How to Build a Cheap Home Gym

If you're trying to cut costs on your fitness routine, say goodbye to monthly membership fees and open up your own home gym. Here are some ideas on building (and using) an effective, inexpensive home gym.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Search for used gear on local online bulletin boards. Avoid purchasing something that needs to be mailed, since shipping costs for heavy equipment could negate any savings you made in the first place.

2. The most basic gear you need is a set of free weights (dumbbells and a barbell). Most sets come with weights ranging from 5 to 20 lbs.

3. If you live in a running-friendly neighborhood, try forgoing the treadmill or elliptical trainer. You can run/walk/bike around the neighborhood as a warmup or as part of a circuit workout.

4. Depending on your budget, consider adding these additional items: a cushioned mat, stability ball, jump rope, yoga mat, a TV and exercise DVDs.

5. Create a co-op gym with friends. Everyone splits the cost of equipment, but only one person stores the gear at his home or garage. Then commit to exercising together on certain days. This gives you the social benefit of a gym, plus the accountability of a personal trainer.

6. Build your own fitness club. Gather a group of similarly minded friends, find a workout plan online or at the bookstore and become your own coaches.

7. Focus your workouts on plyometric exercises such as leaps, jumps, lunges, push-ups and sit-ups.

8. Create a workout schedule before you set up your gym. Dedicate yourself to exercising on certain days (and even certain times) and stick with the plan as you would any other standing appointment. If you were paying $50 a month on a gym membership you would be motivated to use the gym-try to build in that sort of motivation without the financial expense.