You can't beat the convenience of a home gym. Many people don't want to travel farther than their basement to exercise, and others are more motivated when they wake up and see a treadmill in the room. Fortunately, it is easier than you think to set up a home gym.
Find the space
An obvious rule of thumb for choosing a room to setup a home gym would be to make sure that it has enough space for your workout. Unless your bedroom is oversized, they are seldom the best choice for home gym locations.
Find a place that is pleasant so that you will enjoy spending time there. If you have a particular room in mind, like your basement, but you despise the lighting, layout, or scent, you shouldn't setup your home gym there.
If you enjoy using workout videos, your living room is good choice. Just be sure you have storage space for any small equipment or weights you'll need to put away after your workout.
Budget
Your wallet can often dictate decisions in life. Figure out what you're willing to invest in a home gym before making any purchases. Think about your goals for yourself and your finished home gym: do you want a fully-equipped weight-lifting setup or do you want to have a few cardio machines like a treadmill and stair machine?
Depending on your budget, you may be able to improvise certain aspects of your home gym. For example, if you budget doesn't allow you to spend hundreds of dollars on a step machine you could easily substitute a set of nested benches and step-training DVDs.
TIP: Invest in quality basics for your personal gym. Buy only the equipment you'll need and use often like a pair of dumbbells, an exercise mat and resistance bands. When it comes time to upgrade or move to a heavier weight, try and trade with a friend before making another investment.
Gym equipment
After considering your budget, you'll have to then think about your goals and the available space you have in your room. While you may have dreams of turning your guest bedroom into a full-scale muscle factory, you might be a little short on the real estate.
Consider the space larger equipment needs before committing to buying it. Renting larger equipment may also be an option for you to consider when planning out your home gym.
- Treadmill - 30 ft2
- Stationary bike - 10 ft2
- Free weights - 20 to 50 ft2
- Single-station gym - 35 ft2
- Rowing machine - 20 ft2
- Stair climber - 10 to 20 ft2
- Multi-station gym - 50 to 200 ft2
When considering gym equipment don't forget about the accessories. You may need mats to protect the floors in your home and prevent the equipment from sliding when it's in use.
Other items to consider having nearby:
- Towels
- A TV
- A mirrorto watch your form
You'll also need to remember than any larger equipment will need to be installed or set up properly. If you are unsure, many manufacturers offer installation services with their products or at the very least customer service should be able to help you set it up yourself.
Safety
Just as when you decide to work out at a gym, you should be sure to do it safely. Accidents can happen at any time if you're using equipment improperly, using bad form or trying to lift more than you're able. Before starting any exercise you should consult with your doctor to be sure you're able to do it on your own.
The biggest decision you have to make when setting up your home gym is to just get started. Becoming healthier with exercise is important and making time for it can be difficult. With the convenience of having the gym in your home, you'll be able to meet your goals and make healthy lifestyle changes that will last.