YOUR PACE IN YOUR SPACE: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BUILDING A HOME GYM
Published: 17/09/2024, updated: 24/11/2025, by: Jasmin Bodman
Have you ever found yourself dreaming of rolling out of bed, straight into the gym, without even leaving the house? A home gym can be a great investment for many reasons, from keeping fit in your own space to saving money on a membership in the long term, so we’re going to help you build your own. From tips on what machines might work for you to the essentials, this guide will run through how to build out your own home gym.
LET’S BEGIN WITH THE BASICS
So, you’ve got the space in your home, whether it be a garage or spare room, but you don’t know what to put in it. If you’re a gym buff or just getting started, everyone needs the basics. Not only can they help fill out the space, but they’ll come in handy during and after your workouts (so don’t worry, they won’t just be ornaments you hang clothes on).
- Gym or yoga mat: Having one of these can make doing certain exercises more comfortable and therefore, easier. Providing a cushioned barrier between you and the floor, gym and yoga mats come in a variety of materials, like foam or rubber, and can provide a non-slip surface so you can focus on your workout. They’re especially great for yoga, Pilates, stretching and other floor-based workouts
- Water bottle: This is a given. Hydration is key when working out, so having a water bottle on hand in your home gym is essential
- A towel: A saviour after those particularly sweaty sessions. Ideally, a microfibre towel that’s made with absorbent materials is the best option
- Resistance bands: These nifty little accessories are great to have in your home gym for the days when you don’t want to get on a machine. Thanks to their versatility, they can be used in a range of workouts as and when they’re needed. You can find a variety of sizes too
- A skipping rope: Helping your endurance and fitness, a skipping rope is great for saving space in your gym while still allowing you to get a good bit of cardio into your routine
- A gym ball: Great for core workouts and toning up, a gym ball will surely cement its place in your home gym
- Gloves and weightlifting belts: If you’re looking to build your strength through weight training, gym gloves and belts should be an essential in your home gym. Helping to take some of the strain while you lift, gloves and belts can provide grip and comfort
NEXT UP: THE WEIGHTS
Now the basics are out of the way, let’s move onto the weights. Weights are an incredibly important part of many gym routines. With different types as well as sizes and amounts, choosing the right one for you is essential. Think about your fitness goals and using weights that are the correct size and weight. If you use those that are too light, you won’t feel challenged, but if you use those that are too heavy, you won’t progress as much as you could or should.
And remember – ometimes, you may struggle with lifting as much as you did the day before, but don’t worry as occasionally, your muscles can take a little longer to recover. Always do your research if you’re unsure which weights are right for you and consult a personal trainer or professional if you need help!
Let’s talk more in-depth about the different weights you can find and how they can be integrated into your workout:
- Dumbbells: You can use dumbbells to train both your upper and lower body. Coming in a range of sizes, a dumbbell can help to build muscle and strength, while improving your stability
- Kettlebells: Kettlebells are great in circuit and strength training, as well as HIIT workouts
- Medicine balls: Generally, you can use a medicine ball to build your core strength and upper body, as well as being great props in HIIT and cardio workouts
- Ankle and wrist weights: Don’t have a lot of space? These weights are ideal for adding to simple workouts to increase the use of your muscles and they can be stored away easily afterwards - a win-win in our book
- Barbells and weight plates: Choose your weight and get lifting! A barbell with weights attached is a great addition to exercises like squats, allowing you to work many muscles at the same time
Depending on your workout goals, weights can play a huge part in your day-to-day fitness. Even if you don’t plan on doing much weightlifting, incorporating some ankle weights or having a small selection of dumbbells might come in handy to build up strength or help you try out something new.
DO I NEED EXERCISE MACHINES IN MY HOME GYM?
If your home gym has space for an exercise machine, and you want to focus on cardio, then they’re a great investment. There’s a few machines that can help you work your entire body without needing to leave the comfort of your own home.
- Cross trainer - looking for a full body workout? Target different muscle groups while getting a good sweat session in with a cross trainer
- Exercise bikes - tone muscles and get a cardio endurance workout without even breaking the bike out of the shed. You can burn calories while training your muscles, snagging the benefits of a bike ride without the actual bike ride
- Treadmill - love running but hate the wet weather? A treadmill could be the answer to your prayers. Jog, walk or run, a treadmill is the alternative to heading out when the weather’s not playing ball (or if you simply can’t be bothered, we don’t judge)
It’s important to note that you don’t need an exercise machine to make your home gym legit. However you work out, whether it’s on an exercise machine, following along with a workout video from social media or simply using the open space around you, it can be different from person to person.
YOUR HOME GYM YOUR WAY
A home gym is such an enticing thought because you can completely tailor it to suit your fitness goals and needs. You choose the gear and you choose the workouts, meaning you can truly create a second ‘home away from home’.
Whether you’re in the gym for five hours or five days, a home gym can save you money on memberships in the long run and give you 24/7 access to your gym kit. Building your own gym can help you feel more confident working out and using certain equipment, so from smaller budgets to those who want to splash out, we can help you strive for your fitness goals and turn your home gym into a fitness paradise.
OUR QUICK HELP HUB
Do I need lots of space for a home gym setup?
This depends on what you want to put in your home gym. If you simply want some weights, some resistance bands, small accessories and bits of equipment that stow away easily, even a small space in your bedroom or living room will suffice. If you have a larger space, you could consider machines and other larger bits of kit.
Help! How can I store gym equipment in a small space, such as a flat or apartment?
Use storage supplies, like shelves or wall mounts to store equipment, and if you have weights, invest in a good quality weight rack to keep them neat and out of the way.
How can I stay motivated when I’m working out from home?
Setting aside specific times and goals can help you stay focused and motivated. There’s always the temptation to lounge on the sofa after a long day at work, or stay in bed just five more minutes on the weekend, but the beauty of having a home gym is that you don’t need to go anywhere. Tracking your results and choosing times in the day when you know you won’t feel extremely tired are good ways to stay motivated to do a workout. Remember - it’s more than ok to go slow some days; if you need a rest day or a simple workout, listen to your body. Ignoring these feelings can make you feel less motivated than before.
I’m on a budget, is second-hand gym kit a good idea?
Today, you can buy so much second hand that still has lots of life left in it. If the equipment you’re planning to buy is good quality and still works as it should, then it’s a great way to save money when building a home gym. It’s important to be wary of wear and tear when buying second-hand, as well as other issues you may not be able to see right away, so always do thorough research prior to your purchase. At Sports Direct, we offer plenty of gym kit that’s affordable and of great quality, so if you’re searching for something to fit your budget, check out our home gym kit range.
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