5 Tips to Create a Home Gym on Any Budget

Some people like the gym for the bustle and activity, the burst of motivation, and the cutting edge equipment. You're probably paying more for the pumped-up atmosphere than you realize, though. Over time, that low monthly payment adds up.

A home gym offers safety, convenience, and one less bill each month. Think you don't have the money to put together a home gym? Think again! Our real estate agents have seen some pretty sweet setups, and many of them have been installed on a budget. Here are a few tips for designing a home gym you'll love to work out in — while keeping the cost down.

1. Work with the space you have available.
   The garage is a frequent choice for a home gym because it's out of the way and doesn't take away from limited square footage inside the home. Garages also have higher ceilings to accommodate taller equipment. If you have money to install some nice mirrors and flooring, you could consider converting an unused room, part of the basement, or third-floor space into your home gym. But if you're on a budget, look for spaces that can be easily converted into what you want and save your money for the equipment.
   
   
2. Design your setup around your budget.
   Once you've figured out where you're putting your home gym, take some time to sit down and plan it out. Think about what equipment you want, and make sure the ceiling will be tall enough. This is also a good time to figure out what your budget will be. Just remember that you can always add to your equipment as you have the money to do so.
   
   
3. Plan for storage.
   Don't overlook the importance of adequate storage when planning your home gym. If you don't design a way to store weights and other equipment, you'll find it challenging to keep your workout space neat and usable. Browse storage racks to see what will work best for your space, or if you're handy, save money and make your own.
   
   
4. Make a wish list of equipment.
   What does your ideal home gym have in it? What's the absolute minimum you need for a successful workout at home? Do you want to focus on strength and weight training, or will a treadmill or cross trainer make you happiest? Make a list of everything you'd like to find, ordering by priority. You may not have the money to get everything at once, so focus first on the equipment that will be the most useful in your workouts.
   
   
5. Hunt for deals.
   Once you have the space for your home gym chosen and mapped out and your wish list made, now comes the fun part! Savvy shopping and exhaustive googling can help you find good deals online. Big holiday sales events can help you score what you want at better prices, too. But when it doesn't matter if the equipment is new, be sure to check local sales avenues such as Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Many people spring for gym equipment, only to fall off the wagon and want to recoup some of their money. Their loss is your gain!

Being able to work out at home is great if you have the space for a home gym. If it's time to upgrade to something a little bigger, contact us today, and one of our agents will help you start your search for South Bend homes for sale.