Start Strong at Home: Build a Home Gym on a Budget​
​
​

Hi Reader,

If you’ve been thinking about starting a workout routine but are not ready to make an investment in a gym membership, or just find the gym environment intimidating, start simple and at home.

​
​

I work with many people who prefer working out at home because it’s convenient and you don’t need much at the beginning. Over time, you can always add on as your needs, confidence and strength grows.

​
​

When people think of gym equipment, they think of things like a Peloton bike, a cable system, a rack of dumbbells. I’m talking about two to three pairs of dumbbells, a kettlebell or two, some exercise bands with handles and a door anchor. And of course an exercise mat.

​
​

Start Here: The Basics

You can do a surprising amount with just a few inexpensive pieces of equipment:

• ✔ Exercise mat​
• ✔ Sturdy chair
• ✔ Mini resistance bands — ideally a set with light, medium, and heavy resistance
• ✔ Long resistance bands — again, having several resistance levels gives you room to progress

And don't underestimate your own bodyweight. Squats, lunges, push-ups, bridges, planks, step-ups and other bodyweight movements can give you plenty to work with when you're first getting started.

Your Next Investment: Weights

Once you're ready to add more resistance, dumbbells and kettlebells give you many more options.

Dumbbells: If you're relatively new to strength training, consider two or three pairs in different weights rather than buying an entire set.

A starting range might include 5, 8 and 10 lb dumbbells. If you already have some strength-training experience, you may want to start heavier—perhaps somewhere in the 8–15 lb range. The objective is to progress yourself towards lifting more weight (with good form) over time.

​Light to moderate dumbbells​

​Heavier dumbbells​

Kettlebells: You don't need a huge collection here either. One lighter and one heavier kettlebell can get you started. A beginner might consider 10 and 15 lbs, while someone with previous strength-training experience may want to begin around 20 and 25 lbs.

​Kettlebells​

One important note: These are only general starting points. The right weight is the one that's appropriate for your current strength and allows you to perform the exercise with good technique while still providing enough resistance to challenge you.

What Can Wait

This is where home gyms can get expensive—and cluttered!

ou don't need all of this to begin. Over time, however, you may decide that some of these pieces would make your workouts more versatile:

• Stability ball (physio ball)
• BOSU
• Sliders
• Yoga blocks
• ​Door anchor (attaches to the door to create a pulley system with resistance bands)
• Additional dumbbells or kettlebells
• Adjustable bench or step with risers
• Resistance bands with a door anchor
• Suspension trainer such as a TRX
• Lebert Equalizers
• Medicine balls
• Airex-style balance mat

Buy equipment because you have a use for it—not simply because you think a home gym is supposed to have it.

Save Money Where It Makes Sense

You don't necessarily have to buy everything new.

Check local resale listings for dumbbells, kettlebells, benches and other durable equipment. People buy exercise equipment with the best intentions and then discover it's mostly holding laundry. Their change of heart can become your bargain.

You can also compare prices at retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Dick's Sporting Goods and Perform Better. Also check out Facebook marketplace where people are either selling or giving away exercise equipment in your local area.

For certain items—particularly resistance bands, mats and anything where wear and tear could affect safety—I prefer buying new or carefully inspecting the item before using it.

Build Your Gym as You Build Your Strength

The goal isn't to create the perfect home gym overnight.

Start with what you need right now. As you become stronger and the exercises that once challenged you become easier, you can add heavier weights or another piece of equipment.

Your home gym can grow right along with you. There may come a time in the future, when you’re thinking, “Maybe it is time to join a gym.”. For now, do what works for your current situation. If you live in apartment with neighbors above, below and next to you, maybe skip the slam ball.

Start where you are. Build your strength—and your home gym—one step at a time.

​
​

Need a little help setting up your home gym?

If you want to start strength training at home but aren't sure what equipment to buy—or what would work best for your space, budget, and current fitness level—I can help.

You don't need a ton of equipment. You just need the right equipment for you.

Email me at sharon@kuhlebody.com and tell me a little about your space and what you're hoping to accomplish. I'll help you figure out what you actually need to get started—and what you can skip.

​
​
​

Many blessings to you for abundant health, happiness and wellbeing ~

Strong and Beautiful in Midlife!

Sharon

Kuhle Body is a project of Vidya Ministerium, a faith based, private membership association. Services are available to members only. Membership is free and we are always accepting new members. You can opt out at any time. For more information, please read our PMA Declaration.​