Sample 15-Minute Fitness Home Gym Setup
Depending on what types of 15-Minute Workouts you’re going to be doing, you may want to use equipment to help you do certain types of exercises.
Here are some sample home gym setups for you to consider, separated by the relative cost of each. Each of these setups should only be considered a starting point, as you can mix and match for whatever is most appropriate for your fitness level and budget. In part your gym needs will be determined by the types of exercises you plan to do.
You may also wish to consider building your gym slowly (rather than running out and buying everything all at once), so that you can make sure each piece of equipment you are adding is something that can safely and effectively bring into your workout.
At the end of the day, remember that the best and most effective home exercise equipment you’ll ever own are the items you actually use, and that you’ll enjoy using.
The $0 Home Gym
Don’t assume that you actually need to buy anything in order to start doing 15-Minute Workouts at home. You may be able to get a complete 15-Minute Workout at home without having to spend a single dollar.
- If you’re looking for a one-pound weight, check your pantry or kitchen cabinets for cans of food rather than buying small dumbbells.
- Need something larger than a pound? Consider empty laundry detergent jugs or milk jugs that you’ve filled with water or sand.
- Use two chairs as a way to do dips or pushups to work your upper body.
- The bottom step of a staircase in your can be a great way to do a few minutes of heart rate-boosting step drills.
Remember that your “home” gym isn’t limited to what you can do in a spare bedroom or in your basement. Think about things you can do in your backyard, a neighborhood park or even the jungle gym on the playground of a local school.
The $100 Home Gym
If you’re willing to spend a little more money, you can outfit your home gym with some equipment that will open up a new range of exercises.
- A doorway chin-up bar can let you do chin-ups, knee and leg raises, and similar exercises. (Don’t worry, there are plenty of models that safely and easily lever themselves in place – no need to drill into your door frame.)
- A new pair of shoes if you’re interested in doing more walking or jogging outside.
- A Swedish Ball can open a range of core and balance based exercises as you look to expand your workout repertoire.
- A pedometer to help you track the number of steps you’re taking throughout the day (this can be a great way to integrate healthfulness into your overall lifestyle).
The $1,000 Home Gym
If your budget is significantly higher, then the sky’s the limit. When you’re willing to spend $1,000 or more you can purchase quality weight sets, cardiovascular machines or anything else that helps you safely do the workouts you’re interested in.
There are too many options on the market today to discuss anything at length in this report. But one piece of advice that you may find very helpful: get a day or week pass at your local gym or rec center to test different types of equipment before you buy them. You may find that you really don’t like using an elliptical machine to work out on (even though you assumed you would, or that you did years ago), so it’s better to learn that before you buy one!
