Build a home gym
A home gym can be an excellent way to help someone reach their fitness goals. For someone who has very little time in their day, is responsible for child care or simply feels more comfortable working out away from a crowded gym.
The following are some recommendations in getting your own set up in place that allows you to complete the most effective workouts and programs possible.
Location
Location is key to a good home gym setup. A few requirements include:
• Strong stable floor
Remember, you will have heavy equipment resting or, heaven forbid, possibly dropping on the floor. Make sure it’s secure and good to secure active footing.
• High ceiling
Some equipment is high and some exercises, you may want to skip rope, or you may want to step up on the bench. Make sure you have enough room.
• Large room
As per the last point, you’ll want to have enough room for all your equipment and to also perform multiple exercises. This is one reason why many people build a gym in their garage.
• Temperature control
It’s important to be comfortable in your space. Being too hot or too cold may prevent you from wanting to spend time in your gym.
• Create a nice space
Make it a place that creates a nice vibe so you don’t hate being in it. Actually take the time to decorate it. If you’re spending a few hours a week in it, make it a better place to be.
Equipment
The following equipment will make you home gym a place where you can perform a wide variety of exercises, no matter your fitness goals. I would list the following equipment in order of priority to ensure you can maximize the potential of your workout space.
• Dumbbells
You have a few options here. You can purchase the type where you can add or remove plates (which is very economical, but takes time during your workout), you can acquire the one piece dumbbells of each weight, or you can invest in single adjustable dumbbells such as Power Blocks or the Bowflex quick-lock weights, which you can find at the links below.
http://www.powerblock.com/
http://www.bowflexselecttech.com/
• Adjustable Bench
Make sure you get a bench that can incline, and if possible, decline. Even better is to have a bench with a leg attachment on the end to allow for leg extensions and lying leg curls.
• Barbell
This may be where dumbbells with removable plates will come in handy as you can simply add those plates to a barbell plate.
• Squat Rack/Smith Machine
Yes, these are two different pieces of equipment, but they will allow you to perform the most key exercises you’ll want to do in your program. This will take up the majority of space in your home gym, but is well worth the investment.
• Cable pulley
A cable pulley allows you to perform great exercises such as tricep press downs or pull downs. It’s actually possible to get a number of the recommendations listed above in one system, such as the one found at this link:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=11820041&sourceid=13716695853884378781
Now, other recommendations depend on your fitness preferences. If you like to do your cardio inside and on a machine, then you will want to account for this piece of equipment in your space.
Other tips
• Music – Multiple studies show that music will enhance your performance and will make your space more inviting. Be sure to have an iPod dock or stereo available.
• Mirrors – Watch yourself in the mirror to ensure your form is perfect with each rep.
• Clock – If you need to time your rest between sets, a clock will be needed if you’re not using a sports watch.
• TV for cardio – If you’re going to use a cardio machine in your home gym, a TV can make a huge difference.
• Remove the phone – They don’t offer you phone service at the gym. I’d suggest not allowing such interruptions at home.
A home gym can be a great alternative to a professional gym based on your lifestyle. Although it may seem like a lot of money to start, consider the monthly savings you’ll realize with your up front investment.
Just remember, the best gym is the one you’ll use on a regular basis.