Creating Your Own Home Gym: A Step-by-Step Journey

I'm a fitness enthusiast at heart. Before the pandemic, I was the one rallying friends for workout brunches. New exercise classes? I was always first in line. Staying active is part of my self-care routine, which led me to create a home gym when COVID struck. Over time, my setup evolved significantly as I grew tired of constantly rearranging my weights and yoga mat throughout the house. It became cumbersome.

Eventually, I decided to transform our underutilized second bedroom into a multi-purpose space. Initially set up as a guest room with a queen-sized bed, it turned into a clutter zone with boxes piling up after visitors stopped coming. With a quick trip to Ikea and some online shopping, we reimagined the area into a functional workout spot. Here's how I accomplished it — and how you can, too:

Choose Your Workout Space

First, recognize the privilege of having extra space. Whether it's a corner in your kitchen or a small nook in your bedroom, pinpoint your workout area to help establish a routine. For me, it became our second bedroom once the guest bed was stored away.

Find Smart Storage Solutions

What frustrated me most was the hassle of moving equipment around. I didn't want a messy pile of weights and bands on display. Instead, I sought organized storage. We found an affordable entertainment center from Ikea for $150, and my fiancé assembled it in no time. I also purchased baskets for $7 each to categorize my gear — one for resistance bands, another for boxing supplies, and so forth. Knowing where everything is allows easy access to the tools I need for my workouts.

Choose Equipment You'll Use

While I enjoy various workouts, I often lose interest during slower classes like yoga or Pilates. My preference leans toward high-intensity routines, so I focused on buying equipment I'd genuinely use. After some research, I invested in two sets of dumbbells, a boxing bag, a medicine ball, a step for various workouts, and a high-quality fitness mat to support my joints. I regularly incorporate these items into my routine.

Assess Your Cost Savings

Setting up my gym cost about $500, which is far less than my previous fitness expenses. Before, my boxing membership was $125 monthly, plus $25 a session for boot camp classes, often twice a week. Now, I pay $25 a month for a boxing subscription and $75 annually for an online fitness community. Plus, workouts with friends are now free since we design them ourselves!

Personalize Your Space

Since investing in fitness means investing in your well-being, make your gym a space that feels inviting and motivating. I added greenery and chose colors that energize yet soothe. Now, I eagerly anticipate my workouts, making it less likely for me to skip them.