How much a home gym costs in Singapore, Lifestyle News

Don’t Let the Gym Bosses Dictate Your Workouts

Why paying $300 a month for a gym door‑entry feels a bit like a theft on your own life

1. Building Your Own Home Workout Wonderland

2. How the Numbers Add Up

3. Benefits of the Home‑Gym Life

4. Trade‑Offs to Keep in Mind

Bottom Line

Building your own studio at home means you pay a one‑time bill, not a recurring gin‑and‑juice subscription. You’ll enjoy the freedom of not crowding squat racks, the comfort of your living space, and the perk of having your own personal gym bag for a truly tidy setup.
So next time the gym’s “special offer” slides into your inbox, remember: it’s you who decides the workout destiny.

Wait, explain to me WHY you would set up a home gym?

Uh… Have you looked at the price of big chain gym memberships lately? How about the rates at boutique gyms like Ritual?

Okay, let’s say you think $250 a month is a reasonable amount to pay for fitness. Fair enough. Health is wealth, right?

But think about it. You pay $3,000 a year and you still have to wait at least 30 to 45 minutes each time for the good gym equipment and the shower.

After that you have to spend another $20 on a hasty protein bowl because you’re too hungry to wait till you get home to cook dinner. (That’s an extra $3,000 a year, if you do it thrice a week.)

Set up a home gym instead, and your fitness regimen will look like this:

Get home from work.
 Put on your workout clothes. Can be your ugly singlet and FBTs or your skankiest crop top and booty shorts, because no one can see.
Stretch and warm up while playing on your favourite music – NOT that Maroon 5 crap the gym is always blasting.
No need to queue, just start working out right away.
Work out at your own pace without feeling like people are staring at you waiting for you to finish your set. Or weird creeps mansplaining fitness stuff to you.
 You’re done in 45 minutes, as planned.
Walk your sweaty self down to the kopitiam and eat $3 ban mian for dinner. Or cook yourself a steak and make a gin and tonic. Whatever tickles your fancy.
Take a shower in your clean personal bathroom and go to sleep.

Best of all? It’ll cost you all of $1,000 to $1,500 – half the price of your annual gym membership. And you only need to pay once.

Of course, there are downsides to working out at home. The primary thing is motivation: It can be really hard to get into the “zone” when your sofa/bed is just a few metres away. That can be overcome (somewhat) by making your home gym as conducive as possible, but your mileage may vary.

What do you need to set up a home gym in Singapore?

The beauty of a home gym is that it’s entirely up to you what equipment you want. And you can make your decision based on what you personally like (subject, of course, to your budget). 

If you’ve been lifting free weights at the gym, such as with a programme like Stronglifts 5×5, you’ll know how simple and low-tech it is. No fancy machines needed, just:

Barbell & weight plates
 Squat rack
Bench

If you’re into HIIT exercises such as the BBG workout or Ritual Gym-style, your equipment needs are even more minimal:

Kettlebells or dumbbells
 Pull-up bar
 TRX suspension trainer
Plyometric box

Other things to consider are:

Flooring (like a gym mat to protect your actual floor) & mirrors
Anything else you’d like to add, e.g. battle ropes, punching bag, yoga mat1. 

1. Barbell & weight plates (budget $200 to $300)

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Barbells come in a wide variety of weights, lengths and sizes – which do you choose?

For beginners to lifting who aren’t too fussed about creating their own modular weight system, it can be quite cost-effective to buy a barbell set together with weights. For example, this barbell comes with 65kg of weight plates and costs $189.

It’s important to note the weight limit, though. You may not be able to simply slap on an extra 20kg of weights on this thing, because a barbell for home use may not support that much.

Also, check that it comes with sufficiently small weight plates (the smallest should be 1.25kg at most) because you will need them to increase your lifts safely. If your budget allows, it helps to get a set of what’s called “fractional weight plates”, but these are optional.

Powerlifting purists who do lots of deadlifts and heavy squats would want to skip the barbell set and invest in a proper Olympic barbell instead. These are what gyms use because they’re standardised and can handle much heavier loads. You can buy an Olympic barbell for about $50 on Lazada.

You’ll need to choose the weight plates to go with the barbell too. There are even more options here because the price varies hugely with the quality and material of the plates.

Metal plates are the cheapest (starting from about $4 for the smallest, 1.25kg) but you’ll need to make sure your floor is sufficiently protected.

For heavier weights, you might want to spend more on for rubber-coated plates (from $6.50 for 2.5kg) or bumper plates (from $18 for 5kg) which are safer for your floors and are less likely to startle your downstairs neighbours.

DirectHomeGym has a good selection of weight plates of different types.

2. Squat rack or power rack (budget $700 to $800)

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This will most likely be the bulkiest item in your home gym, but honestly, it’s not THAT big – it’s about the size of a wardrobe and you can keep all your gear in it.

If you lift heavy, check the specs of your power rack to make sure that it can support the weight you want to lift.

3. Weights bench (budget $60 to $100)

If you’re trying to target your chest and arms, you definitely need a weights bench for bench presses and the like.

While you might be tempted to use that old Ikea shoe bench to start with, eventually you’ll probably want to buy a proper bench for better stability, comfort, and ability to support heavy weights without creaking alarmingly.

Benches are relatively cheap compared to the other items on the list, but you will still need to budget for it. The most basic one costs $60 from Decathlon. Multi-position benches also exist, but these are more for dumbbell work, so it’s optional.

One extra benefit of having a good solid bench is that you can use it in HIIT exercises such as tricep dips and step-ups.

4. Kettlebells or dumbbells (budget $100)

Home‑Gym Hype & Handy Hits: The Weight Debate

Got a spare room? Perfect! The less‑elusive piece of gym equipment that’s practically a crime scene for your wrists is the dumbbell. It’s cute, it’s cheap, but it can rug‑slide your forearm down into the mat if you’re not careful.

Dumbbells: The Cheap, Safe, Small‑Body‑Buddy

Picture a thousand tiny barbells—each one a portal to whatever set you want. Skip the clutter in your apartment by buying the combo that’s just like a tiny pair of braided stingy-weights. Decathlon drops them at $35 per set (so a pair is $70). Throw a few in, swing, and watch those smaller muscle groups get the VIP treatment.

Kettlebells: A Trendy Twist with a Twist on Your Thermometer

Like the hipster cousin of the dumbbell, kettlebells pack a punch and a whole lot of heart rate. Swing, lift, let your body get flexed all over the place. Prices run from $18 for a 4 kg champion to a 20 kg powerhouse for $80. Starting with one or two is a soft call to know if you’re ready to start dragging those iron kettles across the floor.

Bottom‑Line Breakdown

• Dumbbells: $70 for a pair – easy to add to your closet.
• Kettlebells: $18‑$80 – pick any weight, and the challenge is ready.
• Whichever you choose, remember: the less the clutter, the more you’ll love the workout.

5. Pull-up bar (budget $20)

No one above the age of 7 does pull-ups for fun, which is a shame because it’s such a great workout and requires practically zero equipment. In fact, you probably already have a pull-up bar at home (pretty sure every Singaporean man has gone through that phase).

While gyms like Ritual have fancy, gymnastics-style pull-up rings, a simple bar is enough to get started with. You can very easily find one on Lazada for less than $20 – the no-drill kind which you can simply jam into a doorway.

If you can’t do a single pull-up (no shame there) you can work your way up to it by doing bodyweight rows on your squat rack. It’s easier to go up when your body is diagonal rather than vertical. Or use a chair under the pull-up rack for support.

6. TRX suspension trainer (budget $40)

TRX Suspension Trainer: The Affordable Fun Machine

The TRX suspension trainer may look like a gadget pulled straight out of a sci‑fi movie, but it’s really a simple, budget‑friendly, and downright enjoyable piece of gym gear.

What it actually is

• A thick, stretchy cable that hangs from the ceiling.
• Grab the handles, get airborne, and let your body weight do the heavy lifting.
• More weight? More burn. Picture it as a workout alchemy—body mass transforms into muscle power.

Why you’ll love it

• Cost: Just $30–$40 on Lazada or Taobao.
• Compact enough to fit in front of your TV; you can drag a swing session into the living room.
• Not a full‑time member of your fitness routine? No problem! Hang it up, grab a snack, and whip out a quick session whenever you feel like it.

Bottom line

It’s inexpensive, deceptively simple, and surprisingly fun. Pull a few rows, do a pull‑up, or just let your body hang and enjoy the light gymnastics feel. The idea is to keep it lively, light, and accessible—no fancy equipment required.

8. Plyometric box (budget $50 to $80)

Jumping Around: The Truth About Plyo Boxes

Cross‑Fit buffs, Tabata lovers, and anyone who loves a good “wild‑cat” bounce you’ve probably seen those big, sturdy boxes on the gym floor. You launch yourself onto them, throw a few gravity‑defying jumps, and then tumble back down in a splash of sheer adrenaline.

Why Are These Boxes So Costly?

• They’re no-frills wooden wonders – simply strong, dense, and built to take a hundred pounding.
• Most shops tag them at a minimum of $80.
• For a bargain spot, DirectHomeGym lists a 40‑cm model for just $48.

Don’t DIY with a Wine Crate!

Sure, you could try to salvage an old wine crate and call it a box, but think about your body weight and how many hard landings you’re going to toss it through.

Plyo boxes are specifically designed to shrug off the repeated “detonate” your bones experience. They’re engineered to survive the slap‑down cycle, and that’s exactly what the expensive price tag reflects.

Bottom Line

Skipping the pricey equipment could feel fun in the moment, but skipping the reliable, reinforced design is a risky gamble. Next time you want to add a splash of high‑intensity excitement, it might just be worth investing a little extra in a proper plyo box.

9. Flooring & mirrors (budget $100 or so, depending on gym size)

Keep Your Home Gym Safe & Cheap

Protect those floors before you drop a dumbbell

Every time you slam a weight on the floor or jump around, the impact can leave a dent in your living space—and that’s no fun when you’re trying to stay fit. Dry its floor with a protective rubber mat and keep the noise down.

Baby playroom foam mats: an affordable, quirky option

• Grab one of those interlocking foam tiles that parents use for little ones – they’re surprisingly sturdy for a home gym.
• Two styles are worth a look on Lazada: a plain black version costs roughly $13 per square meter, while a wood‑patterned one nudges up to $24 per square meter.

Other budget‑friendly choices

• Yoga mats, training mats, even spare rubber floor pieces can cover the space for as little as $3.90 per unit.
• Stick them on with a bit of 3M tape – it keeps the mat from sliding around when you flip a kettlebell.
• Make sure the surface is non‑slip so you don’t end up losing your balance and your dignity.

Mirror love: see yourself, train yourself

Having a mirror not only helps you admire that swole poster‑girl physique but also lets you check if your form is off. Full‑length mirrors are pricey, but there’s a cheaper alternative:

• Mirror tiles. A 1.2 m × 1.2 m square of them is usually under $20.
• For a 2 m × 2 m home gym you can load up with matting and mirror tiles for roughly $100. That’s a solid investment for your daily gains.

So, a sturdy mat, a non‑slip surface, and a quick mirror check—your home gym is set to be both safe and stylish. Happy lifting!

10. Other nice-to-haves (if you have money left over)

The sky’s the limit when it comes to building your home gym, so feel free to add anything else you enjoy, like a yoga mat and props, battle ropes, punching bag, etc.

One thing I’d suggest is a little corner with amenities like fresh towels, water. If you follow specific workouts or videos, it makes sense to put your iPad and workout checklists here too, just so you don’t have to go in and out of the “zone” looking for these miscellaneous items.

If you don’t have the entire room to yourself and are occupying a corner of the living space, for example, it’s nice to be able to separate your home gym from the rest of the room to minimise distractions. Moving a bookshelf or hanging some light blinds from the ceiling should help with that.

So, how much does it cost to set up a home gym in Singapore?

Time for some maths.

Here’s how much it would cost to set up a cheap basic weightlifting-only home gym in Singapore:

Home gym equipment
Cost

Barbell & weight plates
$200 to $300

Power rack
$700 to $800

Bench
$60 to $100

Flooring & mirrors
$100

TOTAL
$1,060 to $1,300

As you can see, the bulk of the costs lie in the barbell, weights and power rack. If you’re not keen on lifting with barbells but want to create your own mini Ritual Gym instead, the cost is absurdly low:

Home gym equipment
Cost

Kettlebells / dumbbells
$100

Pull-up bar
$20

TRX suspension trainer
$40

Plyometric box
$50 to $80

Flooring & mirrors
$100

TOTAL
$310 to $340

Since the non-lifting stuff is so affordable, let’s have a look at “the works”:

Home gym equipment
Cost

Barbell & weight plates
$200 to $300

Power rack
$700 to $800

Bench
$60 to $100

Kettlebells / dumbbells
$100

Pull-up bar
$20

TRX suspension trainer
$40

Plyometric box
$50 to $80

Flooring & mirrors
$100

TOTAL
$1,270 to $1,540

That’s right – even if you invest in a full-blown home gym, you can break even in 6 months.

You’ll notice that I left out cardio machines like stationary bikes and treadmills, which are of course completely fine to add to your space. These things cost about $400 to $800 each and suck a lot of electricity, so I personally would rather go outside and run or cycle for free.

Bonus: Buying a home gym set off Taobao

If you’re sitting on the fence about dropping $1K on a home gym because you don’t know if you’ll actually use it, you can reduce the cost even further by buying the big ticket items (squat rack, barbell and weights) off Taobao.

The Chinese phrase for “squat rack” is 深蹲架, and if you want to narrow it down to cage-type power racks, search for 框式深蹲架 (“frame squat rack”).

To give you an idea of prices, I did a casual search and found power racks going for $250 to $300, compared to $800 and up in Singapore. Many sellers also sell the full set (rack + barbell + weights) from about $500 to $800.

But the real killers are (a) shipping and (b) assembling it yourself.

Given that a full set can weigh a monstrous 100kg, I don’t think I need to explain why shipping from China is going to be pretty expensive.

But I have a solution: Sign up for EZBuy Prime for 5 days and order it there. That’ll bring your shipping costs down to $9.90 (Prime membership) + $2.99 (flat shipping fee).

As for self-assembly… Well, if you’re the sort who would pay for Ikea installation, I can’t help you there. But I think that since all the parts are very big, it should be fairly easy to see how they fit together. Just make sure you triple-test the result for stability. Good luck!

This article was first published in MoneySmart.

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