Before the pandemic, I used to go to the gym 2-3x times per week. My idea of fitness was rows of machines, tons of weights, a wall full of mirrors, and loud music. Then, everything closed down, we were all stuck at home, and after a few weeks, I was eager to do something, to stay active, to get back in shape. By the end of the year, I got into calisthenics, and I never got back to the gym. Just the idea of commuting to the gym, waiting for the machine to be free, the pumping annoying music, I was not going back to that.
And I realised that I didn’t need that at all. I didn’t have to spend hundreds of euros on a membership, so I could build my own gym for a small amount, and I could workout at any time, and everything fits in one drawer.
So, if you don’t see yourself in a crowded gym, or you have to do a long commute to the nearby gym, or you are simply too busy, and you don’t want to waste any extra time or money, this is all you need to build your own “gym”.
Why You Need a Small Home Gym
My idea of a home gym isn’t about showing off equipment; it’s about removing friction and saving time (and money as well). Also, when you only need a little bit of free space and then the gear is right there, you don’t negotiate with yourself. You train.
Here’s what it gives you:
- Freedom – No commute, no waiting for machines, no crowds.
- Consistency – one minute setup, and you’re training before your brain can talk you out of it.
- Privacy – Grunt, sweat, or train shirtless if you want.
- Money saved – A €50–100 monthly gym membership adds up fast.
The secret isn’t having more equipment. It’s about having the right tools, the right mindset, and the discipline to form a daily habit.
My 3-Piece, Under €100 Setup
1. Yoga Mat or Puzzle Fitness Mat (~€30)
Your mat is your foundation. You’ll use it for push-ups, ab workouts, stretching, mobility, and even dumbbell moves.
Why it matters:
- Protects your knees and wrists.
- Prevents sliding on hard floors.
- Prevents the dumbbells from damaging the floor
- You can easily roll it away when you’re done.
I used a 6 mm non-slip mat, but currently, I am using a couple of Puzzle Fitness Mats since I have a designated space for my workouts.
➡️ Pro tip: get a darker color; light mats show every mark.
2. Resistance Bands – Your All-in-One Gym (~€15)
If I could keep only one piece of gear, this would be it. Resistance bands cover everything: push, pull, hinge, squat, core, and recovery.
They’re joint-friendly and endlessly adjustable — the harder you stretch, the heavier they get.
Why they’re game-changers:
- Full-body workouts anywhere.
- Easy to store and travel with.
- Great for warm-ups or burnout sets after dumbbells.
I use this five-band set that stacks up to 45 kg of resistance. You can also get a set that comes with handles, door anchor, and carry bag — perfect for small apartments or hotel rooms.
➡️ Pro tip: attach one end to a door hinge for rows and presses — instant cable machine.
3. Dumbbells – Your Power Upgrade (~€30)
Bands are awesome, but sometimes you need iron. A pair of dumbbells brings that real-weight feel and helps with muscle growth through progressive overload.
My take:
- Start with 5–10 kg per hand.
- Go adjustable if you can (saves space).
- Metal beats plastic for durability.
I got a set of compact adjustable dumbbells. They are an affordable option, and you can add or remove the weights as you need.
➡️ Pro tip: if you’re short on storage, keep them inside a storage box.
How I Organize My Mini Gym
I keep my setup in a single IKEA drawer in the living room:
- Mat folded and tucked on the side.
- Bands in a small mesh bag.
- Dumbbells resting at the bottom.
When it’s time to train, it takes 60 seconds to set up.
No excuses. No wasted time.
The Real Benefit: Consistency Without Excuses
Building a home gym isn’t about replacing the standard gym. It’s about removing friction so you can train anywhere, anytime (and save money).
When the barrier to entry is this low, it’s easier to stay consistent. Even if you have a busy schedule, you can knock out 10-15 minutes early in the morning or before dinner. And that’s the secret of every fit, disciplined man, not luck or fancy gear, but discipline, consistency, and good habits.