How to Build the Perfect Home Gym In 5 Easy Steps

In the US, the average monthly gym membership can cost anywhere between $100 to $500. If you’re an avid gym-goer, this can quickly pile up!

With the rise of online workout programs and classes, home fitness has become more and more affordable. As long as you have an empty room with ample space and enough dedication, you can build your very own premium gym without breaking your bank.

Follow our simple five-step guide to create the perfect home gym that suits your training needs!

Step 1: Choose the Right Space

As with any home setup, the first step to creating your perfect gym is finding the right space. Your home gym doesn’t need to be large, only spacious enough for you to comfortably work out.

Choosing your gym space allows you to discern the type of equipment you need for your home gym.

For instance, if you’re planning to build a cardio-focused home gym, make sure that you have enough space for cardio machines such as treadmills, rowers, and indoor cycles. It should also have enough room for cardio-related accessories such as sandbags, kettlebells, and medicine balls.

The same is said for strength-focused gyms. Here, you’ll need a lifting rack, plate and weight bars, resistance bands, sandbags, and a few other items.

Of course, you don’t always need to equip your gym with all the mentioned items. Instead of lifting rack and weight bars, you can opt for smaller items like body bars and kettlebells.

You can also get several medicine balls and slightly large slam balls. You can even find gliding discs that don’t take up any space at all.

When choosing a room, make sure it’s not in use. Using your living room or bedroom isn’t a bad idea, but these areas will likely distract you from your training. As much as possible, set up your home gym in an area with very small foot traffic.

Step 2: Find the Right Home Gym Equipment

Now that you’ve chosen the space you wish to turn into your gym, it’s time for the fun part: determining the right gym equipment you need.

Your home gym equipment entirely depends on the training method and style. Some of the most popular home gym equipment is as follows:

Cardio-Focused Home Gym

Cardiovascular exercises, also known as aerobic exercises, not only improve your cardiovascular health, but also lower your blood pressure, regulate your blood sugar, and reduce chronic pain.

As the name suggests, cardio exercises increase your heart’s pump rate to adequately meet energy demands during exercise via aerobic metabolism.

Some of the best cardio gym equipment are as follows:

Strength-Focused Home Gym

Strength training allows you to increase your metabolism, burn calories, and manage or lose weight. It also greatly enhances your quality of life and improves your ability to perform everyday tasks.

Moreover, it decreases your risk of injury, improves your bone health, and, of course, increases your overall strength and power!

As follows are the best gym equipment for strength training:

Balance-Focused Home Gym

Balance-focused exercises improve and maintain your body’s flexibility and balance. They’re ideal for people of all ages, both young and old. Balance-focused exercises are particularly useful for dancers, swimmers, and gymnasts.

Here are some of the recommended balance-focused equipment you need:

HIIT-Focused Home Gym

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) takes cardio training to a whole new level. HIIT pushes you out of your comfort zone through short bursts of alternating intense exercise and recovery periods.

This type of exercise allows you to quickly burn calories and increase your metabolic rate hours after exercising. Moreover, it helps you gain muscle and reduce heart rate and blood pressure.

As follow are the recommended HIIT equipment for your home gym:

Recovery Equipment

Regardless of your training method, always equip your home gym with recovery tools to help eliminate inflammation, reduce muscle soreness, and recover strength levels after exercise.

The best recovery tools are as follows:


Step 3: Organization Is Key

Organizing your space not only prevents equipment-related accidents but also increases your motivation to train.

As much as possible, keep your gym space clutter-free so you have more freedom to move and work out.

For this reason, you may want to consider getting an additional storage space to store and organize your gym accessories once you’ve finished using them.

Training balls, foam rollers, and small weights must always be kept out of sight when they’re not in use to prevent accidental tripping.

Larger items such as barbells and racks need a permanent location. Having a dedicated storage space allows you to comfortably use your home gym without feeling anxious or suffocated.

Step 4: Make It Comfortable

There are multiple ways to make your home gym comfortable.

For instance, you can hang up motivational posters and attractive decor to make the place more inviting. You can also set up a flatscreen TV so you can follow online workout programs and classes, or simply watch a movie or cartoon while working out.

In my personal home gym, I’ve added several stereo speakers so I can listen to music while I exercise. Listening to music while exercising is said to improve your mood and relieve boredom, which therefore increases your stamina and inspires you to exercise longer.

It’s also a good idea to install a full-length mirror in your home gym so you can track your progress and monitor your form. Plus, a mirror will brighten your space and make it look bigger!

Also, don’t be afraid to add a splash of color to your home gym. Paint the walls with bright, funky colors or add a scenic wallpaper to give you the illusion of biking outdoors. Get creative and let your decorative imagination run wild.

Finally, don’t forget to add a proper vent and air system! Working out can be extremely strenuous, and you don’t want to be stuck in a room with improper ventilation. If you can, install an AC to keep you cool while working out.

Alternatively, you can also use wall fans, rotating fans, or standing fans to keep your energy costs low.

Step 5: Keep Everything Clean and Tidy

Keep your space clean and safe by sanitizing and wiping down the equipment you’ve just installed. Make sure they’re free of dirt and dust. Keep hand alcohol and wet wipes close so you can clean your equipment after every use.

Similarly, don’t forget to clean your home gym’s floor, whether it be hardwood, carpet, or rubber tiles, at least once a week.

Air fresheners are a great way to eliminate the smell of sweat after using your home gym. You wouldn’t want to crinkle your nose every time you enter your gym! If you have enough space, consider getting a dehumidifier or air purifier.

Useful Home Gym Tips and Tricks

For the ultimate home gym experience, here are some tips and tricks to follow:

  • Start small. Buy several inexpensive pieces of equipment before expanding your collection, but only if you’re sure you’re going to use them.
  • Always wear clean shoes inside your home gym. This prevents dirt, mud, and other debris from dirtying your home.
  • Add several clean towels to your gym. You can use these towels to wipe your sweat. Make sure to wash said towels after every use.
  • Dust regularly. This is especially important for those who suffer from asthma or allergies.
  • Keep children and pets out of your home gym to prevent injuries and distractions.
  • Get an exercise buddy to increase your motivation and reduce the risk of injury.
  • Pretend you’re going to the local gym every time you enter your home gym. Wear the proper attire and adhere to the same guidelines to ensure your productivity and safety.

Final Thoughts


Adding a dedicated gym to your home can be a rewarding experience. It not only improves your physical health, but also saves you time, money, and energy that you would otherwise waste driving to your local gym.

On top of that, a home gym allows you to bond with your friends and family. Every time you plan on working out, invite your gym buddy to break some sweat with you. Ask your partner to run several miles on your treadmill. You can even join a virtual workout network online or sign up for fitness classes!

Remember: you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars for a home gym. With the right equipment, you can create the perfect home gym that suits your needs. Good luck!

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