Setting up a home gym doesn’t have to be a daunting task. All you need is a little planning. The more you plan, the more likely you are to enjoy your home gym and use it to its fullest.
The first step is to decide on the space. If you have a ten by fifteen spare bedroom you could fit a lot of equipment in there. If you only have the back end of your office however, you might have to just pick one piece.
Remember that the equipment shouldn’t be too cramped. However, unlike the retail gym, you won’t be sharing the space with anybody else so no reason to have extra space either. You just need to measure out enough space for the equipment to have a full rotation, plus any space your actual body will need in the process.
Once you have the size down, start contemplating the type of equipment you’ll need for setting up a home gym. Are you a runner or walker? Maybe think a treadmill for bad weather days. Or an elliptical for cross training.
If you are looking for a full body workout on a machine without the stress of heavy weights contemplate a nice rowing machine. That would easily work your entire body and it is a relatively easy exercise to learn. Remember that setting up a home gym is all about you. What you need to be a success.
Don’t forget to plan ahead for your fitness goals. If you like working with dumbbells, consider buying a dumbbell stand. As you continue on your journey of fitness you will need to challenge yourself with heavier weight. The last thing you want is a nice home gym with dumbbells strewn across the floor.
Depending on your personal style, put some thought into the decorating of your home gym. Think about a mirror to check your form, or a few posters that you like.
If you are very artsy, why not paint a motivational quote on the wall. Decorating your space will increase the likelihood that you enjoy working out there. It would be a shame to go through all the hassle of setting up a home gym, just to hate using it.
Decorations also help with overall motivation. As with any fitness routine, motivation is tied to your success. When you are working out at home, there isn’t anybody counting on you. You aren’t missing an appointment or late for a class.
A big trade off for the convenience of working out at home is the lack of accountability. So before setting up a home gym, make sure you are committed to your own success!
