How to Build a Home Gym

It’s New Year’s resolution time and the first one for the majority of individuals is to take better care of themselves and get into shape.  For a lot people getting a gym membership is not a good option.  So what I’ve decided to do is make a few recommendations for not only equipment but sample workouts to be performed with what equipment you do have.   

My essential pieces to have for a home gym are: 

1. Foam Roller 
2. Pull up bar 
3. Stability ball 
4. Thera-bands 
5. Barbell and weights 
6. Bench 
7. Squat stands 

(Below are a few extra items to think about) 

• You can get a great and safe workout with little to no equipment depending on your budget 
• Warm up and stretch before and after each workout 
• Begin with a resistance that you are comfortable completing 2 sets of 10 repetitions  

If you are a beginner perform: 

• Upper extremity exercise 
• Lower extremity exercise 
• Core exercise 
• Gait (Walk, Jog, Carry’s) 

If you have more experience with weight training: 

• Perform your basic movement patterns: 

1. Push 
2. Pull 
3. Rotate 
4. Squat 
5. Lunge 
6. Lift 
7. Gait (Walk, Run, Jumping, Carry’s) 

And remember to work in different planes of movement (Frontal, Sagittal and Transverse) 

• The ideal home gym can be costly and take a long time to develop, be patient and do what works for you financially.  You can get a great and affective workout in on any budget 
• Most importantly have fun, be consistent, brush off any setbacks and celebrate your accomplishments 

$0-50 Budget  

• Foam Roller:  Great piece to begin and end your workout 
• Stability ball (SB) 
• Thera-bands:  Inexpensive and easy to store 
• Pull up bar on doorway 

$51-500 Budget 

• Barbell and Plates:  
• Squat Stands 
• Bench 
• Medicine balls 

$501+ Budget  

• Dumbbells (db) 
• Kettlebells (kb) 
• TRX (suspension trainer) 
• Battle Ropes 
• Cardio Equipment 

Again these are just general recommendations please consult with your personal trainer, athletic trainer or physical therapist if you have questions or concerns.