by James - This article may contain affiliate links.
Finally, you have decided to build your free weight home gym to build muscle. You do a few searches online, and you realize that weights are pretty expensive. If you buy some home gym equipment, your monthly budget is gone.
Well, I was in your shoes. I carefully planned everything. I included only home gym essentials such as a barbell with weights, a power rack, dumbbells, and an adjustable weight bench.
Nothing fancy. But, I’m a perfectionist who likes buying the best thing that I trust.
My plan would have cost me almost 5000 dollars. When I told my wife, she said, “You’d better go back to the local gym. For that money, you can lift there for years.” And there is truth in it what she said.
But, I did not give up, and I searched for the best places to buy weights.
To cut the story short, I could get everything for less than 2000 dollars in the end.
I had to compromise a bit here and there, but I can now have quality and safe strength training at home whenever I want. My investment paid off in 1.5 years.
Contents
How to Save Money on Home Gym Equipment ?
1. You Do Not Always Need “Trendy” Things
If you have ever been looking for home workout equipment at big online stores, the latest, trendy products always come up.
These trendy products are promoted as the “ultimate device.”
We feel these devices are the only solution for strength training, and nothing else would work.
For example, there are adjustable dumbbells with pins or dials for quick weight changing, such as Bowflex or Powerblock.
There is no question that they are easy to use but cost hundreds of dollars.
Bowflex vs. standard hand weights
On the other hand, a pair of regular dumbbells with weight plates and collars cost less than half the cost of the fancy dumbells. Almost the same workout experience for a fraction of the price.
But, the same is valid for everything else. That is why I do not have trendy and fancy gym stuff at home.
[the_ad id=”24689″]
2. Choose Weight Lifting Equipment for Your Needs
Not everyone wants to be the new Schwarzenegger lifting hundreds of pounds.
Many people like you just want to be a bit stronger and put on muscle mass.
It is enough to get home gym equipment with a lower capacity that costs far less.
Maybe a pair of cheap dumbbells will do, perfect for a full-body workout.
On the other hand, big lifters, people who have been lifting weights for years, must be careful with what they opt for.
There are so many rubbish products that will break in your hands sooner or later.
Even worse, they may cause you injury during your workout.
3. Buy Used Weights
Maybe I’m undemanding, but I do not care about if the painting chips or there are scratches or a bit of rust on the weights or the machine.
I use them for strength training and not for showing the world what a perfect gym I have.
The only thing that is important for me is how well and safely the unit functions. Iron is iron.
I’d instead buy a used Rogue power rack than a new one made by a no-name Chinese manufacturer.
The price is the same, but you will never be disappointed with a Rouge cage, even if it is rusty and dirty.
What Are the Best Places to Buy Weights? ?️♂️
1. Amazon Strength Training Department for New Equipment
I list Amazon in the first place for many reasons.
Firstly, they have a huge collection of weights and other home gym equipment we can choose from. Hence, people can find weights for their level and workout goals from beginners to advanced.
Moreover, Amazon prices are pretty good compared to other online stores.
Check out these high-quality adjustable dumbells at such great pricing for the quality.
And, it is not rare when the products are on sale to save even more money. Besides, the price range is also wide because of the many offers.
Therefore, anyone can find products for their budget.
Because Amazon is popular, you can read many real customer reviews about fitness equipment before buying it.
Check out the reviews for the medicine balls below.
They are of great quality and will last you a very long time. You can use them to add variety to your workouts.
Last but not least, we also like shopping for home gym equipment on Amazon because many products come with free shipping, which is necessary when you buy weights.
2. eBay & Craigslist to Find Used Gym Equipment
Both are excellent places to buy used weights.
If you are lucky, you can find sellers who are close to you so you can go there and check out the workout equipment.
However, recently, I experienced on eBay that many new products are promoted maybe by the manufacturer or a reseller.
And in most cases, those products cost more on eBay than at Amazon.
3. Facebook Marketplace
Like Craigslist, the Facebook marketplace is useful for finding local listings for exercise equipment with pictures.
Hence, you can check out the item before buying and do not have to worry about shipping.
4. Garage Sales
Yard sales are excellent opportunities to buy useful stuff at a low price.
And, maybe you can stumble upon some weights you can use at your home gym.
Just be quick and visit the sales as early as possible before they get picked over.
5. Muscle Building Forums
I know it takes time to find and research these forums and boards, but you can also find great deals there.
6. Going Out of Business or Gym Equipment Upgrade Sales
These are the best options to get your hands on commercial-grade gym quality equipment at a much lower price.
In most cases, these places hold auctions.
7. Used Gym Equipment
Finally, another place to buy gym equipment is usedGymEquipment.com which usually sells used gym equipment for commercial gym owners; however, individuals can also buy there.
Behind the site, there is a trusted company, so the quality of the used item is not a question.
You can even get a warranty on the products.
Final Thoughts ?
I hope I could help you with my tips and the best places to buy weights to save money on your home gym building project.
If you are lucky, you can set up a workout room even if you are on a low budget.
Have no money at all? Check out how to build a home gym with no money here.
[the_ad id=”24689″]Last update on 2023-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
