Getting fit don’t have to be expensive. You don’t have to pay membership fees to an overpriced gym or wait in line to use the treadmill. You can exercise and have your workout right at the convenience of your own home at your private home gym.
If you used to workout at a gym, you would have to agree that it’s busy, with some people waiting to use specific equipment, and with sweat on benches, machines, and even walls. The amount of time you spend at a gym is also affected by how soon you can travel to the gym. To get more out of your workout, why not build your own home gym?
How big should your home gym be?
Your home gym can start by just being a few square feet, find more ideas here. It can be an unused basement, a spare room or even a closet that you converted into a space. The idea is to start small and then build as you go along. Having a home gym also means being with your family. And when you have little kids around, it may be difficult to concentrate on your workout. If this is your situation, make sure that your home gym will be a space that is entirely for your workout. Having fewer distractions means that you will have effective workout sessions.
What about price?
When it comes to the budget, a home gym doesn’t have to be expensive. From the space to the equipment, you can create a functional home gym with a budget of $1000 or less. The amount, of course, will depend on how much you are going to invest in designing or renovating your space as well as how much it will cost for you to shop true fitness equipment. If you already have equipment on hand, then you can save further. It would be best to figure out what you are training for since the exercise equipment that you need to acquire will be based on your workout objectives. For example, steady-state cardio machines or exercise bikes if you are looking to improve your stamina. If you already have the right equipment on hand, then you can save further.
A great way to save on equipment is to look at classified ads for fitness equipment as well as from auction sites. And a good time to buy would be during February. This is because most of the fitness equipment that was given as Christmas, presents and went unused is sold at auction sites. It’s also worth checking out some reviews before you make any purchases. Among the essential equipment that you need are a barbell and plate set, a bench, rack, flooring, and kettlebells or dumbbells. The biggest and most expensive equipment that you have to consider is a rack. So if you plan on getting one as you expand your home gym, make sure to allot enough space to accommodate it.
Creating the perfect atmosphere
In renovating your space, create an atmosphere that will motivate you to exercise. You can paint the walls, hang posters, and set up a sound system to help you get into the zone. You don’t have to install mirrors in all corners of the room. Investing in one full-length mirror will do so you can see yourself while you work out. Remember to start simple and improve the atmosphere as you go along.
However, even though building a home gym may seem like a pretty good idea; it is not for everyone. There are people who enjoy taking classes and are motivated by being in a group or by seeing others workout. Some may be more effective training by themselves while there are also others who need assistance. So before you go big, it’s okay to start small and start with only the basics that you would need. Once you already have the momentum, you can build upon what you started and make upgrades to your home gym.