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Hi everyone, Chris here!
I recently took on an exciting project: building a budget home gym in 2024. Transforming my home into a fully-equipped gym with a budget of $1,500. And guess what? I sold my Mercedes to make this dream a reality! Let’s dive into the details of this awesome home gym setup.
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The Foundation – 7mm Thick Gym Mat:
![8' x 6' x 7mm Extra Large Exercise Mat, [48 Sq.Ft] Heavy-Duty & Extreme Non-Slip Gym Flooring for Home Gym, Pro Gym Mat for Home Workout & Exercise Equipment](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41AMi+cdEdL._SL500_.jpg)
First up is the gym mat. This isn’t just any mat; it’s a spacious 8 ft by 6 ft and 7 mm thick, perfect for providing a soft yet stable surface. It’s great for your feet and stops weights from rolling around. Remember, a good mat is a gym essential, but it’s not just about having one – it’s about having the right one.
The “Essential” – 7ft Olympic Barbell and Plates:
Next, the “star” of any gym: the barbell. I was thrilled to find that the grip on this barbell is even better than those I’ve used in public gyms. Paired with the barbell are 200lbs of weight plates that I got for just $299 – a steal, right? We’re talking a complete set here: 45s, 35s, 25s, 10s, and 5s, along with barbell clamps. This brings us to a total of 300lbs of weight.
The barbell is a 7ft Olympic style lifting bar. If you’re planning a weight setup that you might want to expand later, this is the kind you should aim for. It’s compatible with most weights thanks to its 2-inch sleeves.
I say “star” and “essential” in quotations because, imo, it really isn’t. The last one on the list is the true star.
The Support – Uprights:
To hold the barbell, I chose uprights over a full cage. Why? They’re a fraction of the price, space-efficient, and have a 550lbs weight capacity – more than enough for most lifters. They’re also easy to set up. Remember, you can always upgrade later!
Lusper Bench – Quality and Affordability:
I found an amazing bench on Amazon for just $70. Despite the low price, it’s of surprisingly good quality, fully inclines and declines, and can hold up to 600 lbs. It’s an excellent starting point for any home gym.
The Highlight – Adjustable Dumbbells:
And now, my favorite part: the adjustable dumbbells.
These are the Nuobell adjustable dumbbell by ROBURFLEX.
These are the fastest on the market, adjusting from 5lbs all the way up to 80 lbs. They look fantastic but they are a bit delicate, so they need careful handling. For instance, do not drop them form hip height. The fact that they look similar to standard dumbbells with metal knurling for grip really sold me… Outside of the being able to adjust insanely fast.
For those who prefer something sturdier and more budget-friendly, I’d recommend the power blocks – they’re not as sleek but very durable. And, you can start with 5-50lbs and upgrade as you get stronger. You can buy additions up to 120lbs, insane.
Home Gym
Building a home gym can be a fulfilling project, whether you’re spending $500 or $1,500. It’s all about choosing the right equipment that meets your needs and budget.
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