and for doing abdominal exercises, as well. It’s a must-have to get your pullups in.

You can also do triceps work on a pull-up bar. Of course, you aren’t going to use it for every workout like you will with your set of adjustable dumbbells and bench, but you will use it on your upper body and back days.

The pull-up bar I use has different hand grips and positions, so I can target my back at different angles. I like the one I have because I just anchor it above my door, use it for my workout, and then take it down and store it for the next time. 

Bands

Bands are great, especially if you are just starting out. The larger, thicker ones can wrap around your pull-up bar for extra support if you can’t quite do a pull-up yet. They are set at different tensile strengths so you can make a pull-up as easy or as hard as you like.

The smaller bands are fantastic for doing exercises that target all the major muscle groups. Most have attachments, so you can increase the tension for your different exercises. They are marked with the amount of weight for each band, so you can plan the exercises in your workout accordingly.

Bands are a great option. I also use them with my pull-up bar to spot myself. I hook it around the top of the pull-up bar and put my feet in the bottom loop. It makes doing a pull-up easier, and you can change the resistance, based on the type of band you use. 

Protein Powder

Most people don’t get enough protein in their diet. After every workout, I make a shake with protein powder and nonfat to low-fat Lactaid milk. I have stomach issues, so the Lactaid milk helps. Plus, I make it a point to get protein isolate. After experimenting with several protein powders, I found that whey isolate is gentler on my stomach.

Massage Roller

For me, a massage roller is a must-have. I use my massage roller during the stretching portion of my workout. In addition, I have lower back issues, and this helps to alleviate some of my back pain. 

Cardio

For cardio, I love biking, walking, and running. I also have a library of at-home exercise programs I can use for my cardio workouts. They are great when the weather is bad, and I can’t get outside.

My favorite ones are P90X and P90X3. They are a great option to spice up my workout routine. 

Music Equipment

(Optional)

I cannot work out without music. It pumps me up and helps get me in the right mindset for my workout. Most people already have access to music on their phone or other portable device. However, you may want to set up a small sound system. I put this as optional because you don’t necessarily need a sound system unless you want one.

Bosu Ball

(Optional)

This is an optional piece of equipment for your home gym. A Bosu Ball is great for targeting your lower body. They can help better target your hamstrings, but you don’t necessarily need a Bosu Ball to work out your hamstrings. There are plenty of other variations of exercises that you can try if you don’t have room for a Bosu Ball, or if you just don’t want one.

Rubber Mat Floor Protectors

(Optional)

You don’t necessarily need floor protectors, but they are good to save your floor from wear and tear. I have hardwood floors and use just a sturdy rug. You definitely want some kind of cushion when you’re lifting weights.

Last Thoughts

Remember the importance of utilizing your space efficiently. Also, determine a budget for how much you can spend, and stay within those parameters. As long as you get the required pieces of equipment for your home gym, you’ll be able to follow any fitness program you come across. 

Remember the required pieces of equipment are:

• Adjustable dumbbells
• Foldable Bench
• Pull-up Bar
• Bands
• Protein Powder
• Massage Roller
• Cardio

The optional items include:

• Music Equipment
• Bosu Ball
• Rubber Mat Floor Protectors 

Also, you may have to substitute exercises, but it is completely doable. Instead of barbell bench press, you’ll do dumbbell bench press. Instead of barbell squats, you’ll do dumbbell squats. See what I mean? It is easy to adapt any workout program to your home gym.

By following these guidelines, you can build an affordable at-home gym, within a reasonable budget, even if you have little to no space.