The Best Home Gym Setup By Space And Budget

The Best home Gym setup by space and budget

The Best Home Gym setups

Are you looking to setup a home gym in your house? Having a home gym setup allows you to eliminate many limitations that might otherwise prevent you from getting into working out.

Only being able to workout at prime time, resulting in too much time spent waiting for machines, bad weather, no close gyms, gym phobia, there are plenty of valid (and some less valid) reasons for not working out.

Having a home gym allows you to eliminate many of them and provides easy convenience to work out. Whether you are tight on space or budget, we have recommendations for all levels.

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Low budget, Low space

1. Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are some of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can own for any home gym setup.
What we like:
»Physically light but can produce heavy forces
»Easily transported for travel/vacation
»Low cost

Cost at time of article: $25.97 + applicable tax

With this link you will receive (in addition to the resistance bands) a carrying bag, handles, door anchor and ankle straps. With this setup alone you can do a variety of exercises for a very low cost.

2. Cable Attachments

In addition to the resistance bands above, adding more attachments makes these even more useful
What we like:
»Additional specific workout capabilities
»Easily stored
»Low cost

Cost at time of article: $34.98 + applicable tax

Current total: $60.95 + Applicable tax

With these two links and some creativity you can do most any workouts you can think of. Below is an optional additional item that could complete your low budget and low space home gym.

3. Doorway pull up bar

A pull up bar is a must for any home gym. Bands can also be attached for assisted version.
What we like:
»Lightweight
»Easily stored
»Low cost

Cost at time of article: $24.60 + applicable tax

Current total: $85.55 + Applicable tax

With these three links and some creativity you can do most any workouts you can think of. Below is an optional additional item that could complete your low budget and low space home gym.

4. Folding Adjustable bench (Optional)

By adding an adjustable bench to your home gym there is virtually no limitations to exercises.
What we like:
»Additional specific workout capabilities
»Easily stored
»Lightweight
»Low cost

Cost at time of article: $84.78 + applicable tax

Grand total: $170.33 + Applicable tax

For roughly $85-170 you can have a fully functional, easily storable and low cost alternative for a home gym!

Medium Budget, Low Space

In addition to the above home gym setup, below are some more lower cost alternatives to add to the setup.

5. Squat Rack

This is the exact rack we use for our personal training business. Currently there is a great discount on it (normally $299.99) coming in at $128.24 + tax!
What we like:
»Lightweight but strong
»Easily broken down for transportation
»Low cost

Cost at time of article: $128.24 + applicable tax

Current total: $273.97 + Applicable tax

This squat rack is a great deal and perfect for any home gym. There are plenty of height adjustments for squat or bench press and has a pull up bar on top.

While this squat rack is fairly compact, below is a more expensive option but folds flat against the wall.

6. Folding squat rack (very limited space)

This is the exact rack we use for our personal training business. Currently there is a great discount on it (normally $299.99) coming in at $128.24 + tax!
What we like:
»Very space efficient
»Perfect for garage gym w/car parked
»Adjustable height pull up bar
»Landmine attachment

Cost at time of article: $379.99 + applicable tax

Current total: $273.97 + Applicable tax
(Optional)Current total: $525.72 + Applicable tax

A squat rack would not be complete without, of course, a barbell and some weights. Weights will be one of the most expensive components to any home gym but finding a package deal with a barbell is usually the cheapest.

7. Barbell + Weights

With a total weight of 300lb, for many this is adequate for a long time. As you need you can always buy individual weight sets when you need them. Many other weight sets charge $50-60 shipping alone.
What we like:
»300lb total weight
»High weight capacity bar
»Lower cost

Cost at time of article: $449.99 + applicable tax

Current total: $723.96 + Applicable tax
(Optional)Current total: $975.71 + Applicable tax

The last item on the list is a cable system. While bands serve a similar function, a cable system delivers a slightly different load profile that can be better for certain situations.

8. Pulley System

This is the exact rack we use for our personal training business. Currently there is a great discount on it (normally $299.99) coming in at $128.24 + tax!
What we like:
»Easy to assemble
»Works w/olympic plates
»Low cost
»Dual pulleys for downward and upward movement

Cost at time of article: $32.88 + applicable tax

Current total: $756.84 + Applicable tax
(Optional)Current total: $1008.59 + Applicable tax

Our medium budget home gym comes in between $750-1000 this setup is essentially a fully functioning gym. Not only is it a great value but it is also very space efficient. While it may seem on the higher end, keep in mind a cable machine alone can easily cost $2000 or more!

With this setup you you could comfortably set up in a 10’x10′ or even 10’x8′ room. This is perfect for a spare bedroom, office, or garage.

High Budget, Low Space

If you are someone who doesn’t mind spending a little more for higher quality but you’re short on space, this option is for you.

We did not select the most expensive items just for the sake of spending more money. We have compiled a list of some higher quality items, more functionality given the same space and some accessories to make it feel more high end and complete.

To start below are the items we will start with from the list above:
2. Cable Attachments $34.98
6. Folding Squat Rack $379.99
8. Pulley System (qty 2) $32.88

Starting Total: $480.73 + applicable tax

9. Resistance bands

While the above resistance bands work well, we prefer this style. They can be added to barbell exercises for extra resistance or attached for pull up assistance. Purchase a total of 2 sets.
What we like:
»Lightweight
»Easy to travel with
»Low cost
»Dual pulleys for downward and upward movement

Cost at time of article: (2)$16.99 + applicable tax

Current total: $514.71 + Applicable tax

These style of resistance bands are much more versatile and durable than the version above. With carabiners attached you can add any of the cable attachments above.

10. Squat rack safety attachments

These attachments fit right on the folding squat rack.
What we like:
»Durable
»Safety for lifting alone
»Low cost

Cost at time of article: $49.99 + applicable tax

Current total: $564.70 + Applicable tax

While not necessary, it give you peace of mind when training heavy by yourself.

11. Barbell

These attachments fit right on the folding squat rack.
What we like:
»1000lb capacity
»High quality
»Several color options

Cost at time of article: $119.99 + applicable tax

Current total: $684.69 + Applicable tax

While some bars claim to have a higher weight capacity, sometimes they can be susceptible to bending. Olympic lifts like deadlifts or snatches could cause cheaper bars to bend over time from being dropped.

12. Bumper Plates

Bumper plates are both durable and uniform in size. This allows easier storage and more uniform loading on barbells.
What we like:
»260lb total weights
»High quality
»Lower cost for bumper plates

Cost at time of article: $499.99 + applicable tax

Current total: $1184.68 + Applicable tax

Bumper plates are the ultimate weight standard. They are less likely to damage flooring when dropped or be damaged themselves. All being the same size they are great for evenly distributing force when applied to barbells.

13. Adjustable Dumbbells

These high quality dumbbells are the best on the market. While they may not be the heaviest, they make up for in design.
What we like:
» 50lb each
»Comfortable design
»Compact and easy to store

Cost at time of article: $299.99 + applicable tax

Current total: $1484.67 + Applicable tax

Dumbbells are essential for a high quality setup. While these may not be the heaviest, they are compact and feel very natural compared to many others on the market.

14. Curl Bar

These high quality dumbbells are the best on the market. While they may not be the heaviest, they make up for in design.
What we like:
»Two color options
»Works with bumper plates
»Comes with clips

Cost at time of article: $59.99 + applicable tax

Current total: $1544.66 + Applicable tax

A curl bar is a nice addition to your home gym. While not necessary, with a higher budget it is a no brainer add for the value. It can accept olympic weights and be used for more specialized exercises that are not as comfortable using a barbell.

15. Bumper Plate Wall Storage

With minimal space, efficient storage is a must.
What we like:
»Sleek design
»Works with bumper plates
»Easy storage

Cost at time of article: $139.00 + applicable tax

Current total: $1683.66 + Applicable tax

While weights can be leaned up against a wall, having designated storage is a clean and professional look. It is also more ergonomic than to bend down each time to lift the weights into position.

16. Barbell/cable attachment storage

With minimal space, efficient storage is a must.
What we like:
»Sleek design
»Works with bumper plates
»Easy storage
»Low cost

Cost at time of article: $34.99 + applicable tax

Current total: $1718.65 + Applicable tax

Storage is essential for minimal space. Having a designated area for barbells and cable attachments also makes the space look professional.

17. Rubber flooring

We selected a 6’x8′ setup to allow for deadlifting while also not taking up too much space.
What we like:
»Protects floors
»Deadens sounds
»Professional look
»Customizable sizing

Cost at time of article: $270.80 + applicable tax

Current total: $1989.45 + Applicable tax

A professional looking home gym is one that is equipped with premium rubber flooring. Along with the design, the functionality is equally as important. It protects floors and quiets sounds.

17. Mirror

A mirror is a must in a gym. While not suited for low budgets, they are well worth it
What we like:
»Large size
»High quality
»Professional look

Cost at time of article: $551.90 + applicable tax

Grand total: $2541.35 + Applicable tax

With the finishing touch of a large high quality mirror, your high end budget gym design is complete. If you purchase all of the recommended links above you will not only be very satisfied but also efficiently created a professional looking home gym.

With space in mind, all items have been chosen accordingly and of high quality. If there is poor lighting, adding some accent lighting would be a final touch but not necessary.

If you have any other suggestions you would add to a home gym, please comment below. If you are interested in having us custom design a home gym for you, please fill out this link and we will be in touch!

Thank you for taking the time to read this article!

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If you are located in Charleston, SC please check out my homepage for in person personal training. Or if you are located elsewhere I have pre designed workout programs available, design custom workouts for you or online personal training options available. Thanks! And feel free to comment below what your thoughts are on the above topics discussed!