Having a home gym has more benefits than one- you save time on commuting to the gym and back, you get to exercise whenever you want to, and you don’t have to pay gym membership fees!
On the other hand, exercising by yourself calls for a lot of self-discipline as there isn’t anyone to watch over you and coax you into sticking to your schedule. What’s more, seeing others sweat it out at a gym can motivate you to exercise regularly- something that won’t be possible when you have a home gym.
Nevertheless, if you are determined to stay fit and exercise regularly, having a home gym can be the best thing ever! If you’re ready to transform a part of your house into a gym, read on for some important tips.
Designate a Gym Area
When you think of a gym, you probably visualize a big room complete with various training equipment and full-length mirrors. Call yourself lucky if you have an empty room, a basement, or a garage that you can convert into a gym. But if your house is packed to the roof, don’t be disheartened; you can exercise just as well in a little space!
Consider the type of exercises you’ll be performing and the equipment you’ll be using to help you gauge the amount of space you’ll need to exercise comfortably.
Make It Inviting
If you don’t like the look of your gym, you might not be able to stick to your exercise regimen, so make it as inviting as you can. Start with eliminating all clutter from the room- you don’t want to stare at piles of newspapers and old boxes when you’re exercising.
If you plan to turn a little corner into your gym, make sure there aren’t any wires or cables around. Also, remember to push away furniture so you can exercise freely.
Make your exercise space bright and airy by opening the windows and letting in light and fresh air. Install soft white light bulbs and ensure proper ventilation if there aren’t any windows. Place potted plants around your gym area to purify the air and give off good vibes.
Display motivational pictures or quotes to get you going! If possible, place a full-length mirror opposite your exercise spot. Have a CD player nearby and stock your favorite music and instructional CDs in a box or drawer so you can listen to them while you exercise.
If you intend to turn your garden or backyard into a gym, you might want to fence the area or use a trellis for privacy.
Put Safety First
At gyms, there usually are trainers around to help you exercise right so you don’t end up hurting yourself. At home, you’ll be exercising all by yourself, so you’ll have to make sure that you aren’t exercising the wrong way.
Remember to buy equipment that is new or in good condition. Buy the best even if you are on a budget; don’t try to save money by purchasing sub par equipment. High quality equipment is sure to be safe and will definitely pay for itself in the long run. Also, inspect gym equipment regularly so that it doesn’t lead to any mishaps.
The gym flooring has to be slip resistant; if the area where you will be exercising is covered in ceramic tiles, invest in a good non-slip mat. If you’ll be exercising outside, ensure that the area doesn’t get wet and slippery. Paving stones can provide the best surface for exercising. Rubber playground surfaces and artificial turf are just as great- these surfaces also offer a level of cushioning!
Most importantly, if you have kids in your house or visiting your house, you’ll have to make certain that they can’t access the gym and any exercise equipment. Also, make sure that your gym has safe electrical outlets for your power machines.
Take Things Gradually
Keep your excitement in check and think twice before doing anything. You don’t want to get major renovations done and buy costly equipment only to quit exercising in a week or so.
Consider how you want to use the exercise space, how frequently you’ll be exercising, and how you can eliminate unnecessary expenditures. If there are other members in your family who are willing to exercise regularly, take their needs into consideration too.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve read these tips, building a home gym shouldn’t be difficult. Keep in mind that it’s easy to quit exercising when you don’t have company. Invite a friend over and exercise together to help each other stick to schedules. You can also urge each other to keep going by working out separately.
Focus on the quality of your exercise instead of the quantity and you’re sure to make the best use of your home gym. Further, stay motivated by thinking positive and rewarding yourself when you achieve your goals.
Be consistent and you’re sure to see a healthier and fitter you!