We’ve come to a point where we are either not allowed to go to the gym, or costs for gym memberships have skyrocketed. This creates a situation that plenty of people take issue with. When in desperate need of a workout, what you can do is set up your very own home gym.
In addition to the rising cost of gym memberships, gym equipment has also achieved new highs. But a home gym doesn’t have to contain the latest equipment, and you can very easily buy used equipment that will save you plenty of money. So if setting up a home gym is something that interests you, you’re at the right place.
In this article, we will tell you how to do exactly that. So with all that said, let’s start.
Find the Right Space
First things first, space is of utmost importance when setting up a home gym. And before you even lift a single dumbbell, you will need to find where exactly you’ll be doing all those exercises. What experts advise is having enough space to at least lay down a yoga mat.
If you already have exercise equipment, you’ll need to somehow fit it into the whole equation. But considering that many of you don’t have a treadmill at home or any other big exercise equipment, a smaller space will suffice. Plenty of millennials turn their garages into home gyms. You can also convert any other extra room you might have.
But it’s safe to say that the first step to setting up a home gym is to find the right space.
Fill It Up
Going to the gym isn’t only about lifting weights. There are all kinds of exercises that work on various aspects of your body. There are exercises for cardio, strength, recovery, etc. The great thing about it is that you don’t need big machines to work on your cardio or strength.
Smaller equipment can be just as effective, and it won’t cost a small fortune to buy. So, let’s look at what you can get to stock your home gym for cardio, strength, and recovery.
- For Strength
Strength workouts involve all kinds of weights and machines to help you build muscle. But we can exclude machines from our home gym as they can be very expensive. Instead, look to fill up your home gym with plenty of dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands. All three are great for building strength and all three are generally inexpensive.
The most inexpensive equipment to build strength is resistance bands. This equipment not only allows you to build strength but also helps improve your balance and core.
- For Cardio
Cardio exercises are best for slimming down and losing weight. Before you even think of building muscle, you’ll need to tone that beer belly down first. And what better way to fill up your home gym with exercise equipment for cardio than to get a treadmill? Due to the nature of these exercises, there isn’t really a substitute for a treadmill. One piece of equipment that acts as a reasonable substitute is a jumping rope. With a jumping rope, in addition to being an effective way to lose weight, you’ll also work on a couple of muscle groups.
Treadmills are more expensive than jumping ropes, but they will enable you to easily hit your fitness goals.
- For Recovery
Regardless of what you might hear the guys at the gym say, recovery equipment is very important. The whole point of post-workout recovery is to help ease muscle soreness and prevent tears. And much like strength equipment, there is plenty of smaller equipment that helps in this aspect. One of these is a foam roller. Foam rollers are excellent for easing muscle tension, soreness, and for preventing muscle fatigue. They also help you speed up the recovery process. You can also use mini bands for post-workout stretching, which are also quite inexpensive.
Don’t Forget About Storage
No doubt many of you will want to fill up the home gym will all kinds of equipment. And when having limited space to work with, storage is key to making it work. Luckily for you, tons of storage containers will save you plenty of space.
From dumbbell racks to bar storage racks, to all kinds of similar containers, a well-thought-out equipment storage plan will save you plenty of headaches.
Setting the Mood
One last thing you’ll need to worry about is setting the mood in the place. If you’ve ever been to a gym, then you probably know the importance of lighting and creating a workout-friendly atmosphere at home. While no doubt many of you would love to work out under natural sunlight, that simply won’t be possible. So you’ll need to set up an overhead lightbulb to help you keep an eye on your form.
Another way to set up the mood is through music. Get yourself a Bluetooth speaker that will enable you to get into a rhythm by playing your favorite Spotify gym playlist. You should also find space to add a mirror. Mirrors are vital for taking Instagram photos of your body, but they’re even better for feedback on your form during exercises.
And one last thing you can add to the mix is carpet flooring. Although many prefer working out on resistance-free surfaces, carpet is excellent for cushion.
Finishing Thoughts
Setting up a home gym might be one of the best investments you’ll make. A home gym can save you from paying huge gym membership fees as well as enable you to work out anytime you want. What’s more important, a home gym is something that you’ll put to good use.