Everyone has felt the dread of going to the gym. For some, dread stems from the monthly fee, for others, it’s the long wait to use a machine during peak hours. Honestly, there are always those days, especially during the winter, when leaving the warmth of the house is too much to ask. For these reasons, thousands of fitness fanatics bring the gym to their home.
Home gyms do not have to be expensive at all, and even though the start-up cost may cause a spaz of hyperventilation, in the long run, it’s money in the bank. Think of it as a “one-time” fee, and discounts on equipment are not too hard to find. So, if life is constantly making it impossible to go to the gym, get inspired and motivated because the gym isn’t but a stone’s throw from bed!
Creating Space for your Home Gym
The first step in creating a home gym must be deciding its location. Some people use the basement, an extra bedroom, an office, or the garage. If none of these rooms are options, clearing a space in the living room, or getting active outside are always two great options.
Something to keep in mind is the gym floor. In order to protect damage to hardwood, tile, or other flooring, and in order to protect equipment from getting damaged on surfaces like the concrete garage floor, purchase foam or rubber mats to cover the workout area. Even a yoga mat will provide a layer of protection. It’s also important to trust that the floor is stabilizing, because slipping may lead to injury.
Where ever the workout takes place, good lighting can be a strong motivator. It can be hard enough to will oneself to exercise, but to do so in a dingy basement automatically makes it even harder. Clear the space of clutter and other items that could lead to distraction. Add plants in order to create a positive environment. This will also increase the room’s oxygen level. Lastly, mirrors are a simple way to become engaged in the workout, and to make sure the correct form is used.
Good Equipment for Working out at Home
Membership gyms carry a lot of equipment, often too much equipment. Three different machines that work the same exact muscles are a bit redundant. Some equipment accumulates more dust than sweat. It’s recommended when first creating a home gym, to start with the bare essentials, equipment, and items that are surely going to get used, and then expand from there.
Unlike large gyms, which are full of several machines that all do the same thing, invest in equipment that is multifaceted. Barbells and dumbbells are perfect for home gyms because they can be used in an array of exercises to target upper body, lower body, and core muscles. Basically, they do it all. A stability ball is another option for challenging core muscles, and it doubles as a bench. The BOSU ball works core, but also provides a killer workout for arms when used for push-ups and presses. BOSU workouts can even target glutes and quads. One piece of equipment that has really experienced an explosion of popularity are resistance bands. They are an inexpensive way to train without cable machines and are easily stored out of sight.
For those who really want to start with the bare minimum, the one thing a person can always count on is themselves. Workouts that solely utilize body weight can be found bountifully online or downloaded as apps. After all, what is the point in maxing out on the bench press if you can’t do a push-up?
Gym life is not for all. Parents are endlessly busy. Work becomes hectic. Sleep becomes a deprivation. Unfortunately, health is often one of the first things sacrificed, but it does not have to be this way. Home gyms are adaptable to almost any lifestyle and can require little to no effort to use. Instead of finding reasons not to take self-care, find ways to make it achievable on a weekly basis.