Introduction
I recently came across a Facebook post on the Home Gym Community by Garage Gym Reviews page that asked:
As I started writing this, there were 87 comments.
While most aren’t dedicating a few hours to write a full response, most are not helpful.
A classic answer is simply giving cheap equipment recommendations & saying to go all in. However, I don’t think that is the strategy I’d give a couple of people who are used to going to a gym and starting from scratch.
Here’s the advice I would give them.
1. Don’t Quit The Gym Quite Yet
Before you go all in on a home gym, the first step is to make sure you actually want one.
While I think just about everyone can benefit from owning a home gym, you’ll also need to figure out if it will be a primary or secondary workout option. For some people, it may not be their first.
It may sound odd for a home gym website to say that, but that is ok!
In addition, if you are used to a commercial gym with a massive amount of specialized equipment and easy access to machines, then it may be a bit of a difficult transition to move to something that includes just the basics.
However, there is still a ton of value in starting a home gym.
2. Buy a few items and do some workouts while you still have a gym membership
The next step is to purchase a few items & test them out a few times a week.
Some possible first options are Sandbags, a Speed Rope, Wall Mounted Pull Up Bar, and an adjustable bench x some dumbbells.
This can easily be done with under $100.
In this step, you want to make sure that you’ll be able to accomplish a full workout and the equipment will compliment the rest of your home gym journey.
For example, if you buy a bench and some dumbbells, you’ll want to make sure you can still them a part of your home gym a few years later – here are 11 ways to start your home gym for under $500.
3. Continue to do a few workouts a week
With this equipment, try to figure out a day or two a week that you can stay home and work out instead of going to the gym.
Keep in mind that this can be in combination with bodyweight workouts, a run outside, or whatever you else you may have.
I’d personally do this for months (maybe even adding a few more things) so that you truly know what you want to do.
4. Build It Out Over Time
After that, do what feels right.
You can make the judgment on whether you think it’s going to be your primary workout option or not.
Even if so, I’d still recommend to build it out slowly as you learn what you need/want most. You can check out our Home Gym Guide for additional inspiration.
What’s the worst that can happen?
With all of that being said, this strategy takes out almost all of the “risk” in starting a home gym.
If you discover that you do not want a home gym at all during this process, you can sell what you’ve purchased on the used marketplace.
And, as long as you are buying decent equipment and keeping it in good condition, you’ll likely be able to recover around 80% of what you purchased it for. Keep this in mind as you begin. Buying from reputable brands makes a big difference.
There You Have it
Most should ease their way into building out a home gym and make sure they are going to use it before going all in.
Then, even if you know you want to ultimately build out your dream home gym, it should be accomplished one step at a time.
For those looking for suggestions as they build out their home gym, check out The Home Gym Guide.
In addition, many who are looking to build out a budget home gym, “My First 6 Home Gym Purchases: Budget Addition” will help out as well.