Home Gyms: Where do I start? Well, just like that picture, setting up a Home Gym can seem a little overwhelming. Hopefully I can help you better understand how you can make a Home Gym work for you!
Many people have wondered lately, if they should invest in a home gym. I am here to tell you that setting up a home gym can definitely be worth it! There are a few questions you should ask yourself along the way though.
Will I use my Home Gym?
This is a big question. I would say YES! We should ALL get daily activity and sometimes having a Home Gym is just more convenient than other options. If you tend to workout outside sometimes it rains, or snows or is just too hot. If you tend to go to a facility sometimes you are in a time crunch or sometimes there is a pandemic that causes it to close. You can even take some of your Home Gym equipment and ideas with you on the road when you travel. Remember the rule, K.I.S.S. and don't bring anything into your Home Gym you know you won't use. So yes, I would say we should all be able to use a Home Gym.
Where do I put my Home Gym?
Really, anywhere. This often depends on how large of a Home Gym you are wanting to incorporate. If, for the most part, you will be going to a facility, you may not really need a lot of bulky equipment and thus, not a lot of space either. If you are wanting to have all the bells and whistles of a facility for one or two then you can carve out some storage area in a spare room or even a garage. Maybe the closet of a spare bedroom is where you can store your equipment away when you are not using it; leaving that room still functional as a guest bedroom or office. Maybe you just pull out your Home Gym equipment into your own bedroom or living room and then put it away when not in use. The amount of space you need is really dependent on what you are wanting to do, and the possibilities are endless.
What do I need for my Home Gym?
Really, not much. I am putting a list of my Top 10 items to have in your Home Gym below. You definitely don't NEED everything on this list - this is just a list of my favorite (or dream) items for a Home Gym.
1. A Mat - It doesn't matter if you have a solid/hard floor or plush carpet, having a mat for your workout is helpful. You can often find mats at a fairly inexpensive price, but I do recommend getting a good quality mat over a really cheap one. The cheap ones will break down very quickly, and you will end up spending more money over the long term. The cheap ones also don't clean as well, and trust me, mats can get pretty stinky! You want one that is thick enough and durable enough for you to take anywhere!
I really like this mat: https://www.performbetter.com/Yoga-Mat
2. A Step - No. I am not thinking that Step Aerobics are making a huge comeback. A step is super versatile. It can be used as a bench. It is adjustable in height making it great even for a variety of sizes. It can be used as an actual step; for split squats, step ups, elevated push ups, dips, and so much more. You can even get risers now for a step that can convert it to an incline, so it's like having an incline or decline bench! Cool right?
Here is where you can find the step I am talking about: https://www.performbetter.com/The-Step
3. Bands - BANDS! You can do SO much with bands! They are light weight, easy to transport and come in a TON of different options! Small loops, large loops, bands with handles, and more! Do I sound like an info-mercial for bands yet? But seriously, bands are heavily utilized in most fitness facilities, rehabilitation and physical therapy facilities. You can chest press with bands, you can squat with bands, you can row with bands, there really isn't a muscle group you cannot work with bands!
You can find all kinds of bands here:
Small Loops https://www.performbetter.com/First-Place-Mini-Band
Superbands https://www.performbetter.com/First-Place-Superbands
With Handles https://www.performbetter.com/First-Place-Exercise-Tubing-with-Plastic-Handle
4. Dumbbells - One thing I have found is that the economical, adjustable dumbbells seem like a great idea when you are tight on space, but for me, they are a bit cumbersome. The threaded bars take (what seems to me like) forever to take the nuts on & off each time I want to change weights. If you want to work out in a circuit or a progressive set these may not be the right option for you.
I love these basic dumbbells available in a variety of weights: https://www.performbetter.com/First-Place-Rubber-Encased-Hex-Dumbbells
5. Suspension Trainer - A Suspension Trainer will add a lot of versatility to your Home Gym. You can do more exercises that will focus on your back and posterior chain when you can PULL more!
I love this basic and budget-friendly suspension trainer: https://www.performbetter.com/Jungle-Gym-XT
6. Balance Trainer - You can do so much to intensify your workout with a Balance Trainer! Push Ups, stability work, it's literally one of those miracle inventions for the fitness world!
There are options for different kinds/levels of Balance Trainers here: https://www.performbetter.com/Bosu-Balance-Trainer
7. Gliding Disks - You can use these to intensify any form of plank or mountain climber, lunges, hamstring curls, I could go on for all of the uses for these deceptive little tools! Great addition to your home gym. The ones I have chosen can be used on either carpet or solid floors depending on what side you chose!
You can't beat this price: https://www.amazon.com/Elite-Sportz-Exercise-Smoothly-Exercises/dp/B00OYRW4UE/ref=sr_1_20?crid=1VACHUM8EBIOE&dchild=1&keywords=gliding+discs&qid=1600797663&sprefix=gliding+%2Caps%2C266&sr=8-20
8. Mirrors - Not for checking out your bod, but for checking out your form! Mirrors are HUGE for keeping all of us in check and safe. You are your own best critic and if your form looks like it's struggling you will be able to tell in the mirror. Also helpful if you are using a workout feed that might be new to you. Just starting a Yoga practice? You may need to pause and compare how your downward facing dog looks as compared to your online instructor.
9. Music - Big bonus of this being your Home Gym, you get to pick the music (or podcast, or TV Station)! Speakers are pretty inexpensive these days and can pack quite the punch! You can suit your entertainment to your workout. TVs are great if you are stationary (like on a bike or rower or treadmill) and can make the time go by SO fast. But listening to music might be best for a weight training set where you may not always be looking in the same direction. Music can definitely help set the mood for most activities as well.
10. Fan - Even with the AC running or with cooler weather outside a fan is super helpful! Air circulation often works better for cooling you down when you are working up a sweat, making it more effective for maintaining a healthy body temperature and workout environment. It can be a ceiling fan, a box fan, really any kind of fan that you prefer and suits your Home Gym.
Bonus Equipment...
A Barbell - YES! You can get a barbell that won't break the bank! You won't be doing any Olympic lifts with this economical barbell, but you can get some consistent lifts in! If you can save up over time though an Olympic barbell is a great investment, but the weight plates will add quite a bit to your financial commitment as well.
More economical barbell option: https://www.performbetter.com/Single-Urethane-Group-Set
A Rower or Assault Bike - If you have a small space or a limited budget these pieces of equipment may not be on your list but they are both great options for cardio and to insert into circuits! Both are so accommodating, many people are able to use them with just a little bit of form coaching.
Rower: https://shop.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/298-model-d-with-pm5.html
Assault Bike: https://www.performbetter.com/Assault-Air-Bike
Don't forget to consider storage that will be appropriate for your space as well. Shelves in a closet, boxes and baskets, I've even seen a Murphy Bed style system for storing a small Home Gym! Cool idea right?
I can help you plan, set up and learn to use your Home Gym! Let me know if I can help you design the system that's right for you!
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| MPeacockCPT94@gmail.com |
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