In this episode of PennyWise, host Nat Cardona dives into the essentials of creating a home gym without breaking the bank. Joined by Nerdwallet expert Sarah Rathner, they explore practical tips and financial strategies to help you set up your workout space efficiently.

The episode begins with a discussion on the rise of home gyms during the COVID-19 pandemic and the continued trend of working out at home for convenience and cost-saving reasons.

Listeners will learn the importance of identifying the types of workouts they enjoy before investing in expensive equipment. Nat and Sarah suggest trying out different fitness classes or gym memberships on a trial basis to determine what equipment will be most beneficial for your home setup.

Budgeting is a key focus of this episode. They emphasize the importance of comparing prices and considering secondhand options for equipment like dumbbells, kettlebells, treadmills, and spin bikes. Platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Nextdoor can be great resources for finding quality used fitness gear at a fraction of the cost.

The conversation also covers strategic financial planning for major purchases. Sarah advises on the benefits of saving up for equipment and using credit cards with rewards or 0% APR promotions to spread out payments without incurring interest. They also discuss the pros and cons of buy now, pay later plans, which can help manage cash flow but require careful monitoring to avoid overspending.

Finally, Nat and Sarah stress the importance of commitment to your fitness goals to ensure that your investment pays off. They encourage listeners to start with basic equipment and gradually add more as needed, always keeping an eye on their budget and financial health.

Tune in to this episode of PennyWise for actionable advice on building a cost-effective home gym that supports your fitness journey and financial well-being.