Having a space to exercise at home used to feel like a luxury, but these days, it's more of a must.

"Working out at home can be super convenient because we don't have any travel time -- so a 30-minute workout really is a 30-minute workout," says Cathy Spencer-Browning, vice president of training and programming at Mossa, a leading developer of professional group fitness programs for health clubs and fitness centers.

During the pandemic, homeowners' interest in home gyms spiked. According to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders, 47% of home buyers say an exercise room is essential or desirable. The association's 2003 survey showed only 27% wanted an exercise room back then.

The current survey shows interest across different age groups, including 61% of millennials and 62% of Gen Xers.

Read on as experts share their tips for setting up an at-home gym.

*Make a Plan and a Budget

Before buying equipment, figure out what you'd like to do in your home gym.

"If you're just planning on doing yoga and some bodyweight exercises, then you don't need to buy a squat rack and plates," says trainer Josh Schlottman, a certified strength and conditioning specialist. "Write out the main exercises you'll be doing, and then you can determine what pieces of equipment you'll really need. Then draw out a floor plan with the space you have for your home gym."

Machines, like stationary bikes or treadmills, take up the most room. Consider ceiling height, too, so you can ensure everything you want fits.

If your home gym is a smaller space, buy gear that has dual purposes and doesn't take up much space. For example, Spencer-Browning says The Original Step, which is portable and can be slid underneath a bed and put away, can be a weight-training bench, an athletic training tool or a classic step-training machine.

"You will be more likely to work out at home when the setup and breakdown of your space is quick and easy," she says. "If that part gets too labor-intensive, there is less chance you will do it."

Your home gym needs to fit your budget, too. Figure out how much you can spend, and then price out what you'd like to buy.

"If you love to exercise to music, then invest in a great TV with great sound so you can crank up the tunes," says Spencer-Browning. "If you love lifting weights, then invest in quality and comfort."

If your budget is low, check local Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and eBay ads for used equipment, as well as shopping garage sales and gym closures, which can offer 50% off the retail price.

*Pace Yourself

Don't buy more equipment than you need, especially because you may not have enough room to store it all. Start with the basics, and add more as needed.

"Home gyms are really limited by space, so the more efficient you are at maximizing it, the better workout experience you'll have," says Schlottman.

Certified yoga instructor Brett Larkin, CEO and founder of the app Uplifted Yoga, says a good exercise mat is an affordable purchase for a home gym.

"With just your body and a mat, you have the ability to exercise the whole body in a variety of ways," she says, noting a good exercise mat is essential for not only yoga but also for high-intensity interval training, Tabata circuits and bodyweight interval workouts.

Jump ropes, kettlebells and hand weights are other home gym staples that are both affordable and easy to store.

Whatever equipment you buy, make sure you enjoy it so you'll look forward to working out. Then schedule regular workouts to maximize your home gym experience.