Even though numerous fitness centers have reopened, private fitness studios are resuming classes, and recreational sports teams are once again engaging in games now that the complete pandemic lockdown is no longer in effect, engaging in workouts at home is not going away. Exhibit A: One 2022 survey discovered that over 56 percent of individuals prefer at-home fitness routines, according to GoodFirms, an IT research and review platform.

Certain individuals who started participating in online classes from the comfort of their homes may not wish to deviate from their convenient routine, while others who are interested in attempting strength training or HIIT for the first time may feel too overwhelmed to do so in a crowded public facility. In simple terms, exercising at home provides a sense of comfort and convenience that shared spaces simply cannot offer.

However, establishing a home gym can still pose a challenge for many people. “Building a home gym can be costly, and purchasing multiple pieces of equipment can accumulate expenses rapidly,” explains Mathew Forzaglia, an NFPT-certified personal trainer and the proprietor of Forzag Fitness in New York. Machines from well-known brands are often exceedingly expensive, and it may seem necessary to acquire numerous pieces of home fitness equipment (such as a Peloton bike, multiple sets of dumbbells, kettlebells, a pull-up bar, and more) in order to have a worthwhile workout in the comfort of your own home. “Before you know it, you could end up spending anywhere from $500 to $2,500,” adds Forzaglia. “And if you’re considering cardio equipment, the costs become even steeper.”

However, it does not have to be this way. To create a personal fitness space that enables you to achieve the intense (or relaxed!) workout you desire without draining your finances, implement these expert-recommended strategies for saving money on at-home fitness equipment.

6 Strategies for Saving Money On Fitness Equipment for Your Home Gym

Purchase secondhand equipment.

“Acquiring used fitness equipment online is always a wise decision when striving to save money and equip your home gym,” notes Forzaglia. “This method allows you to find a variety of equipment at discounted prices.” Explore Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, or OfferUp, all of which offer gently used products (including home fitness equipment and gear) from individual sellers.

A plethora of individuals were uncertain about their workout location during the initial stages of the pandemic, hence they constructed personal fitness facilities,” elucidates Noam Tamir, C.S.C.S., the principal trainer and proprietor of TS Fitness in New York. “However, in the present scenario where public fitness centers have reopened, there are individuals who no longer utilize their at-home equipment and wish to divest themselves of it.” Consequently, there is a surplus of superior-grade equipment available at discounted rates, according to him.

It’s crucial that you either inspect the machine or piece of equipment before buying – either in person or through photographs – to ensure it possesses the characteristics you desire and has no significant damage. However, in general, fitness centers and individuals are disposing of home fitness equipment that they no longer use or have space for, so the quality is typically adequate. Just be aware that some previously owned machines, like Peloton bikes and treadmills, require a factory reset before use, and the warranty may not be transferable.

If you’re going to make a new purchase, buy from a well-known retailer.

If you’re committed to a particular brand and do not wish to settle for equipment that others have perspired on for months or years, it’s worth searching for your preferred brand’s home fitness equipment on a reputable retailer’s website, such as Amazon, Walmart, or Target. These websites engage in extensive selling, which allows them to offer items at lower prices. “Additionally, they occasionally have sales, so you can snag a fantastic deal,” says Tamir.

Acquire adaptable equipment.

Dumbbells are generally valuable pieces of at-home fitness equipment due to their effectiveness and capacity to enhance functional fitness. However, purchasing multiple sets takes up a significant amount of space in a home gym, and the costs can quickly accumulate. One solution is to invest in adjustable weights, which enable you to increase or decrease the load by simply adding or removing plates. “Adjustable dumbbells and kettlebells are always a favorite for me in a home gym,” says Forzaglia. “Yes, they may be more expensive initially, but you now possess equipment that offers varying weights, so you won’t need to invest in additional sizes as you progress – which also reduces shipping costs over time.” Additionally, you can still utilize them for full-body workouts, just like traditional free weights, but they occupy less space in your living area, which also serves as your home gym.

Put your money into a cable system.

The sophisticated cable machines found in most fitness centers are so versatile that you can engage your entire body by performing exercises ranging from triceps pull-downs to glute kickbacks. The problem is that they are often very expensive. “A cable machine can cost thousands of dollars,” says Tamir. However, pulley systems – which consist of cables attached to pull-up bars, squat racks, or ceiling hooks and can be loaded with weight plates like Pulleypro – serve as an affordable alternative, according to him.

It imitates the functionalities of a cable machine and comes at a price of less than $100,” he contributes. Validate merchants like Amazon or eBay to discover a pulley arrangement that suits your financial plan and exercise area.

Contemplate a suspension trainer.

A bodyweight suspension trainer is one of the most effective pieces of home fitness equipment you can purchase, explains Tamir. “You can execute hundreds of various exercises, and simply altering your body angle can either modify or intensify every move,” he says. For instance, you can utilize the piece of equipment to challenge your upper body with push-ups, triceps dips, and rows, as well as your lower half with Bulgarian split squats and hamstring curls. Not to mention, you can acquire a trainer with a handful of attachments online for less than $200. TRX is one of the most popular and well-known brands in this category, but don’t hesitate to purchase a generic version to further reduce the cost. “Some brands are expensive, but places like Amazon have numerous comparable options for a lower price,” says Tamir. “Just make sure you read the reviews and select one that has a lot of 5 or 4.5-star ones.”

Obtain a weighted vest for cardiovascular exercise.

Cardiovascular machines such as treadmills, ellipticals, and stair climbers are some of the largest and most costly pieces of at-home fitness equipment you might contemplate purchasing. However, there are more inexpensive, space-saving methods to break a sweat. “Get a weight vest and wear it while ascending and descending the stairs in your building or jogging around the neighborhood,” says Tamir. “The weight from the vest emulates the additional resistance that you can manually adjust on a cardiovascular machine.” You can also utilize a weighted vest to elevate the difficulty of low-impact cardiovascular exercises, such as burpees and mountain climbers. Regardless of when you wear it, you’ll increase your heart rate while simultaneously saving money and space. Talk about a win-win situation.

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