To most people, building a home gym might seem like an expensive project and a luxury they simply can’t afford. However, the truth can be quite different if you employ some prudent planning and take the time to select the right equipment that will make your home gym safe and efficient.
Getting a workout in the comfort of your home whenever you want is one of the best ways to ensure you follow through with your fitness resolutions and reach your goals. Not having to drive to a commercial gym every day and waste time and money means that a home gym is truly a long-term investment.
Here is how you can create your own home gym on any budget.
Define Your Fitness Goals
First things first, you need to define your fitness goals so that you can make a detailed list of the equipment you are going to need. If your goal is to simply lose weight, you don’t need to do much more than restrict your calorie intake.
On the other hand, if your goal is to control your weight with effective exercises, build up your physique, and shed fat, then you will need a mix of weight and cardio equipment. Lastly, if your sole goal is building muscle, then you will have to allocate the bulk of your resources to obtaining barbells and weights.
You Will Need a Power Rack
One thing is for sure though, a home gym won’t work without a power rack in place. They are space-saving, multifunctional, and durable. Basically, you can use your power rack to do to all kinds of exercises, from squats and deadlifts, to various presses and extensions – the possibilities are endless.
The best part is, they come in numerous sizes, so no matter how much space you have available, you are bound to be able to squeeze in a power rack, and have enough space left over for other equipment.
This brings us to the next crucial point.
Don’t Forget Cardio Equipment
Improving cardiovascular endurance is essential in any sport, and life in general. After all, what good is a toned body if you can’t do anything with it? Therefore, your home gym should contain at least one piece of gym equipment, such as a treadmill, a stationary bike, a cross trainer, or a rowing machine.
These will help you get a good cardio session in when you are pressed for time or the weather outside is all but pleasant. Moreover, by incorporating cardio training into your routine, you will be able to burn more fat faster – it’s a win-win.
Accessorize with Flexibility and Mobility Tools
It’s important that your body stays flexible, nimble, and agile, especially as you age. Constant muscle fiber contraction caused by vigorous training shortens and tightens the muscles and ligaments, making it more difficult to stay mobile and even producing numerous health conditions in the long run.
You want to have a healthy balance of training and recovery, entailing foam rolling, myofascial release with a peanut ball, mobility and flexibility drills with resistance bands, etc.
So, don’t forget to set aside a couple of bucks for your mobility equipment.
Incorporate Stability and Unconventional Movements
BOSU ball exercises, CrossFit boxes, and stability balls aren’t just great tools for an Instagram story, you know. They actually serve a functional purpose, especially for those of you involved in competitive group sports such as basketball, or football.
Balance and stability equipment will teach you total-body coordination and even teach you to preserve your balance in the weirdest of scenarios, with benefits translating into your everyday life as well.
No need to go all out though, simply pick a stability or a BOSU ball, and you’re all set.
Building a home gym shouldn’t be an arduous task but rather a rewarding experience with long-term benefits in terms of financial savings and training effectiveness. Be sure to follow these simple tips, and you will have no problem building the home gym you always wanted.
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