About 5 years ago, I became tired of spending as much time driving back and forth to a crowded gym, as I was actually working out. Sure, there are advantages to being a gym member, namely superior resources as well as plenty of people around to provide spots. But there is also a limit on super-sets, wait times to get on machines, and somebody constantly wanting to cut in on your sets. Being able to piece together a home gym took some time and effort, but the payoff makes it worthwhile. I did far exceed a $50 budget, but I had the space and was still able to accumulate most of what I needed for about $500 over a 2 year period, equal to paying $20/mo for a gym membership over that time.
$50 might not seem like it can get you very far towards building your own home gym, especially with dumbbells and plates costing roughly $1/lb. However, below is a list of equipment that can provide for your fitness needs. If you are merely looking for ways to tone and exercise and not spend any money, a couple of gallon milk jugs filled with water, sand or even dirt. These basically make 8 pound dumbbells, and depending on hand size, can be quite useful.
Set A:
Item 1.) 40 lb. Vinyl Dumbbell Set (adjustable)- $14.97 at Wal-Mart
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Gold-s-Gym-40-Pound-Vinyl-Dumbbell-Set/21672513 |
Dumbbells are one of the most universal pieces of fitness equipment. When taken down, these can be stored under a couch or chair and no additional equipment is really needed and we could stop here, but what fun would that be?
Subtotal: $14.97
Exercises: Curls, Front raises, Side Raises, squats, OH press, skull crushers, etc.
Subtotal: $14.97
Item 2.) Resistance Bands ( 1 medium, 1 heavy)- 5.00 ea. at Five Below
http://www.fivebelow.com/sports/fitness-sports-balls/series-8-fitness-stretch-cords.html |
Resistance bands can be used to substitute for exercise normally done on a machine and come in various strengths, depending on your level of fitness or goals. You can also use a broomstick as a makeshift barbell cable curl machine alternative. I would suggest getting both medium and heavy bands.
Subtotal: $24.97
Item 3.) Fitness Orb- $5.00 at Five Below Fitness Orbs are versatile and economical. They can be substituted for a Utility Bench or simply used for general seating while also improving core strength.
Exercises: Decline sit ups and/or push-ups. With dumbbells: seated curls, military press, lateral raises, chest press (incline, decline, or flat), overhead triceps press, kickbacks, skull crushers, etc.
Subtotal- $29.97
4.) Jump Rope- $5.00 at Five Below
Cardio- pretty self explanatory, but is a great way to get some much needed cardio done.
Subtotal: $34/97
5.) Push Up Handles- $5.00 at Five Below
Unfortunately, I can't find a link for these, but I know they are on the shelves. These are great for either pushups and even potentially dips.
Subtotal- $39.97
6.) Ab Wheel- $5.88 at Wal Mart
Good for strengthening core.
Subtotal- 45.85
These items should provide a pretty good foundation and plenty of flexibility for hitting all of the desired muscle groups without putting too big a hole in the wallet or taking up too much space.
http://www.fivebelow.com/sports/fitness-sports-balls/series-8-fitness-gym-ball.html |
Subtotal- $29.97
4.) Jump Rope- $5.00 at Five Below
http://www.fivebelow.com/sports/fitness-sports-balls/series-8-weighted-jump-rope.html |
Cardio- pretty self explanatory, but is a great way to get some much needed cardio done.
Subtotal: $34/97
5.) Push Up Handles- $5.00 at Five Below
Unfortunately, I can't find a link for these, but I know they are on the shelves. These are great for either pushups and even potentially dips.
Subtotal- $39.97
6.) Ab Wheel- $5.88 at Wal Mart
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Gold-s-Gym-Ab-Wheel/15580734 |
Subtotal- 45.85
These items should provide a pretty good foundation and plenty of flexibility for hitting all of the desired muscle groups without putting too big a hole in the wallet or taking up too much space.