Working out at home, regardless of your fitness objective, is a terrific way to stay in shape without having to pay for a gym membership.
However, before you go out and buy free weights, a yoga mat, and a treadmill, think about the types of workouts you want to do. Then calculate out how much space you’ll need and what kind of tools you’ll need to get them done.
Are you ready to build your own home gym? Here are some pointers to get you started.
Make the Most of the Space you Have
If you have plenty of extra space for a gym, you have lots of options. But when space is limited, the key is to pick workouts that don’t need a lot of it.
Classic exercises, like push ups, sit ups, squats and lunges, don’t require a ton of room and still produce results. For cardio at home, try jump roping. It’s great for getting your blood pumping and also doesn’t need much space.
Equipment for a Home Gym
I know it’s tempting to go out and get a Peloton treadmill or a Bowflex, but hold off and start with the essentials that every home gym should have.
Pick up some basic, multifunctional equipment to get started. Begin with:
- A yoga mat can be used for yoga, pilates, or stretching.
- Strengthening and stretching with resistance bands
- A kettlebell or two for weightlifting and adding resistance to bodyweight exercises
If you already have the essentials and want to expand your collection, consider adding the following items:
- Dumbbells
- Medicine balls
- Foam roller
On a Small Budget, Create a Home Gym
Gym equipment can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Start with the list above and add more goods one at a time to keep prices down.
1. PULL UP BAR
A pull-up bar is a simple, effective, and inexpensive piece of equipment for building upper-body strength. It only need a doorway to be hung in.
2. INTERCHANGEABLE BENCH
Depending on the workout, an adjustable bench can be set to be inclined, declined, or flat. You can work on your legs, back, and chest with this versatile piece of equipment.
3. BARBELLS, DUMBBELLS AND PLATES
You may get a set of 20kg weights from firms like Kore and Steelbird, which provide barbells, dumbbells, and plates of various weights, as well as a few extras like gym gloves, hand grippers, and a cardio skipping rope, among other things.
For Larger items, look for Secondhand
Craigslist is an amazing place to find fitness equipment and save a few money. Treadmills, dumbbells, barbells, exercise cycles, benches, pull-up bars, and much more are all available, though the selection will vary depending on where you live.
Install Mirrors
Working out in a home gym can be demotivating at times due to the feeling of being crammed into a small space, and we don’t need that. Mirrors not only allow you to see how you’re moving in real time, but they also create the appearance of making your room appear larger.
In your home gym, you should have at least one full-size mirror. The first step toward bettering your form is to observe how you move in a mirror while exercising.
Invest in Advanced Equipment
Start by learning about the latest fitness technology if you’ve been working out at home and are ready to expand your home gym.