Build a Home Gym

Build a home gym that offers unlimited exercises and maximum results. But before purchasing any equipment clearly establish available space, budget, and your specific goals.

Depending on the kind of training you will be doing, you'll have to take into consideration the square footage you're working with. Since this website is strongly based on building muscle mass, I'm going to assume that you will be using basic weight training methods to reach your goals. In this case, build a home gym that includes free weights (barbell(s), dumbbells), machines, and pulley systems (cables). Keep in mind that even the simplest and smallest of home gyms requires the hosting room to be at least 10 feet by 10 feet. Plan carefully how you will space out equipment and don't forget to allow some free space around all sides of the equipment... for loading weights onto it and being able to perform all the necessary exercises.

It's also a good idea to include your home gym in a room with a window (that could be opened). The temperature will quickly rise in a room that is poorly ventilated. You don't want to ever feel claustrophobic in your own home. An added benefit of having a window, that is if you will be training during the day, is that natural sunlight will enter the room, bringing more life to your gym.

Build a home gym with budget in mind. You don't want to get an incredible multi-capabilities piece of equipment, and suddenly realize that you don't have enough money to buy the weights to load onto it. That's like buying a Ferrari and not having a cent left to purchase fuel. Plan ahead, knowing exactly what you need to reach your specific goals. Some people are huge fans of free weights. In this case, they'll only need an adjustable bench (flat, incline, decline), and some dumbbells. They can then eliminate purchasing a costly multi-station machine. Similarly, someone who is only concerned with developing tight abs doesn't have to buy a treadmill (which is the single most expensive type of equipment) and an ab machine. In this case, an ab roller and a stability ball will due. Also, burning fat, the essential ingredient to 'seeing the abs', can be done by walking or jogging outside.

Another way of saving money is destroying that part of you that is superficial. Shop around for quality and convenience only. Brand names often do offer great prices because they sell large quantities and hence settle for a little less profit per sale. A smaller company may charge more to make ends meet. Still, the safest way to shop is to not be biased. Pay attention to elements such as price, how dynamic the equipment is, if installation is included in the price, the quality (ex: a smith machine with linear bearings is much better than one without them), etc.

Below, I've rounded up what would be my choice of weight training equipment to build a home gym for less than $2000 (not including shipping/handling & applicable taxes). Please keep in mind that I haven't purchased these specific items for myself. Take the time to ensure that all items are compatible and that you have enough available square footage in your home to hold them (& allow you to perform exercises). Also, be aware that not all accessories (ex: bars & certain cable attachments) have been included. My selection of equipment was based on price, quality, needs (& not wants)... given my extensive knowledge of muscle-building. The link just below will take you to my aStore (Amazon Store). Once you're there, click on the items for more details. Then, you can 'Add To Cart' the products you'd like to purchase. When you 'Proceed To Checkout' you will be taken to Amazon.com, where you will finalize your transaction.