There’s no need to put your fitness goals on hold just because the cold weather has settled in. With a few pieces of equipment and a little creativity, you can turn your home into a gym and get a great workout indoors.
Indoor fitness has been gaining popularity because people like having the freedom to work out anytime and anywhere they want. People also enjoy the convenience of working out at home, saving time and money by avoiding long commutes and expensive gym memberships.
If you’re wondering how to start building your home gym but don’t know where to begin, here are some tips to help you get started.
Locate your workout space
Before you begin building your home gym, pinpoint the space you will use as your workout area. Depending on the size of your home and how much equipment you plan to have, it could mean a spare room or an extra corner in the basement.
Stay away from heavily trafficked areas such as living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms because they aren’t the best places to set up your equipment. You want a vast open space free from obstacles, so children or pets don’t accidentally run into any of your equipment.
Select a color theme for your workout area
Picking a color theme will make your home gym look better and help you organize the different pieces of equipment. For example, if you plan to have a lot of free weights and weight benches, choose a color theme consisting of bold colors such as red and black. It will make it easier for you to find the different pieces because there will be less clutter.
On the other hand, if your workout space has cardio primarily equipment such as treadmills, elliptical trainers, and stationary bikes, choose a color theme that consists of softer colors such as purples or blues. It will help calm you down after your workout to focus on relaxing instead of searching for pieces of equipment.
Determine how much money you’re comfortable spending on your home gym
There’s nothing wrong with wanting state-of-the-art equipment, but high-end machines can be costly. In addition, if you’re not planning on working out regularly, it might be better to save your money and invest in essential equipment instead of purchasing an expensive treadmill with extra features that you don’t need.
Before shopping for any pieces of equipment, draw up a budget that will help narrow down your options. You can always upgrade later or trade some parts for more expensive ones, so it’s best to shop around until you find the best deal without sacrificing quality.
Stay away from sellers who sell knock-offs because they could malfunction easily and cause injuries. Ensure all the pieces are authorized by their manufacturers so you know they work properly before making your purchase.
Decide what type of home gym you want to have
Do you prefer free weights over weight machines? Do you want to run on a treadmill or use an elliptical trainer? Deciding what type of equipment you want will help narrow down your options and give you a clearer idea of what equipment to shop for.
Depending on your needs, you may need a complete home gym or a few pieces of equipment at first. For example, you could start your home gym with free weights to help strengthen specific muscle groups and then use weight machines for other parts of your body later on.
Have immediate relief accessories for muscle soreness
Building your home gym is just the first step in creating a healthier you. It’s essential to treat any pain or discomfort that occurs afterward so you can continue working out without worries to get the most benefit from your workouts.
Get access to high-quality treatments such as back braces and special pillows designed for people on their feet all day. These can also serve as a first-aid relief before seeking urgent care. If you’re not sure what type of equipment to buy, look up reviews for specific pieces recommended by others who have the same problems as you.
Keep emergency contacts in place
Exercising at home might seem safe, but accidents can still occur. For your safety and well-being, keep emergency contact information close by so you can reach it in case of an emergency. Be sure to attach these numbers to a place that can be seen from afar so another person can quickly see it if you cannot let them know yourself.
Now that you’re equipped with the basics, it’s time to start your home gym journey. Remember to take your time setting everything up and be patient while you get used to your new equipment. Soon enough, you’ll be seeing results and feeling stronger than ever before.
