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Home gyms come in all shapes and sizes. You can be as creative as you want with how you move your body. But how you set up the home gym that works for you depends on what you’re trying to achieve.
So how do you set up a home gym that works for you?
- Identify the home gym equipment that will help you achieve your fitness goals.
- Identify the amount of space you have for a home gym.
- Determine your budget for a home gym.
Keep reading for a guide on everything you need to consider while setting up a home gym that you’ll actually use.
Table of Contents
#1. Identify the home gym equipment that will help you achieve your fitness goals.
When building a home gym, the first thing to consider is what you wish to achieve through a home gym. I know many people, including myself at one point, who build home gyms that end up collecting dust. I realized what I was missing was a clear vision and purpose.
To give you some ideas, here are two drivers that make fitness a priority for me today.
- Fitness strengthens the structure and function of your mind and body.
- More capable of daily activities (for example, carry groceries, take out the trash, walk long distances)
- Participate in any new activities and trips
- Less pain and aches
- Feel more relaxed and energized
- Sleep better at night
- You hone skills through building a craft (any sports or individual movements).
- Pick up new skills beyond the skill you’re aiming for (self-esteem, tenacity, discipline)
Goals will vary from person to person. Take your time to figure out what’s important to you. I created a guide to help you explore your purpose.
If you know which direction you want to head with fitness, the table below will be helpful to figure out where to start.
| Fitness Goal | Equipment Required | Movement |
| Master your body weight. | No Equipment | – Walk/run everywhere – Climb stairs – Bodyweight movements anywhere (push-ups or squats when you get out of your seat, stretch while you watch shows, pull-ups every time you pass by a playground) |
| Minimalists looking to build strength, speed, agility, flexibility. | 1 Piece of Equipment | – Resistance band movements – Kettlebell/dumbbell exercises – Jump rope indoors or outdoors – Yoga flows |
| Performance athlete seeking sport-specific training. | Several Pieces of Equipment | – Barbell – Barbell plates – Weight bench – Squat stand – Rowing machine – Indoor cycling bike – Treadmill |
If you have no idea what you want to achieve through fitness, start with something simple and discover what you like and dislike. Equipment isn’t necessarily needed to get started. Everyone has bodyweight to build strength, endurance, flexibility, agility, movement, etc. You can use equipment when you want to do more with your body. Also, it’s fun to have the equipment to play.
If you’re interested in taking fitness more seriously, check out my guide to start a fitness journey.
#2. Identify the amount of space you have for a home gym.
Then you must consider how much space you have at home. You can build a very functional home gym with a bit of space on the wall for a folding power rack, a cardio machine that folds up and stores away, and a yoga mat. Locate the places in your home where you could build a gym.
To give you an idea of the space you would need for a home gym, here are some dimensions.
No-Equipment Home Gym
The space you would need for a No-Equipment Home Gym is practically enough space for you to plank comfortably. You can get very creative with how you use your body in small spaces. Sometimes I exercise in spaces where I can’t even extend my arms out to the sides, but you make do with what you have. If you don’t have enough space at home, you can use space anywhere outdoors. Just bring yourself outdoors and get some fresh air while you’re at it.
Minimalist Home Gym
A Minimalist Home Gym doesn’t require much more space than a No-Equipment Home Gym. Perhaps a bit more clearance for a kettlebell swing, yoga mat, or jump rope. All the equipment should be so compact that it can be stored away when not in use.
Performance Home Gym
If you currently are or hope to be a performance athlete, the additional pieces of equipment for sports-related training will depend on the direction you’re heading. What you use and how you use it depends on the experience you’re seeking. You can learn more about sports-specific performance through your experience, the research, and other people in the community. Some people jump right into finding a personal trainer or coach who puts you on a set path, but there’s value in exploring the fitness space to learn about what you like/dislike and what works for you.
The chart below will give you an idea of how much space some of the equipment takes up.
| Home Gym Equipment | Minimum Space Required (L x W x H) |
| Barbell set | 6 x 9 x 7.7 feet |
| Rowing machine | 8 x 2 x 1.2 feet |
| Indoor cycling bike | 5 x 2 x 5 feet |
| Treadmill | 5.5 x 2.5 x 4.5 feet |
#3. Determine your budget for a home gym.
Once you’ve determined the direction you want to head with the space that you have at home, think about what fits in your budget. But remember that fitness is an investment in yourself and your health. The times I’ve splurged on fitness-related things was always the best investments I’ve made in my life. You want to buy things that you actually enjoy using and make sure that they will last a lifetime.
Buy nice or buy twice.
For starters, bodyweight is the best place to start. A No-Equipment Home Gym is free! Start moving your body for free, anywhere, any time!
The Minimalist Home Gym with resistance bands, a jump rope, and a yoga mat can be put together for under $100.
And the Performance Home Gym will vary in price depending on what you put in it. It can range anywhere from about $1,000 to $11,000.
Check out the cost breakdown in detail for budget, average, and premium home gyms compared to gym memberships,
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