How much does a home gym cost? Introducing recommended equipment and menus for training at home
The cost of setting up a home gym varies greatly depending on the purpose and the environment in which it will be set up. Many people who are thinking about setting up a gym at home may have the following concerns:
- I'm so busy with work that I don't have time to go to the gym.
- I would like to know how much it would cost to set up a home gym at home.
- Are you struggling to decide on the best method and equipment to continue training efficiently at home?
In this article, we will introduce the approximate cost of setting up a home gym, based on the prices of equipment according to your purpose. We will also introduce recommended equipment and menus for training at home, so please use this as a reference when setting up your ideal training environment.
Points to consider when choosing a home gym
To create the perfect home gym, there are three things you should keep in mind:
- the purpose
- Setup environment
- Home Gym Budget
Let's take a look at each point.
Point 1: Purpose
The cost of a home gym varies greatly because the equipment and facilities required differ depending on the purpose of your training. If you are considering a home gym, it is important to decide on a budget based on the level of resistance and training variety you require.
For example, if you want to do some basic training at home to get more exercise or lose weight, you can get started on a relatively low budget.
On the other hand, intermediate and advanced exercisers who want to start free weight training at home will need equipment and specifications to safely perform high-weight training, so a corresponding investment will be required.
Clarify the purpose of your home gym and prepare the environment and equipment so that nothing goes to waste.
Point 2: Setup environment
The cost of a home gym varies greatly depending on the environment in which it is set up. If you want to create a room in your home dedicated to muscle training, you will need to secure space to place your training equipment, as well as reinforce the floor and take soundproofing measures.
It is important to take appropriate soundproofing measures, taking into consideration the impact on floors and walls so as not to disturb neighbors. In particular, if you are renting a property, you can prevent future trouble by consulting with your landlord or management company in advance and getting their approval.
On the other hand, if you're putting your home gym in a garage or shed, you may not need to reinforce the floor, but you may have to pay for air conditioning.
Tip 3: Budget for your home gym
When creating a training room at home, you can easily get the necessary facilities by selecting equipment according to your budget.
As a guideline for your budget, it will be easier to determine how much you can set aside if you consider the cost of going to the gym to be the cost of setting up a home gym. For example, if you go to a gym with a monthly membership fee of 10,000 yen for two years, the cost will be about 240,000 yen, and if you go for five years, the cost will be about 600,000 yen.
A home gym requires initial investment, so it’s important to create a budget that’s within your means, taking into account your savings and income.
Estimated cost of a home gym
The total cost of building a home gym will depend on your goals.
The equipment you need will vary depending on whether you are starting a home gym on a low budget or doing heavy weight training. The following table shows a rough estimate of costs, including those looking for gym-level training.
|
Examples of main equipment and facilities |
Estimated cost |
|
|
Starting on a low budget |
|
30,000 to 100,000 yen |
|
When doing heavy weight training |
|
200,000-350,000 yen |
|
If you're looking for a gym-level workout |
|
600,000 to 800,000 yen (expect to pay more if you install training machines or do major renovations) |
Factors that influence the cost of a home gym
There are six main factors that affect the cost of a home gym: It is a good idea to choose the type and specifications of equipment depending on your purpose.
- Floor reinforcement
- bench
- rack
- Dumbbells
- barbell
- plate
We will explain each factor in detail.
Factor 1: Reinforced floor
If you use heavy equipment such as dumbbells and barbells in your home gym, you may need to reinforce the floor to prevent damage. For example, it may cost about 500,000 yen to fully reinforce the floor of a 6-tatami mat training room.
To keep costs down, you may want to consider simple reinforcement using gym mats and plywood panels. By using gym mats and plywood panels, you can reinforce the floor for about 110,000 yen. If you want to keep your budget down, reinforcing only specific areas with mats is also an effective method.
If you are wondering about the cost of reinforcing your home gym floor, check out the following article, which explains what you need to consider when turning your home into a training room.
Factor #2: The bench
When building a home gym, a bench is an essential piece of equipment for training with dumbbells and barbells.
While inexpensive flat benches can be purchased for less than 10,000 yen, adjustable benches that allow you to adjust the angle and high-performance benches with highly cushioned pads can cost tens of thousands of yen or more.
When choosing a bench, it is necessary to consider factors such as the load capacity, width and height of the pad, depending on the user's physique and training purpose.
If you would like to know more about recommended training benches, please refer to the following article, which explains in detail the points to consider when choosing a training bench.
>> [Professional Selection] 12 Recommended Training Benches | Perfect for Serious Muscle Training
Factor 3: Racks
To safely perform heavy weight training in a home gym, we recommend introducing a power rack. Although power racks take up space, they are equipment that allows you to safely perform heavy weight training such as squats and bench presses.
The price of a power rack varies depending on the functions and specifications, and can range from 50,000 yen to several hundred thousand yen. Half racks, which are easy to install in small spaces, can be introduced at a lower cost, but they are less stable than power racks, so care should be taken.
When choosing a rack, it's important to consider additional features, such as plate storage and whether or not it has a chinning bar.
If you would like to know more about how to use and choose a power rack or half rack, please refer to the following article.
Factor #4: Dumbbells
Dumbbells are a versatile piece of equipment for your home gym, and the cost varies depending on the features and weight you choose.
If you want to save money, fixed dumbbells are affordable, but if you're considering long-term training, adjustable dumbbells are recommended.
Adjustable dumbbells can cover multiple weights with one pair, which helps save space. The price range is wide, from under 10,000 yen to around 100,000 yen, so you should choose one according to your training content and budget.
If you want to know more about how to choose adjustable dumbbells, please refer to the following article. It also provides a detailed explanation of a full-body training menu using dumbbells and a bench.
Factor #5: Barbells
Barbells are essential equipment for free weight training in your home gym. There are many different types, such as Olympic bars and EZ bars, depending on the purpose of your training.
There is a wide price range, with inexpensive ones costing several thousand yen and high-quality ones costing over several tens of thousands of yen. When choosing a barbell, it is important to pay attention to the following points regarding usability and safety.
- Load capacity
- Grip
- Rotation mechanism
By choosing a barbell that is easy to use, you will be able to continue training that is satisfying for a long time.
If you want to know more about how to choose a barbell, please refer to the following article. It provides detailed information on recommended barbells carefully selected by professionals and the key points to consider when choosing one.
>> [Professionals' Selection] 8 Recommended Barbells | 9 Points to Consider When Choosing
Factor 6: Plates
Plates are an essential piece of equipment for adjusting the weight of barbells and dumbbells, and they also affect the cost of a home gym.
When choosing plates, it is essential to match them to the specifications of the barbell or dumbbell you are using, but the price will vary depending on the weight and material. Having multiple weights will expand the range of your training and allow you to fine-tune the weight. To keep costs down, it is important to carefully choose the type of plate and the set contents.
For more information on plate set combinations and cost estimates, please refer to the following website, which introduces the REP Fitness Black Bumper Plate set combinations.
Benefits of having a home gym
Let's review the benefits of installing a home gym and use it as a reference when deciding on your budget. There are three main benefits to installing a home gym:
- You can train whenever you want
- If you continue for a long time, it is more cost-effective than the gym.
- Create your own training environment
We will explain the advantages of each in detail.
Benefit 1: You can train whenever you want
The biggest advantage of a home gym is that you can train whenever you want.
Going to the gym not only takes time to get there, but if there are a lot of people, you may have to wait in line. Also, at the gym, you often have to keep in mind the time limit and who is waiting next while you train.
If you set up a training room at home, you can start training whenever you want, without having to worry about travel time, the presence of others, or the weather.
Benefit 2: It's more cost-effective than the gym if you keep going for a long time.
Setting up a home gym requires an initial investment, but in the long run it can be less expensive than going to the gym.
For example, if you go to a gym, you will have to pay a membership fee and monthly fees, which can add up over several years. If the monthly fee is 10,000 yen, you will need 240,000 yen over two years and 600,000 yen over five years.
On the other hand, if you spend 200,000 yen initially to set up a training room at home, you can save more than the cost of using a gym over two years, and it will become even more cost-effective from the third year onwards.
Benefit 3: Create a training environment that suits you
One of the benefits of setting up a home gym is that, although there is an initial cost involved, you can create the ideal training environment that suits you. Gyms tend to have standardized equipment and designs to accommodate a large number of users, but a home gym can be freely customized according to your preferences and needs.
For example, you can choose your own training mat and wallpaper design, and play your favorite music. By selecting only the equipment you need and placing it in your home, you can create a user-friendly and efficient training space.
How much does a low-cost home gym cost?
If you are building a home gym on a budget, you can get all the equipment you need for around 30,000 to 100,000 yen. Below are some examples of equipment that can be purchased from Uchino Gym.
- Flat bench (29,900 yen)
- Adjustable dumbbell (52,500 yen)
- GYMMAT (around 30,000 yen)
In the low-budget price range, you can effectively train your whole body by choosing a flat bench and adjustable dumbbells. For dumbbells, you can further reduce costs by choosing fixed ones, and flat benches can be purchased for around 10,000 yen if you don't mind the quality.
When it comes to reinforcing the floor, simply laying mats in parts rather than reinforcing the entire floor will provide sufficient protection.
>>FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench
>>QuickDraw™ Adjustable Dumbbells
Tips for choosing equipment when you have a low budget
When selecting equipment to build a home gym on a budget, a training bench and dumbbells are essential.
Adjustable dumbbells are effective for covering the whole body training. The weight can be freely adjusted, so it can be used for a variety of training.
If you want to keep your training bench budget to a minimum, choose a flat bench. If you want to expand the range of your training, you can save money by introducing an adjustable bench from the start.
If you want to know how to choose a flat bench, please refer to the following article. It explains in detail the points to consider when choosing a flat bench and the muscle training menu that can be done with a flat bench.
Recommended muscle training menu for those on a low budget
In a home gym, you can effectively train your entire body even on a minimal budget by using a flat bench and adjustable dumbbells. The recommended muscle training menu for each body part is as follows.
- Chest: Dumbbell press, dumbbell fly
- Legs: Bulgarian squat
- Back: One-handed dumbbell rowing
- Upper arms: dumbbell curls, French press
- Shoulders: Shoulder press
- Stomach: Dumbbell crunches
The above menu allows you to train your whole body in a balanced manner even with limited equipment.
If you want to know about muscle training menus using adjustable dumbbells and training benches, please refer to the following article. It introduces a comprehensive range of full-body training.
Cost of a home gym for intermediate users
To build a home gym for intermediate users, you will need a budget of about 200,000 to 350,000 yen. Below is an example of a home gym using products that can be purchased from Uchino Gym.
- Adjustable bench (54,500 yen)
- Adjustable dumbbell (52,500 yen)
- Power rack (59,500 yen)
- Barbell (29,900 yen)
- Plate (39,700 yen)
- Floor reinforcement: 30,000 to 110,000 yen (using GYMMAT)
The above equipment varies in quality depending on the price, but if you don't care about quality, you can save even more. However, if you consider durability and safety, it is better to ensure a certain level of quality in order to improve long-term cost performance.
>>AB-3000 2.0 FID Adjustable Bench
>>PR-1100 Power Rack (4 posts)
Tips for choosing heavy weight training equipment
Choosing an adjustable bench and barbell is important for heavy weight training.
Furthermore, by introducing a power rack or half rack, you can safely handle heavy weight training such as the Big 3. Half racks can be installed in a small space, but care must be taken when using them to ensure safety.
When it comes to plates, adjust your budget based on the weight you'll be handling, and consider purchasing extra plates as needed.
Recommended muscle training menu for heavy weight training
Recommended exercises for heavy weight training include the big three: bench press, deadlift, and barbell squat.
In particular, using an adjustable bench allows you to perform bench presses in incline and decline positions, allowing you to train your pectoral muscles in more detail.
At the gym, you may have to wait to use the big three equipment, but with a home gym you can train at your own pace without worrying about time.
Cost of a home gym for advanced users
If you want to build a full-scale home gym that is comparable to a regular gym, you will need to spend around 600,000 to 800,000 yen. We recommend that you purchase high-quality, durable equipment and use it for a long time. Below are some examples of products that can be purchased from Uchino Gym.
- Adjustable bench (103,500 yen)
- Adjustable dumbbell (98,100 yen)
- Olympic Bar (54,200 yen)
- 100kg plates (55,500 yen)
- Power rack (206,500 yen)
- Floor reinforcement: 30,000 to 110,000 yen (using GYMMAT)
For advanced users, a home gym's focus on quality and performance can improve the effectiveness of your training.
>>PR-5000 Power Rack (6 posts)
Tips for choosing equipment for a full-fledged home gym
When building a full-fledged home gym, it is important to select high-spec equipment such as benches, power racks, barbells, etc. Adjustable benches and power racks in particular are essential items for expanding the range of your training.
Although the initial investment in equipment can be expensive, it is cost-effective in the long run and increases the satisfaction of your training. If you want to exercise more safely and with a higher load, you should consider the Smith machine.
When selecting equipment, it is important to focus on durability and ease of use, and choose specifications that suit your training goals.
Recommended muscle training menu for a full-fledged home gym
With a full-fledged home gym, you can improve the quality of your training. It's a good idea to focus on the big three of bench press, deadlift, and barbell squat, and add exercises such as chin-ups, dips, barbell curls, and shoulder presses. This is effective in strengthening the muscles of each part of the body and balancing the muscles of the whole body.
If you want to know more about the correct way to bench press and deadlift and the recommended weight, please refer to the following article. It explains the key points of the movements and things to be careful of in detail.
Other optional equipment you may want to have
In addition to the standard items for a home gym, we will introduce four optional pieces of equipment that you may want to have.
- EZ Bar
- Dumbbell Mitts
- Various muscle training machines
- Training Mirror
Let's take a look at each instrument.
Equipment 1: EZ Bar
The EZ bar is a great piece of equipment to use when doing exercises such as barbell curls and skull crushers, especially when working your biceps and triceps.
The EZ bar is bent in a "W" shape to reduce strain on your wrists and elbows. Compared to a straight bar, the EZ bar reduces the risk of injury and allows you to train your muscles more efficiently.
The REP Fitness Ruckable EZ Curl Bar is a must-have for anyone looking to safely build and strengthen their biceps and triceps.
Also, if you want to know more about the skull crusher exercise to train your triceps, check out the following article:
>>Is an EZ bar necessary for the Skull Crusher? Here's an effective way to build your ideal triceps.
Equipment 2: Dumbbell mitts
When using dumbbells or barbells, it is effective to use dumbbell mitts (crash pads) to reduce the impact on the floor. They are an essential item for noise control in home gyms.
REP Fitness crash pads are made from high density foam to significantly reduce the noise and vibrations that occur when dropping heavy weights. If you are training in an apartment or condo, we recommend using dumbbell mitts to be considerate of your neighbors.
Equipment 3: Various muscle training machines
For those who want to do serious training, strength training machines and multi-function machines that can target specific muscles are useful.
For example, there are chest presses and pec flies to train the chest. Although muscle training machines limit the parts of the body that can be trained, they allow for safe and high loads, allowing for focused training.
In addition, cable machines and multi-racks allow you to apply load from various angles, expanding the variety of your training. Since the attachments can be freely replaced, a wide variety of exercises can be performed with just one machine.
If you want to incorporate some cardiovascular exercise, you might also want to consider a treadmill or exercise bike.
The types of training machines are explained in detail in the following article. If you are interested, please check it out.
>>List of types of training machines and how to use them
If you want to know more about how to get the right equipment for your home gym, please refer to the following article. It provides an easy-to-understand explanation of how to get the right equipment carefully selected by professionals.
>> [Professional Selection] 18 Recommended Home Gym Equipment | How to Get Them in 3 Steps
Tool #4: Training mirror
A training mirror is an essential item for checking the correct form while training. If your form is compromised, not only will the effectiveness of your training decrease, but you will also increase the risk of injury. Depending on the size, it is a good idea to plan for a cost of around 30,000 to 100,000 yen.
By installing a training mirror, you can check your movements in real time, allowing for more effective training. The cost varies depending on the size and location of the mirror.
Basically, placing mirrors in front of and to the side of your training position makes it easier to see your entire body's movements and maintain correct form.
Understand the cost of a home gym and create a training environment that suits you
The cost of a home gym varies greatly depending on the purpose of muscle training and the environment in which it is set up. The equipment and space required will vary depending on whether you are setting up a minimum training environment to eliminate lack of exercise or a full-scale training environment that aims to achieve the same results as a gym.
In this article, we have explained in detail the estimated cost of a home gym, recommended equipment, and muscle training menus. Prepare the appropriate equipment and environment according to your purpose and create a training space that suits your tastes.
For those who want to create a full-fledged home gym at home, the Uchino Gym website introduces a variety of equipment. If you are interested, please check the details from the following link.
