How To Set Up A Home Gym On A Budget

A fitness routine you actually enjoy is the secret to staying consistent—and for many Canadians, that means ditching the gym. A recent survey found that 73 percent prefer to work out solo rather than in a group or gym setting.

Enter the rise of the home gym, a trend that was turbo-charged during the pandemic. A personal workout space removes so many obstacles to staying active. It’s weather-proof, and open 24-7. There’s no travel time, everyone in the family can use it, and you can even multi-task while you exercise (Netflix and cardio FTW!).

Whether you have a little corner in your condo or a larger dedicated area, it’s easier than ever to set up a workout space at home that fits your space, routine and style, thanks to WA:KE Athletic, an accessible new line of home fitness equipment available at Canadian Tire. Before you check out the new line, here are a few smart tips to help you design a home gym that fits your space, your routine and your family.

What kind of space do you have?

First, determine what you have to work with in terms of a layout. Is it the garage, a spot in your basement or just a corner in your bedroom? You’ll want to consider things like height clearance for overhead moves or jumping, a large floor footprint for a rack, as well as if you’ll need items that can be tidily put away to keep flex spaces uncluttered.

Who will be using the home gym?

You’ll want to take into account the members of your household who will make use of the space, now and in the years to come, to personalize it for your needs. Equipment that’s adjustable means your gym area evolves for growing kids, different strength levels, changing fitness goals and even modifications while recovering from an injury.

What kind of exercise do you want to prioritize?

Strength training is more important than ever for women in midlife. In particular, functional strength training—exercises that will help you with everyday tasks, whether it’s hoisting a suitcase or getting up off the ground—should be a priority. These improve bone density, help with mood, improve sleep and can ease aches and pains. You might want to go heavy; experts say that fewer reps with heavier weights delivers more results than lighter weights and longer sets.

If you work at a desk, a stretching practice like yoga is also vitally important to counteract poor posture and muscle immobility, which come with extended periods of sitting. Muscle recovery can also be key to reducing soreness and stiffness.

Ready to get started? Here are some of the WA:KE Athletic fitness essentials to consider for both small and large spaces:

100-lb Multi-Purpose Home Gym, $599.99

If you have a dedicated space for your gym, this compact all-in-one device will be the anchor, offering both adjustable upper- and lower-body training with weights, pulleys and comfortable upholstery.

Adjustable Dumbbell, $149.99

No room for a rack? No problem. Everyone who uses the home gym can lift what they like with this space-saving adjustable dumbbell set, which ranges from 5 to 25 pounds.

Barbell Weight Set with Case, $99.99

Swap and screw plates in and out with this adaptable dumbbell. It all packs up in a carrying case for easy closet storage or even travel.

Compact Stepper Machine, $59.99

Steppers are an increasingly popular alternative to treadmills, since they take up a fraction of the space and can be easily popped away in a closet. The machine’s dual hydraulic drive system supports up to 220 pounds, and comes fully assembled.

Compact Fitness Trampoline, $79.99

Make like a kid and jump your way through a great low-impact cardio workout that also supports better balance to boot. This sturdy model is 36 inches wide, with rubber stoppers to keep it securely in place.

Adjustable Wrist/Ankle Weights, $14.99-$24.99

Strap on these weights during a workout or just while going about your everyday tasks to layer body-weight resistance into your daily routine. Sold as a pair, each weight ranges from 1 to 5 pounds with individual nylon weights that securely fit into pockets to add weight. The adjustable strap makes for a comfortable custom fit.

Compact Massage Tool, $99.99

Recovery should be part of every fitness regimen. This percussive massage therapy tool, delivering 2,600 beats per minute, increases blood flow for muscle rejuvenation. Choose from four attachments for the feel you like.

Premium Resistance Tube Set, $49.99

Resistance bands are a joint-friendly, portable way to build strength and flexibility (and they can be tucked away easily). This deluxe set provides four levels of resistance with detachable grip handles. Plus, it all fits in a convenient carry bag.

Textured Foam Roller, $34.99

Whether it’s during warm-up or cool-down, foam rollers loosen tight muscles and can help you feel less sore. This version with bumps and ridges provides even more targeted pressure to muscles as you roll.

Recycled Rubber Interlocking Gym Flooring Tiles, $99.99

Rubber tiles dampen sound and save hardwood floors—plus, they’re slip resistant and more comfortable for floor work. This speckled, interlocking set of six is made with 85 percent post-consumer recycled materials.

Folding Fitness Mat, $79.99

Sometimes you need extra padding on the ground for floor exercises. This easy-to-clean faux-leather mat with a handle folds for storage when your workout’s complete.

Ab Wheel, $16.99

This little wheel provides a big ab workout! Grip the moulded handles and then wheel forward and back, keeping your core stable.

Athletic Yoga Mat, $12.99-19.99

Shake it out for your practice, then roll it back up and tuck it away when you’re done. This yoga mat comes in a variety of colours and patterns.

Yoga Block Set, $12.99

Can’t quite reach a pose? Bring the earth up to meet you with these non-slip yoga blocks, which support both beginners and experienced yogis alike with their lightweight but sturdy construction.