Building a Home Gym On a Budget

​Every month, the same charge hits your account, and somehow they also sneak in “annual” or “maintenance” fees. You drive to the gym during rush hour traffic, knowing that when you arrive, you will wait for whatever equipment you need, whether it's the bench, the rack, or something else. What if you could skip past all that? What if you could create your own home gym and save money in the process?

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Pawn shops are most known for jewelry and yard tools, but they can also be a goldmine for used gym equipment. This article includes a step-by-step guide for building a home gym on a budget. What to look for, what to avoid, and how to use your space efficiently.

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Why Build a Home Gym?

Cost: Research shows the average gym membership costs $58 every month. That’s nearly $700 a year, not counting gas, enrollment fees, or surprise charges. Investing in a home gym can pay for itself within a year or two.

Convenience: Skip the afternoon traffic, long lines, and the chaotic environment of a public gym.​

Flexibility: Work out on your own schedule, wearing whatever you want, all with zero pressure.​

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What makes a “Good” Home Gym Setup?

With limited space available, focus on equipment that is functional but also versatile. The essentials include:

• Barbell and Weight Plates 

• Squat Rack

• Adjustable Bench

• Adjustable Dumbbells

• Pull-up / Dip Attachments

• Basic Cardio Tools (e.g., jump rope, bands)

Each piece of equipment should be used for multiple exercises to maximize the functionality of your home gym.

How Pawn Shops Fit Into the Picture

Pawn shops mostly sell used goods, making it a great option to save money. Here’s how they help:

• Lower Prices: Equipment is sold anywhere from 30% to 70% off retail.

• Negotiation: Pointing out defects and bundling equipment can help you negotiate a better deal.

• Local Pickup: Skip expensive shipping and long wait times by shopping locally.

• Frequent Turnover: If you don't find what you're looking for right away, come back later, and they might have it.

As with any used purchase, be cautious of excessive wear and tear or missing parts that could render the equipment dangerous or unusable.

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What to Look for and What to Avoid:

• Adjustable Dumbbells: Useful for many exercises and take up minimal space. Be aware of excessive wear and tear, as it is very common when buying used dumbbells.

• Weight Plates: Perfect for compound movements (Squat, Press, Deadlift). They hold up well over time, but are also harder to come by.

• Squat Rack: Extremely versatile. Add safety bars and other attachments to increase the functionality.

• Adjustable Bench: Sturdy and adjustable. Test it out and ensure no screws or bolts are missing before you purchase.

• Pull Up / Dip Attachment: Add attachments to your squat rack to maximize functionality. Imperfections are common with this type of equipment; be mindful of excessive rust or deformation.

• Resistance Bands, Jump Ropes, and Mats: A low-cost way to supplement strength training. Wear and tear are common, so consider buying them new.

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Home Gyms by Budget

Not every setup has to be complete overnight. Work with your budget and add more equipment over time. 

Home Gym Under $100

If you want the most affordable setup, focus on second hand equipment. A few items to look for are:

• Adjustable dumbbells ~ $50
• Yoga mat ~ $10
• Jump rope ~ $5
• Bench ~ $30

This setup is a great start and allows you to target almost every muscle group without breaking the bank. 

Home Gym Under $500

With a mid range budget, still focusing on second hand items, you can build a more complete setup. Useful items to include are:

• Barbell and plate set ~ $150
• Adjustable bench ~ $50
• Adjustable Dumbbells ~ $50
• Pull up / dip attachments ~ $50
• Compact treadmill, rower, cardio bike ~ $100
• Kettlebells ~ $50
• Jump rope, yoga mat and medicine balls ~ $50

If you shop smart and negotiate, you can create a balanced strength and cardio setup that would usually cost over $1000.

Home Gym Under $1000

This is where your setup starts to feel like a real gym. When buying second hand, $1000 goes a long way. Here's what to look for: 

• Full Barbell Setup with Squat Rack ~ $400
• Adjustable bench with incline and decline ~ $150
• Cable system ~ $100
• Cardio Machines ~ $150
• Rubber mats to protect floor ~ $100
• Other Accessories ~ $100

With $1000 and some patience, you can put together a professional-level gym without ever paying for a membership again.

Putting it all together

Building a gym takes time, so start small and build up as you go:

1. Start with dumbbells and a bench.
2. Supplement with bands, yoga mats, and jump ropes.
3. Add rubber flooring to protect your space.
4. Add a squat rack, barbell, and plates.
5. Add attachments for pull-ups / dips.

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Pawn shops are an affordable and convenient option when building a home gym. With some patience and planning, you can build a home gym for a fraction of retail cost.

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If you’re near one of our Xtreme Pawn locations, stop by to see our inventory of used fitness equipment. Even if we don't have what you're looking for right away, let us know, and we may be able to help you source it.

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Start browsing today at one of our locations or by calling us at 801-509-9052

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