The pandemic year has been tough on fitness buffs as gyms were closed during the lockdown, and outings were limited. Even as fitness centers are open now, you may still be apprehensive about going back amid the fresh virus surges. It makes sense to build a home gym right now if you haven’t done it yet. You need not settle for outdoor workouts or crash diets anymore to stay fit because a home gym will not cost a fortune. Here are some tips that can help you create one without breaking the bank.
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Pick the must-haves
If you are a workout enthusiast, you will probably know the difference between must-have and good-to-have. Consider your fitness program and budget and have a wishlist ready before you start planning for your home gym. You may alter your fitness plan a bit to accommodate your budget. Start with low-cost equipment like dumbbells, resistance bands, adjustable bench, and exercise ball. They will not break the bank but have the basics of fitness covered.
Opt for used stuff
After ticking off the basics on the checklist, you may still want some high-end equipment for your home gym. Thankfully, you need not manage without a treadmill or stationary bicycle because you can pick a used one at only a fraction of the price. Check at the local used-goods stores or hunt online. You will surely find something that is good enough and fits into your budget.
Don’t skimp on infrastructure
As a smart shopper, you may look for deals and savings on equipment. But skimping on the infrastructure of the home gym is a bad idea. You may end up using the workout area for a lifetime, and good infrastructure keeps you going. Invest in rubber gym flooring to avoid injuries and ensure noise reduction. Installing a large wall-mounted mirror is a good idea as it adds the illusion of space and helps you keep track of your movements.
DIY where possible
Another smart way to save money on your home gym investment is by taking a DIY approach. Professional help gets expensive, so avoid it as much as you can. For example, you may call a pro to assemble your machine but learn the basics of maintenance and handle it yourself. You may check some YouTube videos to get a good idea of handling the basic cleaning and maintenance. You can also save dollars by doing the decor stuff, such as painting the home gym and arranging the equipment for the setup.
Opt for non-electrical equipment
Most fitness enthusiasts planning to build a home gym are smart with the initial investment. But one place where you may go wrong is by investing in high-tech electrical equipment. You may feel the pinch with the monthly power bills as these pieces run on electricity. It is best to settle for the old-school mechanical gym machinery because it is far cheaper and wouldn’t add on the monthly energy bills.
Building a home gym without burning a hole in your wallet is easy, provided that you make the right choices from the start. Have a proper budget and plan and stick to them to create an incredible workout space in your home.
