3 Ways to Build a $1,000 Gym

 Ahh, to have your own, private gym. Sounds pretty schmancy, like having a private chef.  

But in truth, a home gym can be the frugal-est fitness option.  

The average cost of a gym membership is more than $50 per month, according to 2022 Gym Price Research. That’s more than $600 a year. And that’s just the average. It doesn’t take into account more expensive places to live, higher-quality and specialty gyms, or other expenses, like enrollment fees, annual fees, the cost of gas to get there, and other add-ons, like the price of key cards, lockers, and childcare. That’s also just for one person. If you’re a #coupleswholift or you train with your friends – yeah.  

And at the end of the year, you may be left with a sick pump bro, but you’ll have empty hands (well, other than well-earned callouses). 

It doesn’t take much math to see how quickly a home gym pays off.  

Of course, you can design the most ballin’ home gym that touches the top of your credit card max. But you can also build a legit, quality home gym for about $1,000. (Of course, some prices may change over time, but this should provide a good starting point.)  

Here are three ways how.  

Note: Prices of equipment are estimates and subject to change.

Option 1: A basic powerlifting or lifting gym  

This is the basic barbell lifting gym, ideal for powerlifters, newer lifters who don’t need more than 175lbs of working weight, and people who want a power rack but have limited space. It’s easy to add more weight plates over time, as you get stronger or save up more money. Customize the rack and bench to your own personal style by choosing between four colors (red, blue, metallic black, or matte black).  

What to get:

• A PR-1100 power rack ($380)
• Double Black Diamond Power Bar ($330)
• A FB-3000 flat bench with a grippy pad ($150)
• Old School Iron Plates of your choosing -- add or subtract pairs, based on your budget and needs.

The PR-1100 is a sturdy, basic power rack with a multi-grip pull-up bar, J-cups, extended safeties, and room to grow; it’s compatible with a variety of attachments, including a lat and low row cable attachment. This rack has a 700lb weight capacity (more than most of us will ever need).  

Option 2: A very organized power rack experience 

If you already have a bench, want to get an adjustable bench later, don’t want a bench, or value organization over strong pecs, this guy’s for you.

Essentially, this combo swaps out the flat bench for a plate tree, so you can keep your weight plates up and off the floor.  

What to get:

• A PR-1100 power rack ($380)
• Double Black Diamond Power Bar ($330)
• A Bar and Weight Plate Tree ($170)
• Old School Iron Plates of your choosing -- add or subtract pairs, based on your budget and needs.

The Bar and Weight Plate Plate Tree features six chrome-coated weight pegs and a front and a rear barbell tube – so not only can you keep your plates in order, but you have somewhere to stash your bar(s). The tree can handle 850lbs total.  

Option 3: A functional strength and calisthenics set-up 

We get it; not everyone likes the barbell (OK, we don’t get it, but we understand the possibility of this preference). If you’re more of a dumbbells and calisthenics kinda lifter, you can pimp out your home gym by skipping the power rack and barbells and instead loading up on dumbbells, rings, a pull-up bar, and all kinds of functional strength tools.  

What to get:

• A set of 10lb Hex Dumbbells ($55)
• A set of 20lb Hex Dumbbells ($95)
• A set of 30lb Hex Dumbbells ($150)
• A wall or ceiling mount pull-up bar ($110)
• A pair of 1.25” wood gymnastics rings with straps ($35)
• A full set of Pull-Up Bands ($70)
• An Exercise Mat ($26)
• A small 3-In-1 Soft Plyo Box ($110) 
• A speed jump rope ($12)
• An Ab Roller ($15)
• A Balance Ball Trainer ($60) 
• Various adjustable kettlebells at the weight of your choice

Learn Yourself Something 

Want to learn more about building a home gym? Check about “How to Build and Amazing Home Gym in a Small Space.”