Tips for Building Your Own Backyard Gym

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It is common for people to go workout at a gym to get healthy and fit. After all, that’s what a gym is made for. But the cost of a gym membership can soon become too expensive to afford (the average gym membership costs $40 to $50 a month). And the time that it takes to get there and get back home can crunch your time. So rather than forgetting about your health and fitness, why not try making your own outdoor gym in your backyard that utilizes natural light? A backyard gym can be surprisingly easy and fun to make and can offer the same exercises that you enjoy a gym has. Even if your backyard is small, you will find that you can work just as hard as you would at a gym. And just imagine how much money you could save! Let’s get started on some ideas and how to make your very own backyard gym that is perfect for you and your kids.

Supplies Needed for Making Your Own

​You will need different kinds of equipment in order to build and create your backyard gym. Basically, you will need to decide what options you would like to build and add to your yard. Do you want to focus on weightlifting? Make sure you include a chin-up bar, monkey bar rings, and perhaps a weight bar (also known as a barbell). If you want to focus on cardio, try having a treadmill (Make sure it is protected from the weather!), and perhaps an in-place bicycle. Keep in mind that most backyard gyms mostly consist of a chin-up bar, monkey bars, monkey bar rings, among other things. Here are some items you may want to include in your backyard gym:

  • Chin-up bar (If you’re making your own, you will need some wood posts and metal bars screwed in.)
  • Monkey bar (Either make out of wood or metal. Wood could be easier. You will need some bolts and nuts.)
  • Monkey bar rings
  • Rock wall (You will need some climbing holds and a vertical surface to screw them onto.)
  • Barbell (You will need a bar with weights on it, similar to a bench press.)
  • Punching bag
  • Treadmill (It must be placed underneath a roof to prevent damage.)
  • Climbing ladders
  • Ropes

How to Build a Backyard Gym

Now that you know the supplies you will need and can approximate the average cost, it is time to get building. Remember, the decision is up to you about which types of equipment you want to try.

Step 1:  Prepare the Area

​The first step is preparing the area for your backyard gym. If you already have a nice flat surface, then you are one step ahead! You can skip this step and move on to the next one. But if you have a slope or if your backyard does not have a good, flat surface, you will need to flatten it out and add a more suitable surface (like gravel, for example ). Make sure the surface is flat if you will be installing and building equipment.

Step 2:  Install the Equipment

Decide what equipment you will be installing. Will you be installing a rock wall? All you need is plywood screwed onto a wall (a secure fence will do), and attach climbing holds to it. You can make the rock wall as tall or as short as you’d like. Another popular piece of equipment to have is a chin-up bar. You can make your own out of wood and an Olympic bar. You will need to dig a hole for the wood posts and attach a bar to it. Make sure the bar is secure and can hold your weight. If you will be climbing ropes, attach the rope to a bar. If you have any other equipment that you want, make sure to install it properly, keeping in mind consumer product safety guidelines.

Step 3:  Landscape

The nicer a backyard gym looks, the better the chance is that you will want to go workout. You can landscape any way that you like. Perhaps you would like to add some pretty flowers along your workout course. Don’t have room for flower pots? Try vertical gardening. You can also try landscaping with rocks. If you have enough room, create a rock garden along some of the workout stations. While you’re landscaping, don’t forget to make the surface of your backyard gym soft. Bark chips work great and so does rubber mulch.

Step 4:  Build a Workout Shed (optional)

Some people like to build a workout shed in their backyard. This allows them to have a place to workout on rainy days, as well as a place to store their equipment in such as dumbbells and kettlebells. If you think that you may be interested in a gym shed, you should go ahead and make one. Of course, building a shed is going to take some time and extra money. Learn how to easily build a shed by clicking here.

Where Do I Buy Backyard Gym Equipment?

A lot of the equipment can be made by yourself. For example, you can make a rock wall by attaching climbing holds to the side of your house or a fence, and you could build your own chin-up bar out of wood and a metal bar. But some equipment will have to be purchased. Most of the supplies can be bought online. Monkey bar rings, barbells, dumbbells, and other equipment are all sold online. Check out Amazon for backyard gym equipment for sale.

Considerations to Make Before Building

Before you build your backyard gym, you will need to consider several items. Here is a list of things to consider before you start:

How Much Room Do You Have?

Do you have a small yard? No problem! You can easily make a backyard gym even if your yard is small. Just build the workout stations closer together. Also, it is acceptable to have turns in your workout station course. If you need to, you can take a turn into your front yard and then take a turn again into your backyard.

Are You a Do It Your-selfer?

If you like doing things yourself, you will be excited to try building your own backyard gym. But if you feel that a backyard gym is too difficult to build, you may find it easier just to hire someone qualified to build it for you. Keep in mind that this can get expensive. However, hiring someone who has installed outdoor gyms before means that you can get it installed quickly. If the builder knows what he or she is doing, you won’t have to worry about damaging your yard. To find people that you could hire to help, either search on the internet or simply look around your town for hardware stores that advertise qualified builders in the area. If you simply need someone to help assemble the equipment, this site will help find someone near you that can help.

Can You Afford It?

This question is something that only you can answer. Consider whether or not you are on a tight budget. Be prepared to spend several hundred dollars or more on an outdoor gym. However, also consider how much money you would spend paying to be at the gym year after year. When all is said and done, a backyard gym will save you money in the long run.

Do You Want a Workout Shed?

Although it can be expensive and takes a while to build, a workout shed will definitely be worth adding to your backyard gym. What is the purpose of a workout shed? First of all, it can be used to store workout equipment. A shed is where you can store your dumbbells, yoga mats, and other equipment that you might have. Secondly, it can be a place for you to work out. During rainy days, you could work out in the shed instead of outdoors. You may also want to make the shed be part of your workout stations. For example, you could place a treadmill in the shed and have the treadmill be part of your exercise routine. The purpose of a backyard gym is to move from station to station. The shed could be part of your exercise station routine. And lastly, you can use the shed to attach equipment. For example, you could attach a rock wall directly to the shed. Make sure the shed is secure and the wood is not rotting before you attach anything to it. Safety is always first.

In Summary

I hope that this article has helped you understand more about what it takes to create and build your own backyard gym. As you can see, it is fairly easy and fun to make. All you need is a flat, soft surface and some equipment. Equipment can be bought on Amazon and on other places online. When building your backyard gym, there are a few considerations that you should make. First, consider if you can afford a backyard gym. Although it can be expensive initially to make, overall it will be much cheaper in the long run than driving every day and paying to work out at a gym year after year. Also consider how much land you have, whether or not you want to build it yourself, and if you want a work out shed in addition. A work out shed, also called a backyard gym shed or backyard gym room, can be a great addition to your backyard gym. Remember, even if it seems too difficult at first to build a backyard gym, it will be worth it. Soon enough you will be able to work out and train in your very own backyard fitness space (with no membership fees needed!)

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