Best Home Gym Equipment Guide
Gone are the days that poor weather is a good excuse not to workout. There is so much you can do within the walls of your own home that there is virtually no reason not to. In fact, many people prefer the privacy, convenience, and comfort of working out in their own home as opposed to joining a gym. The part that some find difficult is creating a home gym layout that maximizes the available space, provides the opportunity for a variety of exercises, and fits the budget. Setting up a home gym is a much more complex project than just picking out some equipment and sticking it in room. The following are things that are important to consider when designing the best home gym setup for you:
Creating your Home Gym Layout
Choosing the room
Do you have an entire room or area designated for your home gym or will one of your rooms be serving dual purposes such as home gym and family room? Either plan can work as long as everything has a place to be and there are no safety issues. You can hide home gym equipment in an ottoman that opens up and serves as a storage container. Shelves can also be used to house light dumbbells and exercise mats and stability balls can be concealed behind or under couches. The most important thing to consider when choosing a room is whether or not it is a place that you find inviting, seems practical, and is able to facilitate a fitness program day after day. Picture yourself, if it seems like it is a place you will want to be it will probably work.
Lighting and Ventilation
Another huge factor that should be considered with home gym setup is the amount of lighting and ventilation that is available in the room. Lighting should be adequate, inviting, and relaxing and air circulation is critical in creating a gym that is cool and comfortable. Well functioning air conditioning and heating is a must. Installing a ceiling fan, if necessary, can also provide a breeze and promote air circulation.
How much space is available?
Before you purchase fitness equipment, it is imperative that you know exactly how much space you have to work with. Measure EVERYTHING! Floor space, window measurements and door openings all become critical pieces of information when it comes to purchasing and positioning equipment within your room.
Purchasing equipment
First and foremost it is important to create a budget to follow in purchasing your fitness equipment. When buying equipment you should choose apparatus that you know you will use and that you enjoy using. It won’t do you any good to fill your room full of equipment that you don’t like, even if it does look awesome. Visit a store that includes displays so that you can try it out and see what works best for you. Before purchasing anything, obtain the exact measurements and then make a blueprint on grid paper that will represent space used in square footage as well as proximity to windows and electrical outlets if necessary. When purchasing online, you can almost always find the exact measurement of the equipment in the product description. Some possible equipment selections to consider are a cardio piece such as a treadmill, elliptical machine, or stationary bike, a multi-station or multi-functional home gym piece, dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, stability balls, medicine balls, mats, and adequate open floor space.
Room Decor
In order to make the room inviting and comfortable it is a good idea to paint the room in a light or cool color that creates a fresh, clean feeling. Don’t be afraid to hang motivational pictures or sayings that will keep you energized and help keep your eye on your fitness goals. Your home gym should be a place that you enjoy to be!
Rules to Follow for Creating the Best Floor Plan for your Home Gym Setup
Home gym floor plans should be created with the idea of maximizing every inch of space that is available making it workable, convenient, safe and inviting.
Rule #1: Design your Home Gym from the Floor Upward
Flooring is one of the most important factors to consider when setting up your home gym. It will not only protect the original flooring in the room, but will also protect you providing cushion, traction, and stability throughout each exercise. There are tons of options available including roll-out rubber mats, carpet or rubber interlocking tiles, interlocking foam, and more. You may choose to cover your original floor from wall to wall, purchase pieces to create a designated work space, or to simply protect your floor under the heavy equipment.
Rule #2: Position Your Equipment for Safety
When establishing your home gym design layout, it is best to place large, bulky pieces of equipment toward the back along the outer walls, making sure to consider placement near electrical outlets as necessary. This will eliminate electrical cords being in the way or creating a tripping hazard. With multi-functional trainers, it is important to leave enough space on each side for ease in changing weight plates as well as plenty of walking space for someone to pass through if necessary. Also, dumbbell racks and free weights work well when positioned against a wall as well as other small items such as medicine balls, stability balls and jump ropes. This keeps a majority of the floor open for doing dynamic exercises such as lunges or squats, allows space for stretching, or even exercises involving floor work such as yoga or pilates. Remember, safety should always be your number one priority and should be tailored to anyone and everyone who might use the home gym.
Rule #3: Be open to Entertainment Options
Keep your options open for placement of a TV that can be a nice way to take the mind off a long jog on the treadmill. Consider installing speakers in order to play music during the workouts. At the very least, position the treadmill or elliptical facing a window so that there is more to look at than a boring wall.
Rule #4: Allow for plenty of Open Space
More equipment is not always better. Don’t stress about making home gym jam packed with equipment. A few quality pieces will go a long way, especially if free weights are one of them. The sky is the limit on what you can do with a few free weights and a generous amount of open space to move around in.
Rule #5: USE IT!
Make a commitment to your new investment. Find the time, the desire, and the determination to stick with your fitness program. If you do, the invested money will pay you great dividends where your health and fitness are concerned.
Home gym floor plans can be fun to design. Having the ability to insert your personality and preferences on everything from equipment, to flooring, to décor, and even the music you listen too can be extremely motivating. You will no longer look for excuses not to workout but rather become engaged in your fitness on a daily basis and you will see that your new home gym adds a tremendous amount of value to your home and your personal life.
