Impec what? If you are like 90 percent of everyone else reading this article and you are wondering what impecunious means, don’t feel bad. It means a person who has little money. That is a fancy word that Mighty Great Fitness uses for people on a budget because, in this day and age, we are all on a budget, and unfortunately, our health and fitness typically take a back seat to other needs. We start budget shopping and canceling gym memberships, and before long, we look down and wonder where our muscles went and where the excess weight came from around our tummy.
Most people have found to help cut down the cost of gym memberships by creating a home gym. The placement of the gym can be done in many areas of your home. If you have a spare bedroom or a den you don’t use, these are great spaces you can convert for your gym. Some people even convert their garages into home gyms which is excellent if you don’t mind parking your car outside. If you live in a small house or apartment, it will be harder to find space, but all you need is a corner area out of a room and a compact piece of gym equipment.
Gym equipment can be expensive, and the prices go into the thousands depending on what you get, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get the proper equipment. In all actuality, what you need is something you can do cardio on and weights to build muscle. The reality would be that you do not need gym equipment to do cardio as you can go for runs and walks to burn calories. However, there are many pieces of gear out there that is nice to have, especially in the cold winter months when you don’t want to go outside. Below you will find a list of compact gym equipment you can purchase for a reasonable price.
Weider XRS 50 Home Gym with 112 Lb. Vinyl Weight Stack
The Weider is a great compact home gym that will help you build muscle in your entire body, and it is less than $300. There are many other home gyms like this one that cost way over a thousand dollars, so this is a great deal for one of these.
Pros:
Inexpensive
Build muscle over the entire body with one machine
Compact for small space
Exercise chart by personal trainer included
Cons:
Heavy once put together
Padding on the leg bars slides around (you could glue them)
Cables can wear down quickly (good news, the company will replace them)
Fitlaya Fitness Ab Machine
If you are looking for a machine that will give you specific ab workouts for a great price, this machine is for you. This Home Gym ABS machine enables people to tone their hip, thigh, and abdominal muscles in one device.
Pros:
Inexpensive
Easy to assemble
Compact for small space
Max weight capacity is up to 440 lbs.
Adjustable resistance levels
LCD
Cons:
It can be hard on the lower back
Not great for really tall people
Lacks good instructions for assembly
KISS GOLD 44Lbs/66Lbs Dumbbells Set, Adjustable Weights Steel Dumbbells Pair
These dumbbells are great for small gyms as they also expand to a barbell. You get it all in one, and they come in different weight sizes, so you can get the size you need.
Pros:
Inexpensive
Easy to assemble
Compact for small space
Adjustable Weights
Steel Material
Cons:
A small percentage of customers complained that their package had missing pieces.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical Machine
This elliptical is a great compact size if you are looking for a machine to do your cardio on.
Pros:
Inexpensive
Easy to assemble
Compact for small space
Digital monitor
Eight resistance levels
Stabilizer
Great design
Cons:
Not great for people over 220 pounds
Folding Treadmill
Treadmills are great for walkers, joggers, and runners. They help you burn a decent number of calories without leaving your house. This treadmill is great if you have a small space because it folds up for easy storage.
Pros:
Inexpensive
Easy to assemble
Compact for small space
Digital monitor
Folds up
Stabilizer
Low noise
LCD
Easy to reach emergency stop switch
Cons:
Not great for people over 220 pounds
Sportsroyals Power Tower Pull Up Dip Station
If you are looking to build muscle without the hassle of weights, then the pull-up dip station is perfect for you as it allows you to use your weight to build muscle. This multi-function pull-up station will enable you to perform a full-body workout like pull-up, push-up, and leg raise. Increasing strength, toning your body, and flattening your abs are a few fitness goals this tower can achieve.
Pros:
Inexpensive
Easy to assemble
Compact for small space
Heavy-duty construction
440LBS weight capacity
Double stability
Multi-Function
Supports a variety of upper body and strength workouts
Ergonomic design
6 Adjustable height levels
7 Backrest Adjustment Positions
Cons:
Instructions are not clear for assembly
Padding for arms is thin
There are many exercise equipment out there, so please do your research before investing in a piece. The start-up cost for a home gym can be spendy, but it is an excellent investment for your health; remember, you don’t have to buy everything at one time. Make sure to finish your gym space off with some tremendous motivational posters to help get you going.
Amanda Jordan
Author/Fitness Coach
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