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I’m looking to get fit while being frugal in 2014! I have had a gym membership for several years. Unfortunately having the membership doesn’t equate to weight loss. I have to actually GO to the gym to lose weight and “get my fitness on”. So this year I am trying something new, I’m bringing a home gym to my house!
Being able to create a home gym is a great investment in yourself and your health, it’s also a great way to be able to fit more physical activity into your day whenever you are able to. A lot of us have our hands full during the day already, so finding a full hour or two to prepare for a trip to the gym, travel, get on the equipment you prefer and then get back home again isn’t always possible. With the gym being right in your home, you can work out whenever you are ready, even multiple times in the same day.
There are so many new and unique home fitness trends that come through, but when you are trying to build a home gym that will give you an all around workout it is important to look for a few key pieces. Avoid splurging on large pieces of equipment and instead budget for home gym items that help in all aspects of your workout.
Versatile Dumbbells
Get twice the bang for your buck with a set of dumbbells that can have weight and parts added to them. This way you can change the intensity of your workout with slightly larger dumbbells or add a resistance band and immediately begin using your pair for more than just lifting.
Exercise Balls
Exercise balls are a great tool for strength training and don’t cost a fortune either. The ball can be used to perform several core training moves, and then also be used as a seat to perform moves that would otherwise require a bench or chair.
Resistance Bands
To help build strength and tone muscles, the resistance band is probably the most budget friendly item you will ever own and will last you the longest. All areas of the body can be worked out with a resistance band. The more you get comfortable with using the band, the more intense the moves you try can become.
Step boards
If you like to workout to music or an organized routine such as zumba or jazzercise, having a stepboard of your own to use is going to come in handy. Use them to step up, jump on and over or as an exercise bench. It is also easy to add the step-board in combination with the other pieces of exercise equipment already mentioned.
Invest in Mats, Mirrors, and a TV
Having the right equipment doesn’t end with dumbbells and resistance bands. Exercise mats, a mirror and television in your home gym can enhance and improve your workouts. The exercise mats prevent slipping or hard falls, and give you a better surface to workout on. A full length or wall mirror where you can watch your poses is important to improving your technique. A television gives you the option to workout to DVDs or other taped workout routines.
Are you looking to get fit while being frugal in 2014?
I love all your ideas….now if I only had the room for any of it LOL. My house is so cluttered, I literally have no room to workout.
The resistance bands and step board are about the only items which would fit in my small apartment! Will look into the step board and see how expensive they are–and get some resistance bands!
I would love to try resistance bands. We have a set up in our house for working out, but I’m always looking for ways to improve it!
Baa ahhhh having a gym membership has always been a big waste of money. Thanks for the frugal gym tips. Definitively following them
I am a fan of at home workouts! These are some great ideas and ones I’ll have to work up to. I need to get another exercise ball.
I’m definitely a work out at home gal. I’m far too lazy to head to the gym and I don’t like working out with other people. I appreciate all these tips!
These are great ideas! Right now the husband has his “gym” in the garage with a versatile weight bench and dumbbells.
I am using the mini trampoline inside, cause our garage isn’t heated and it’s too cold out there for me. lol.
I too gave up the gym once I had kids. I would push them in the stroller for exercise. I need to start lift some weights
These are awesome ideas and great for the new year! I myself think purchasing a mat would be perfect to enhance my daily workouts.
Great list! I would add kettlebells. You can do an infinite number of strength and conditioning moves with kettlebells – they’re amazing!
Great tips here! I have an elliptical just sitting in my front room. I need to get on that thing…
I’ll have to give this to my other half to look over as I think he would love to start a home gym but we don’t have much money. x
I like all your tips. If only I had a place to put a tiny home gym! I try to exercise while being frugal by walking in the local national park or around the block.
This is what my husband is planning on doing. He works a ton and decided not to go to a gym, b/c he is never home to begin with, so he is bringing the gym to him.
Our basement is big enough to accommodate work out equipment so that’s what me and my husband did.
Those are great tips! I love resistance bands. There are so much you can do with those and weights are reasonably priced as well. Will have to use a few of your tips.
I think resistance bands are perfect for those with tiny spaces. They don’t take up a lot of room, but they are very effective! I lost a lot of weight by DVR’ing exercise shows and working out at my convenience. I lost 11 pounds for free, thanks to Denise Austin
thank you for this i’ve been wondering what things to get to start my own gym
I love this – so many spend so much on fancy equipment. All you need are the basics which you have listed – they take up a lot less room too.
Thank you! A lot of very good advice. I dream about a home gym. Maybe I’ll be able to get one this year. If that happens, I’m sure to follow your advice.
I would love to have a home gym in my house but too bad I dont have the space for that, The extra room we did have was turned into our homeschool room
These are some great tips. It’s important to have a place to work out. The closer to home, the better.
Great ideas,we have a basic home gym just a punching bag,treadmill and vibration machine but the room we have them in is too small really want to have a bigger space for them.
I have the perfect place in my basement for a home gym, but the funds are not there right now. I hope to get a treadmill soon!
You have some great tips! Creating a home gym would be great for anyone who doesn’t want to spend money on a gym membership.
Great ideas! Also, if you have Amazon Prime, they have a lot of great workout videos to stream for free or cheap rentals!
Love your ideas! Im getting back to being fit this year. I have a mini home gym here. lol
Thank you for these ideas! I’ve been wanting to join a gym but don’t have the money. Maybe a home gym would be easier. Then I’d have no excuse not to go, lol!
We do a lot of our exercise right at home. We mostly used interactive video games to work out, like Wii Fit and Just Dance.