How to Make a Garage Gym on a Budget

Add basic weights to your garage gym.

Not being able to afford a costly gym membership does not mean that you can't exercise regularly. Get the exercise you need without leaving the comfort of your home by building a gym in your garage. With a little bit of space and some basic equipment, you can create a home gym that fits within your budget. Focus on the equipment that you'll use the most to save money.

Instructions

1. Clear out an area in your garage for your gym. Open up at least a 10-square-foot space in the gym, but the more garage space you can dedicate to the gym, the better. Consider placing this space near the garage door if your garage is not air conditioned so that you can get some fresh air while you work out during warmer months.

2. Add a rubber floor mat to the space. The mat is important because it provides some cushion as you work out. Look for a secondhand sports equipment store in your area -- you can find the mats at significantly lower prices at these stores, which can help keep your garage gym within your budget.

3. Stock your garage gym with hand weights. If you are just starting a weightlifting regimen, go bare bones on your weights for now because you will increase your strength and need heavier weights in the future. Two hand weights in the right weight will be enough for most basic exercises.

4. Find inexpensive cardio equipment. You don't need a treadmill or elliptical machine to get your heart racing. Buy a jump rope, which offers an effective cardio workout. Pair your jump roping with exercises that require no equipment at all, such as jumping jacks and squats.

5. Add a stability ball to your garage gym. This inexpensive piece of exercise equipment allows you to do everything from working your abs by doing crunches to lifting weights in a new way. You can also use the ball to cool down and stretch out after a workout.

6. Add other low-cost exercise equipment to your garage gym to help you meet your workout goals. A kettleball can strengthen your core. Resistance bands can target specific areas -- like the arms or glutes -- and replace weight workouts.

References

• The Crossfit Journal; The Garage Gym; September 2002
• MSNBC; How to Build the Perfect Home Gym; Megan McMorris
• The Centsible Life; Get Fit on a Budget: Home Gym on a Budget; Kelly Whalen; March 2010