Given the hectic lifestyle of today, it’s easy to lose sight on your goals. You may have joined a local gym but called it quits after only the second month. Simply put, you don’t time to spare after a 9 to 5 job with other matters to take care of. However, instead of quitting on what is a good habit, why not build an affordable home gym that may be just as good as the local gym, if not better!
Building a home gym can be challenging and you will have to address your fitness goals before buying any equipment. Thankfully we have some great tips for you to get started with your home gym today!
Choose an Open Space
Build your home gym in a place where you have <a href=”http://www.hgtv.com/design/rooms/other-rooms/home-gyms-in-any-space-pictures”>room</a> to work with. For instance, a garage, basement, or a small room could do the job. Once you have decided on a space, consider all the gear and equipment you can work with comfortably within that space.
Give It a Makeover
Any gym with just dumbbells and bars would fail to give you the drive to continue. Before buying any gear, equip your gym with a good full length mirror, bright lighting, surround sound speakers, and a few motivational posters.
The Essentials
- Free Weights: A good fitness program (<a href=”http://www.phuketfit.com/fitness/”>like this one</a> that I attended) focuses on free weights, not machines. You can perform all major compound exercises like deadlifts, bench press, and squats with free weights. They don’t take up as much space either.
- Barbell and Plates: You really feel the burn when you lift barbell to complete a squat or bench press. Moving a barbell is what weightlifting is all about. Ideally get three sets of plates in increments of 5Kgs to push your body once you get the right momentum.
- Adjustable Bench: A sturdy, ergonomic bench can work wonders for your body. You can perform a range of exercises that target the shoulders, arms, back, abdomen, and other muscles with an adjustable bench.
- Dumbbells: While not really necessary when you have barbell and plates, dumbbells can be quite useful for more arm, chest, and shoulder workouts. Ideally, get plate-loaded dumbbells where you can add extra plates to step up your exercises.
- Recumbent Bike: Or any other type of standstill cycle for that matter. Regardless of what your fitness goals are, you need your daily dose of cardio, and recumbent bikes deliver you just that.
- Jump Rope – You can buy a good jump rope with a skip counter for less than $15. Jump rope is amazing for whole body cardio and can be used to great effect in high intensity interval training (HIIT) as well.
- Foam Roller: A yoga mat or foam roller is an inexpensive way to stretch your muscles and perform yoga routines while preventing injuries and muscle aches at the same time. For only $20, you can dramatically improve mobility, range of motion, and flexibility in your body with a foam roller.
No More Excuses
In under $500, you can create a fantastic home gym that can help you continue your fitness goals. Now that you’re running out of excuses, it’s time you start building your very own personal gym!