Building a Budget Friendly Home Gym
Building a budget friendly home gym proved to be much easier than I had anticipated. When I finally decided to bite the bullet and build a home gym, I wanted to create a space that was functional, versatile, and inspiring.
For years, I resisted the idea of building a home gym, believing I should fully utilize my gym memberships. However, after becoming a father and juggling the growing demands of work and life, my time for the gym severely dwindled. The simple act of preparing, commuting, working out, returning home, and freshening up became an impractical luxury, consuming far more of my already scarce time than I could afford. As the saying goes, “90% of working out, IS JUST SHOWING UP,” but it became more and more difficult, as my intrusive thoughts began to tell me, “I’ll just go tomorrow.”
Unfortunately, this had more of a detrimental impact on my wellbeing, as my mental and physical health began to decline rapidly due to stress and burnout. It was time to make a change.
After months of research and careful planning, I invested in a set of budget friendly equipment for my home gym that has completely transformed my fitness routine. Whether you’re a seasoned lifter or just starting out, here’s a breakdown of the gear I chose and why it’s been a game-changer for my home workouts.
1. Mikolo 2×2″ Folding Wall-Mounted Squat Rack (via Amazon)
The centerpiece of my home gym is the Mikolo 2×2″ Folding Wall-Mounted Squat Rack. This rack is a space-saving marvel, offering the stability of a full-sized rack while folding neatly against the wall when not in use. I opted for a folding rack over a conventional power rack because I wanted the space-saving versatility (since I built my gym in my garage), and with the rack folded in, I am still able to fully utilize the space without any sacrifice. It’s perfect for squats, bench presses, and pull-ups, and its sturdy construction gives me peace of mind when lifting heavy.
2. Foldable Adjustable Weight Bench (via Amazon)
Next up is my Basic Weight Bench, a foldable, adjustable bench with 8 backrest positions and a 660-pound weight capacity. Nothing fancy here, but I wanted a bench that offered the adjustability of both incline AND decline options. Whether I’m doing seated military presses, step-ups, or decline bench presses, this bench is incredibly versatile and easy to store. Its durability and comfort make it a must-have for any home gym.
3. CAP Barbell Olympic Bars (via Amazon)
If you are going to splurge on any one of your gym equipment, I would seriously recommend spending some money for a quality barbell (Rogue Ohio Barbell is a fantastic option). Having said that, I’m gunna be real with you on this one (since we’re talking about budget friendly options)—I got this barbell for free from a close friend of mine, so that was extra money saved.
No home gym is complete without a reliable barbell, and the CAP Barbell Olympic Bars gets the job done for my needs. These bars are built to handle heavy lifts, with a knurled grip for better control and a sturdy construction that ensures longevity. They’re perfect for everything from deadlifts to overhead presses.
4. Olympic Bumper Plates Set (260 lbs) (via Amazon)
A couple of years ago during the peak of the pandemic, gym equipment prices (especially weights) were astronomically high! BUT today, the equipment costs have been tapering back down, and I was able to secure an amazing set of bumper plates for a VERY reasonable cost as seen in the links above.
I invested in a 260-pound Olympic Bumper Plates set which have proven to be more than enough weight for me. These plates are durable, easy to handle, and designed to protect floors while providing a consistent weight for lifting. The variety of sizes allows me to scale my workouts, whether I’m going heavy or focusing on technique.
5. Clout Fitness Olympic Barbell Clamps (via Amazon)
Keeping my plates secure is essential, and the Clout Fitness Olympic Barbell Clamps do the job perfectly. These clamps are VERY affordable, easy to use, durable, and ensure my weights stay in place during even the most intense workouts.
6. Resistance Band Bar with Bands (via Amazon)
If you’re not ready to commit to building a full gym in your home, THIS IS THE ONE ITEM THAT I WOULD RECOMMEND FOR EVERYONE. This was a piece of workout equipment that I had purchased years ago that I still use to this day!
This is not only resistance bands, but it also comes with a Resistance Band Bar. That means, it can replicate almost any barbell workouts with this one simple item, which is phenomenal. This bar, paired with a set of resistance bands, adds an incredible amount of variety to my workouts, targeting muscles in new ways. It’s lightweight, portable, and perfect for both strength training and mobility exercises.
7. Mikolo Safety Catches and Spotter Arms (via Amazon)
Safety is a top priority, especially when it comes to benching and squatting, so I added Mikolo Safety Catches and Spotter Arms attachment to my squat rack. It’s saved my life several times already! These spotter arms provide extra protection when lifting heavy, giving me the confidence to push my limits without worry.
8. 2PCS LED Floor Lamps (via Amazon)
Now that we have the equipment covered, I also don’t want to leave out the aesthetics, which actually plays a big part in making the space enjoyable. The added decor will make you WANT to use your home gym.
For me, I started with these LED floor lamps. Lighting can make or break a workout space, and my 2PCS LED Floor Lamps have been a fantastic addition. They provide bright, adjustable lighting that keeps my home gym well-lit and energizing, no matter the time of day.
9. Rubber Lifting Tiles (via Amazon)
To protect my floors and reduce noise, I installed Rubber Lifting Tiles. These shock-absorbing tiles are durable, easy to clean, and provide a stable surface for lifting.
One additional note, there are other “cheaper” rubber top FOAM tiles, but I’ve seen many instances where the foam starts to deteriorate after minimal use, so I would highly recommend opting for fully rubber flooring options like this one.
10. Artificial Turf (via Amazon)
To finish off the gym, I added some artificial turf to my garage floor. This is completely optional, but it does provide a sleek, professional look to finish off the space (and it’s also great to practice those putting strokes for you golfers out there).
Bonus: Bluetooth Speaker & Mirror (via Amazon)
No workout is complete without the right soundtrack and a mirror to spot your form throughout the workout. I’m sure you have some bluetooth speakers lying around at home, so why not bring that into the gym to keep you motivated with your favorite playlists. As for the mirror, I chose to go with this full body mirror, which fit in nicely inside my squat rack.
Future Equipment: Concept 2 Rowing Machine (via Amazon)
While my home gym is already well-equipped, I’m planning to add a Concept 2 Rowing Machine in the near future. Known as the gold standard in rowing machines, the Concept 2 offers a full-body workout that’s low-impact yet highly effective. It’s perfect for cardio, endurance training, and active recovery days. I prefer rowing machines due to the compact design (compared to treadmills, ellipticals, stair masters, or stationary/assault bikes), and this Concept 2 rower can be easily stood up and stored away in the corner of my garage.
Why I Love My Home Gym
Building this home gym has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about creating a space that inspires me to show up every day and give my best. With the right equipment, I’ve been able to maintain consistency, push my limits, and enjoy the process of getting stronger.
If you’re considering building your own home gym, start with the essentials and figure out what types of equipment would be right for you. The investment is worth it, and the results—both physical and mental—are priceless.