How Much Does a Home Gym Cost?

A home gym means that any gaps in your schedule are opportunities to achieve your fitness goals. It's convenient, fun and a chance to make your gym unique to you. It sounds great, but if you want to build a home gym, you probably wonder how much you'll spend on gym equipment. 

The average homeowner spends between $2,000 and $5,000 on a gym, but that doesn't mean you have to. You could pay less or more, depending on your goals. You can focus on only the most essential fitness gear or go all out and build a complete setup. A massive 40% of respondents own a home gym or exercise equipment — if they can do it, so can you. 

Why Build a Home Gym?

Home gyms are among the most common fitness investments in the U.S. In addition to being convenient, they allow you to choose the equipment you need. You no longer have to travel back and forth or wait to use equipment. 

Although upfront prices are higher, building your own gym saves you money in the long term. A gym membership is a monthly investment that builds up over time. When you cancel, you don't own any of the equipment. You also pay for the cost of transport. Instead, you can build a home gym that suits your budget and make additions as you go. 

Another significant benefit is the privacy a home gym provides. Having your own setup lets you and your family exercise at your own pace, listen to music and make mistakes, all in the comfort of your home. 

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Home Gym? 

The cost of gym equipment varies depending on your space, training style and needs. A basic gym that covers all the essentials for a well-rounded workout will cost less than a premium setup complete with multi-station machines and equipment with advanced technology. Basic cardio equipment like exercise bikes, ellipticals, step machines and treadmills range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. The cost of dumbbells, barbells and weight plates depends on how heavy they are and whether you invest in a complete set or upgrade as you build strength. 

Buying used equipment is one of the most effective ways to set up your home gym. Used or refurbished equipment is significantly more affordable. You can buy larger equipment and explore various options when you choose used equipment over new. 

Some home gym features, like rubber flooring to absorb impact or a wall mirror to watch your form, are optional but can enhance your experience. If you're building your home gym in a garage or unfinished basement, you might have additional expenses like adding temperature control or a fan for airflow.

What Factors Influence Home Gym Costs?

The price tag on your home gym depends on several factors. If you already have a gym routine, try to recreate that setup at home. If you're just starting your fitness journey, start with the basics — a piece of cardio equipment and some weights — and expand as you go. 

Consider the following variables to get an overview of your costs: 

• Size of the space: Your first consideration is the amount of space you have available. You may want more equipment if you have an entire room or basement. If you don't have much room, you might need invest in multipurpose equipment.
• Flooring: Most home gyms need specialized flooring to minimize the impact on your joints and protect the floor underneath. There are plenty of types to choose from, but the size of the floor you need to install will affect your budget. 
• Frequency of use: Will your home gym be part of your daily life? If so, investing in a wide range of equipment makes sense to keep yourself interested and motivated. If you spend a lot of time working out, you could invest in enhancements like a TV, fans, or air conditioning systems. 
• Lighting and mirrors: Consider whether you need lighting or mirrors in your gym. They're optional but may be helpful for achieving your fitness goals.

Once you build your home gym, it will start paying for itself. Regular maintenance is also part of the package, as it helps your equipment last as long as possible. 

How to Build Your Home Gym

Now that you know what kind of home gym you want and roughly how much it will cost, it's time to think about what to put in there. Focusing on essential equipment is a good place to start. If you're building a home gym from scratch, the following tips and tricks can streamline the process: 

• Tailor your gym to your goals: Consider what you want to achieve when you work out. For example, if mobility is your primary goal, your training area will look very different from a power-lifting gym. 
• Have a dedicated space: Your gym should be in an area you and your family don't use for anything else. If space is a challenge, focus on compact and foldable equipment. 
• Visualize the area: Your home gym should be inspiring and organized. Take time to think about how you want it to look, sound and feel. Map it out in your head to know where everything will go. 
• Get a barbell and weights: Strength training is the foundation of any fitness routine. It helps maintain a healthy weight, improves balance and coordination and builds muscle mass. A barbell and weights are your basic equipment. An Olympic barbell is essential for lifting more than 100 pounds. 
• Add a power rack: A power rack is versatile and can be used for many exercises. Most come with dip and pullup bars. If you have the space, this equipment is an excellent investment. 
• Invest in a few more essentials: A bench press, kettlebells and resistance bands are good additions to your setup.

This basic setup is a good starting point for any aspiring home gym owner. You can always add equipment as you progress, building up until you have the home gym of your dreams. 

Build the Best Gym for Your Home With Global Fitness

Used equipment from Global Fitness can help you accomplish more in your home gym. Our staff is trained in equipment refurbishment and has a proven track record with major commercial gym equipment brands. We can also customize equipment, including products in your desired colors, to suit your space. 

We have a wide range of used strength and cardio equipment. We can provide a complete home gym package to help you achieve your goals. Request a quote today and enjoy health and fitness in the comfort of your home!