Building Your Home Gym: My Experience Shopping for Affordable Equipment
Setting up a home gym doesn't have to break the bank. Recently, I ventured out to find some quality yet affordable gym equipment for my personal workout space, and I'm excited to share this experience with you.
After researching various options, I discovered a gem of a fitness shop on Sanded Road called Soft Fitness. What caught my attention was their reasonable pricing—just 25 rupees per pound for weights, which is quite competitive in today's market.
The Equipment Haul
My shopping list was straightforward but comprehensive. I purchased:
- 5 kg weight plates
- 4 kg weight plates
- 10 kg weight plates
- A total of 25 kg in various weights
- A zigzag barbell rod (EZ curl bar)
- A straight barbell rod (approximately 4 feet)
I was particularly drawn to the steel weights. While some might prefer modern equipment, I've always appreciated old-school workout gear. There's something authentic about training with classic iron plates that modern rubber-coated options just don't provide.
Making Choices
The selection process wasn't without its moments of indecision. Initially, I was hesitant about the zigzag rod (EZ curl bar), as it felt a bit unfamiliar in my hands. However, knowing its benefits for bicep curls and tricep exercises, I decided to include it in my purchases.
For the straight barbell, I opted for a more manageable 4-foot version rather than a full-size Olympic bar. This makes it perfect for chest presses, shoulder workouts, and other upper body exercises in a home setting where space might be limited.
Transportation Challenges
Getting all this equipment home proved to be quite the workout itself! With approximately 30 kg of steel weights plus the bars, transportation became a significant challenge. Thankfully, my friend Samir was there to help with the heavy lifting.
The journey from Viraar was particularly difficult due to the weight we were carrying. However, the struggle was worth it once we finally got everything home and started setting up the equipment.
Setting Up
After arriving home, the next step was cleaning and organizing the equipment. Even though the weights were new, I gave everything a thorough cleaning before setting up my workout space. It's important to maintain your equipment from day one to ensure longevity and proper function.
Final Thoughts
Building a home gym doesn't happen overnight, and it doesn't need to. Start with the basics like I did—some weight plates and versatile bars—and you can gradually add more equipment as your needs evolve.
The entire experience, from researching and purchasing to transporting and setting up, was challenging but incredibly rewarding. Now I have a functional workout space that didn't cost a fortune, allowing me to maintain my fitness routine without the hassle of gym memberships or commutes.
If you're considering creating your own home gym, I highly recommend starting with these basics and expanding as you go. The convenience of working out at home on your own schedule is truly worth the initial investment and effort.
