Affordable and Effective Home Gym Equipment

Home Gym Equipment

Being on a tight budget is no excuse for giving up your dream of a home gym. With all the options out there, anybody can put together a great exercise set irregardless of how much they can spend.

If You Have $100
Even with the smallest budget, you should still be able to get some basic equipment to get you moving. Start with a step and some dumbbells. If you shop around, you should be able to afford two sets (a 2 and a 5lb are good for beginners) with no problems. Otherwise, get the heavier set and buy some elastic tubing for less resistance. Make sure you get at least a couple of workout DVDs that include both cardio and resistance training.

If You Have $500
If you take the time to shop around, you should be able to find a basic stationary bike for under $500 (look in garage sales and second-hand shops if new ones seem out of your range). Treadmills in this price range are usually low quality, so stay away from them, especially if you’re a runner and need a good machine that will withstand heavy use. Try to have enough left over to get dumbbells as well. You still need them for resistance training.

If You Have $1000
Good treadmills start at around $1000, which means they’re still out of your price range. If you can afford to push the budget up a little, though, you should be able to get a basic motorized treadmill (avoid manual ones, which are too hard on joints and too difficult for beginners to handle) or a stationary bike and still add some free weights on top of that. Otherwise, look into multi-station machines, which allow you to work out all muscle groups and can double as cardio machines in certain cases, especially the models that have a rowing bench.

If You Have $2000 or More
This is the right level for either a treadmill or an elliptical trainer. Make sure the machine is sturdy enough to withstand heavy use and check for a LCD screen that features automatic programs and personal data recording. Stair-climbers are also a good choice, but they’re usually too difficult for beginners to handle. If you have the space for it, you can have a complete gym by adding a multistation or rowing machine to the set. If not, consider getting an adjustable bench and some dumbbells of at least four different weights. This will allow you to work in steps (if you’re trying to gain muscle mass or size) or to switch depending on muscle strength.

If You Have Some Extra Money
Any additional money should be spent on getting the best quality equipment you can afford. Don’t skimp on this, as it will have a big impact on the comfort and effectiveness of your workout. If you’re already buying good-quality machines, then go for the extras: a thick and comfortable exercise mat, some additional DVDs and a few variations of weights (to avoid boredom). For example, rather than buying only dumbbells, get also a weighted bar.

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