I have $500 and a 10 ft by 4 ft space

upscalelifedownscalebutt
upscalelifedownscalebutt Posts: 90 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
My doctor has given me a clean bill of health. YAY! I'd like to keep it that way, but can't get to a gym more than 10 minutes a week.

I've saved some money, $500 Canadian, and cleared out a 10 ft by 8 ft carpeted space in my basement. Tons of light. 9 foot ceilings, finished walls.

The carpet needs to stay because this space is part of our family room.

I'd like to build a small home gym and workout area for my kids and I to use. What would you suggest I start with?

We have TV, computer, and music access so favorite workout music, programs, etc. would also be very welcome.

My creativity stopped at basic weights, skipping rope, and yoga mat.

Thanks.

ETA: the 10 by 8 is correct not the 10 by 4 if that matters :smile:
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Replies

  • Trechechus
    Trechechus Posts: 2,819 Member
    Squat rack, elliptical
  • auroranflash
    auroranflash Posts: 3,569 Member
    Barbell, weight plates, squat rack, bench.

    You can find some of these things for extremely cheap at garage sales, donation centers or places like craigslist.com ... that's where I found a lot of my weights. :)
  • links_slayer
    links_slayer Posts: 1,151 Member
    Barbell, weight plates, squat rack, bench.

    /thread
  • brraanndi
    brraanndi Posts: 325 Member
    Squat rack, elliptical

    Good ellipticals don't come cheap unless you are checking for used ones though. You can go cheaper but one thing to keep in mind is weight limits, if you have any hefty people they might not meet the weight limit and that's always a concern.
  • skullshank
    skullshank Posts: 4,323 Member
    Barbell, weight plates, squat rack, bench.

    /thread

    this. and this.
  • ann_drop
    ann_drop Posts: 4
    DVDs. basic stretching DVD, Cardio and free weights. I have a yoga mat, some hand weights (5/8/10). I do a cardio/ab DVD 3 days a week and weights (including pushup and dips) 3 days a week. I also try to get a power walk in daily (Heart rate above 120) I purchased a heart rate monitor but you can also download some free apps for smart phones. I work out in my living room.
  • TeachTheGirl
    TeachTheGirl Posts: 2,091 Member
    I wouldn't worry about the machines and focus on getting a good selection of weights.

    Craigslist is where I got mine too! Check the dollar per pound amount, you're likely to get them a lot cheaper than you would even from a second-hand sports retail store.
  • FrauHaas2013
    FrauHaas2013 Posts: 615 Member
    How about a punching bag?? Indo balance boards are really fun, too and give your core one helluva workout...Your kids would love it!!
    I would also suggest covering one wall, or at least a portion of it, with mirror tiles.
  • pastryari
    pastryari Posts: 8,646 Member
    Barbell, weight plates, squat rack, bench.

    You can find some of these things for extremely cheap at garage sales, donation centers or places like craigslist.com ... that's where I found a lot of my weights. :)

    This.
  • auroranflash
    auroranflash Posts: 3,569 Member
    The Mirror wall or at least a large mirror (also found at thrift shops) will be beneficial for checking your form on lifts. Good call.
  • Quieau
    Quieau Posts: 428 Member
    Some say it's not real exercise, but I'm having a load of fun and burning lots of calories with the Wii Fit and Sports games! Your kids would love them, and it's a great way to include the whole family at once ... I know you'll want more serious equipment and resources, too, especially as you get in better shape, but the kids will likely always love the Wii. And I think I'll be using mine for a looooong time!
  • misti777
    misti777 Posts: 217 Member
    Maybe if you can move a stereo into the room you can do some dancing. Or you can make a playlist on an mp3 player and hook it up to some speakers.
  • mebepiglet123
    mebepiglet123 Posts: 327 Member
    I would definitely invest in a Swiss ball. My personal trainer has showen me so many
    Things you can do with one... Probably google exercises
  • ash8184
    ash8184 Posts: 701 Member
    LUCKY, I'm jealous!

    Jump rope
    Elliptical
    Weights (squat rack, or just a barbell with plates if you don't have room)
    Kettlebell
    Can you find a way to do pull-ups? Maybe you could find a squat rack that would double as a way to do pull-ups.

    And of course, plenty of exercises only require body weight - push ups, sit ups, squats.
  • wild_wild_life
    wild_wild_life Posts: 1,334 Member
    I would get a Jungle Gym or TRX set.
  • ironanimal
    ironanimal Posts: 5,922 Member
    10 and 14lb sledgehammers and a tyre.
  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
    Squat rack/power cage and barbell set off of Craigslist.

    Then a jumping rope, punching bag and speed bag, if there's anything left over.
  • Rerun201
    Rerun201 Posts: 125 Member
    Pull-up bar

    Freestyle Trainer (I'd get one with rings-I have the Trainer and wish I'd gone with rings, but either will do).
    http://www.ringtraining.com/shop/equipment.html

    I'm more biased towards bodyweight training these days. Lots you can do with only bodyweight to get stronger and leaner.

    Use the leftover $300 or so for something else.
  • Duck_Puddle
    Duck_Puddle Posts: 3,237 Member
    I have a 12x8 (ish) area. I have a treadmill, stationary bike, weights, bench and redneck squat racks. Less than $1000 total but I bought everything new. Used would be significantly less. I also have room to do floor/body weight stuff as well (pic is in my profile).
  • TigerBite
    TigerBite Posts: 611 Member
    The Mirror wall or at least a large mirror (also found at thrift shops) will be beneficial for checking your form on lifts. Good call.

    This ...

    Google "hooping" ... You and/or your kids might enjoy that ... It's super fun, I love it ... I would invest in a Pilates Reformer, I have one .. IT ROCKS!
    ETA: I have a bunch of stuff ... I also use my rower and heavy bag a lot ... treadmill and elliptical mostly on rainy or cold days, otherwise outside ...
  • mperrott2205
    mperrott2205 Posts: 737 Member
    Mirror, Bench, Barbell, Dumbells, squat rack. Everything you need.

    Don't bother buying cardio equipment, if you wanna do cardio, then run outside, it's free!
  • cafeaulait7
    cafeaulait7 Posts: 2,459 Member
    A way to hook up resistance bands at different angles and levels is really helpful, depending on what you like to do, of course. Or cables, but that gets awful pricey!

    I'd add a balance beam, but that's probably just me :D:D Good, safe mats for the kids is probably worth mentioning, though. Encourage gymnastics/tumbling if they like it, and those mats are different than yoga mats, etc.
  • shayemimi
    shayemimi Posts: 203 Member
    definitely an elliptical. My daughter bought one for $25 on kijiji. I'm sure for a few hundred you could get a really good one!!
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    Mirror, Bench, Barbell, Dumbells, squat rack. Everything you need.

    Don't bother buying cardio equipment, if you wanna do cardio, then run outside, it's free!

    Yeah, this.

    I'd rather run in single digit temps than on a treadmill inside.
  • kckBxer396
    kckBxer396 Posts: 460 Member
    Wavemaster standing bag. It can be moved out of the way if needed,relieves stress,and it's fun! Plus, ridiculously easy installation, just fill the base with sand or water. I've had mine for years.
  • getfitwithjackie
    getfitwithjackie Posts: 8 Member
    TRX, generic large swiss ball, 20 lb ketlebell, 1-2 bands - options are limitless with that combo of equipment!
  • getfitwithjackie
    getfitwithjackie Posts: 8 Member
    Got one of those 2nd hand & love it for stress relief as well as great shoulder/core workout!
  • upscalelifedownscalebutt
    upscalelifedownscalebutt Posts: 90 Member
    Mirror, Bench, Barbell, Dumbells, squat rack. Everything you need.

    Don't bother buying cardio equipment, if you wanna do cardio, then run outside, it's free!

    Yeah, this.

    I'd rather run in single digit temps than on a treadmill inside.

    I live in Saskatchewan. -5 F (-20 C) is considered balmy by Christmas/New Year's =)

    That said snow shoveling is a great workout and we get piles so I'm not too worried about cardio. I have a bunch of DVDs that I want to get back into from Belly Dancing to Insanity that are indoor friendly.
  • upscalelifedownscalebutt
    upscalelifedownscalebutt Posts: 90 Member
    Thank you everyone for the suggestions and photos.

    I checked kijiji and there is nothing available right now that looks like it is in good condition. When I head into the city I will see what they have available there =)
  • sherisse69
    sherisse69 Posts: 795 Member
    Turbo jam videos! They are fun! I have a small space to work out in at my house too. You just adjust - when they step forward, I march on the spot, etc.

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