Hey, I’m Martin — the guy behind Budget Gym Guy.
My fitness journey started early. I was 12 when my mom signed up for a boxing class. I tagged along, saw her hitting mitts, and wouldn’t stop bugging her until she signed me up too. From that day on, I was hooked.
Training became a part of my identity — not just at the gym, but anywhere. I loved working out in the backyard, on trips, in nature, or wherever I could get my heart rate up. That mindset stuck with me: you don’t need a fancy gym to get strong. You just need a bit of space and the right mindset.
By the time I was 20, I decided to build my own boxing gym in an empty room behind my parents’ house. Almost everything was DIY. I hunted down rusted weight plates on a local marketplace, cleaned and painted them. I built a speed bag platform, installed some homemade gear, and even hung up the same punching bag I got as a birthday gift when I was 14.
Later on, I worked offshore on ships — and that’s where I picked up skills in welding and carpentry. Those came in clutch when it came time to build custom home gym equipment.
Over the years, I’ve bought, built, and tested all kinds of gear — for boxing, calisthenics, and strength training. I’ve learned what’s worth your money, what isn’t, and which DIY builds punch above their weight.
Budget Gym Guy was born from that experience — a place to help guys like you build affordable, efficient, and badass home gyms. Whether you’re lifting in your garage, backyard, or spare room, this blog is here to help you get the best gear without breaking the bank — and even build some of it yourself.
Let’s train smart, save money, and stay consistent.
Welcome to the movement.
— Martin
Budget Gym Guy