I was a bit bummed giving up our rather expansive basement in Michigan when we moved to Oregon (where basements are pretty much non-existent). We had a well-equipped home gym with plenty of room to move and to grow. We went from having a 16’x16’ area of rubber flooring with room around the mats and open walls to an 8’x12’ space in the garage with kayaks on the one wall. Somehow, I have still managed to acquire more equipment.
Space can certainly be an issue when considering a home gym. It can be done, though.
Perhaps the biggest consideration with a home gym is the floor. I would not recommend installing a gym on an upper floor—unless it is the only alternative. A solid, concrete floor is best, especially if one plans to lift heavy (e.g., deadlifts). As such, a good 0.5-inch or 0.75-inch rubber flooring is a good investment. (Some might even prefer to build a modest lifting platform out of wood.) For most lifts, a power-rack of some sort is useful—for squats, bench, presses, etc. Along with this, a good adjustable bench offers versatility. For weights, buy what you need and add as you grow.
I have a Yukon Caribou III System with Smith machine and high/low cable pull (around $900). We added a dip bar for another $55. This system has a solid construction and a relatively small footprint. There is not much I can’t do with it.
There are also some great systems that fold to the wall when not in use (e.g., Rogue Fitness for around $500). They have a pull-up bar, but there is no cable option. If you need to share your garage gym with the family car, though, this is a great option.
Weights really don’t take up much space and cost much less than a gym membership over time. The beginner can easily start with a standard Olympic set (7’ bar, 2-45#, 2-35#, 2-25#, 2-10#, 2-5#, and 2-2.5#; 290# total) and add plates as needed. A second Olympic bar is recommended for “super-sets”, and at least 2 more 45s and 10s. A decent quality rack for storage is essential for tight spaces.
Fixed dumbbells take up a lot of space and have little versatility. I would recommend at least one set of adjustable dumbbells and extra plates. (I currently have 3 sets, i.e., 6 dumbbells, with 8-25#, 8-10#, 8-5#, 8-2.5#, and 4-1.75# plates. This permits weights from the unloaded bar, ~5#, to 160#.)
Beyond the basics, you just add icing to the cake. My most recent addition was a rack for our Bulgarian bags, which were taking up space on the floor. We also have a Yukon glute-ham and butt & thigh shaper (neither get much use). Other bars and cables can be added, too.
Cardio equipment takes up space, but might be desired. We had to retire our Tetrix ClimbMax stepper (we bought used) after about 12-years+ of regular use. Treadmills are gluttons for space (and, frankly, we have the outdoors). We bought a modestly priced spin-cycle that is suiting us well. I like it for HIIT workouts and short “Tabata” cardio sessions.
All-in-all, our 8’x12’ space is suiting us well. For all the low-maintenance use we have gotten out of the investment, we have saved years-worth of gym memberships. There are also few excuses not to workout. (I still managed to work out all but a few days when the other half of the garage was taken over by cabinets and materials for a kitchen remodel.)
Considering a home gym? Start with what you need, buy quality, and progress as needed. Use the space effectively and safely. Allow enough room to move around and load weights without putting your spin at risk. Create a space that you will enjoy to use.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!