If you're like me, and millions of people around the world, you probably wrote down work out more often for your New Year's resolution. But as you are sitting here reading this article, the wave of existential guilt washes over you as you realize you haven't been able to work out as often as you hoped. I totally get it!

I'm in the same boat! Getting up and having the motivation to drive yourself to the gym consistently takes a lot of self-discipline, and to be honest, it is difficult.

Why have an At-Home Gym?

At-home gyms are the perfect combination of accessibility and usefulness. For days when I don't have the time to drive myself to the gym, I can still do a simple, quick workout, leaving me feeling energized and accomplished without stepping over my boundaries.

At-home gyms also give me the ability to work out in pajamas when I don't feel like getting ready, and no one would notice because I'm in the comfort of my house. With my at-home gym, I was able to change my workout consistency to working out 4-5 times a week with just $30, and now I'm going to help you too!

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How To Find Which Gym Is Perfect For You

Different people have different versions of budgets as well as different things they hope to accomplish from a gym. I recommend creating workout goals and budget requirements before buying your workout equipment because it helps keep your goals and requirements in mind. While some people like simple, casual workouts with the goal of simply moving their body during the day, some people might be aiming for more intense hardcore sessions. That is why I have created three different ways to create an at-home gym, adjusting to one's needs and wants.

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Every workout session and gym begins with a yoga mat. This is classic and most essential because it allows you to work out comfortably and safely. Some affordable yoga mats that I've seen are at stores like Target, Walmart, and even Five Below. These mats range anywhere from $5-$10, giving you flexibility to do most at-home workout sessions while also staying within your budget.

Option 1: The Minimal Gym

($25 or under, simple workouts, perfect for beginners, building slight muscle, or just staying active)

• Dumbbells - I highly recommend dumbbells and weights as they allow you to engage and build muscle. Again, Five Below offers some great options, and they provide a wide variety of weights. For me personally, I like to get a pair of 10lb dumbbells and a kettlebell. With both of these, I'm able to target most of the areas I need to. But you can also use a simple dumbbell as a kettlebell and save some money.
• Resistance Bands - I would encourage resistance bands/pull-up bands because it is a great tool that can help with strength training, flexibility, mobility, and engaging muscles. Bands are also portable and versatile; they can be used in many different ways and are able to target multiple different body groups while remaining within your budget.

Option 2: The Classic Gym

($70 or under, for more diverse and targeted routines, good for teens or anyone aiming to build muscle)

• Jump Rope - One thing I like to add to my routines whenever I need to warm up my muscles before the actual workout is a jump rope. A jump rope is a great way to get heat flowing through your body, and is great cardio for when you don't have a treadmill or if it's too hot to run outside.
• Pilates Essentials Kit - For the girls reading this, I found it extremely helpful to buy myself a pilates essentials kit from Amazon or Walmart. It is perfect for budgeted gyms because it includes many items for a low cost. In most of the kits I've seen, the items included are a Pilates ring, a yoga ball, resistance bands, non-slip socks, stretching straps, and sometimes, some even include yoga mats. These are perfect because they fall right about $25, giving you most of the essentials you need, while on a budget.
• Stationary Bike - With this pilates essentials kit, some stationary bikes are available for around $40-$50 that come with just the pedals. These are very efficient when on a budget because when placing this while you're seated, you have close to the same results as having a full stationary bicycle. The option of also buying second-hand equipment is also available if that's something you are okay with.
• Bench Press - For the guys, I recommend investing in a bench press. It is extremely helpful in building muscle in the upper body, particularly in the chest, triceps, and shoulders, while also increasing your endurance and strength. If strength training is one of your goals, I highly recommend starting with this piece of equipment. I've seen these on Amazon for around $50-$60, so along with this, getting a sturdy mat along with some dumbbells is the perfect combination to match your workout goals.

Option 3: The Hardcore

(around $100, fitness enthusiasts, heavy strength training, long-term durability, investment, cardio balance)

• Durable Yoga Mat - For these types of goals, it is fundamental that you get a durable, thick mat. Since most of your workouts are going to be more intense, having a sturdy mat can help prevent the mat from ripping or sliding and give you extra support.
• Weights - It is also recommended to indulge in a greater variety of weights, as that gives you flexibility, as well as the ability to keep improving and adding more weight. Along with the classic 10lb weights, I would recommend the 20lb, 25lb, and 30lb.
• Walking Pad - For when the weather outside is too much to handle, a walking pad would be your best friend; it is durable, effective, and can be used at any time. They are a perfect tool for calorie burning and are safer than running outside because they reduce the risk of tripping or falling. You can also adjust speed, incline, and duration, adhering to your needs. The lowest usually range from $50-$60.
• Fitness Tracker - I personally like having a fitness tracker so I can track my progress and goals throughout my workout. A lot of them track your calories burned, steps walked, and miles completed over the course of your workout. This helps you set clear goals for your workout and helps you see progress.
• Bench - And lastly, having a bench for when you are working your arms is a game-changer for your workouts. It is versatile and can be used for many different exercises. When using dumbbells and weights, it is very important to have a sturdy, supportive platform for your sessions, as it allows for proper alignment during exercises like bench presses, dumbbell flyes, bicep curls, and tricep curls.

Image Credit: Borba from Unsplash

Whether you are looking for staying active or more intense workout sessions and goals, you can create your dream at-home gym while staying within your budget. You don't need fancy, expensive equipment to make your dream space; all you need is good sneakers and motivation. Anything else is an extra!