Although it seems like home fitness is all the rage right now, it’s not a fad. Currently, there’s a huge spotlight on how home fitness can improve your mental and physical health. Exercise is scientifically proven to benefit multiple areas of your life. That’s not to say that people don’t enjoy going to the gym and connecting with their fitness community. But, home fitness has a clear role to play in regular, daily movement. Creating a garage gym is the perfect solution for some people. If you want to commit to family time, have a busy schedule, or don't want to pay for a membership, here are our tips for creating a garage gym.
In this article:
- How Much Does a Garage Gym Cost?
- 5 Tips: How to Create a Garage Gym
How Much Does a Garage Gym Cost?
So, how much does a garage gym cost? This is a tricky question to answer because you can spend a little or a lot of money on a garage gym. The cost to create a home gym can vary massively.
According to Checkatrade, the average home gym costs about £5,000. When you break this down, that includes thousands spent on large gym equipment like a rowing machine and treadmill. Fortunately, you can create a garage gym with basic equipment and still get in a very effective and sweat-inducing workout.
Several factors impact the cost of a garage gym:
- Size of garage gym
- Equipment type
- Quality of equipment
You don’t need to spend thousands on a garage gym. Anyone can create a fitness space at home. If you are working with a tight budget, the best way to make your home gym is to start slow. Invest in a few pieces of must-have home gym equipment and gradually purchase equipment over time. That way, you won’t have a huge outgoing all at once.
5 Tips: How to Create a Garage Gym
The perfect garage gym will look slightly different from one person to another. If your goal is to lift weights and build muscle mass, you will focus on investing in equipment that will help you do this. But, if you prefer a combination of HIIT training with some resistance work, you need a good amount of space and some light pieces of fitness equipment. Keep your goals in mind when creating your garage gym.
1. Try a Home Gym Starter Kit
If the thought of researching gym equipment fills you with terror and you don’t know where to start, try a home gym starter kit. The kit contains everything you need to get started in one purchase. With four gym mats for a strong base, the kit includes weight plates, barbell, utility bench, squat stand, and Proud collars. If you want to start strength training regularly and build a weightlifting fitness space, this is a great option that takes the hassle out of building a home gym.
2. Remove the Clutter
It may sound like a basic tip, but it’s an excellent place to start. Garages tend to become storage zones for the house. The best way to determine what you need to buy and what you’re working with is to start with a blank canvas. From this, you can figure out how many gym mats you need to buy and the size of the equipment you can house. Otherwise, it’s easy to invest in equipment you don’t have the space for.
3. Install the Right Garage Gym Flooring
The majority of garages tend to have concrete flooring. Because concrete is such a hard surface, it doesn’t possess the type of shock absorbency that you need for fitness. Gym flooring absorbs shock so that your joints and bones don’t take all the impact in exercise. Gym mats range in thickness, depending on your needs. The general idea is that the heavier the weights, the thicker your gym mat needs to be.
4. Think About Noise & Security
It’s a good idea to think about the noise and security of your garage gym. If you like early morning or late-night workouts, minimising noise when you work out is essential. Rubber mats are key for reducing workout noise and making sure that you don’t annoy the neighbours. Another thing to consider is security. Make sure that your equipment is safe and locked away at night.
5. Pick your Garage Gym Equipment Essentials
Your garage gym equipment essentials could be a barbell and some weight plates. Or they may be a set of dumbbells and a kettlebell. Your fitness essentials depend on your goals and what you’re looking to achieve. A good place to start is a barbell, weight plates, gym mats, and a utility bench. If you don’t have a ton of space, you can opt for smaller equipment that's versatile.
Trying to decide what equipment to buy and keeping an eye on the costs can be tricky. Start by looking at your available space and the maximum budget you want to spend. A well-thought-out plan will help you nail your garage gym. The bottom line is that anyone can create a home fitness space without spending thousands. Incorporate daily fitness into your routine and reap the benefits.