How to Create a Budget-Friendly Home Gym
If you prefer exercising in the privacy of your own home take some of the money you would spend on a health club membership and create a customized workout space at home. With a little ingenuity, the right exercise equipment and the ability to squeeze in some extra space you can create the perfect gym just for you.
Determine Your Budget
Before you do anything else set a budget for your home gym. Always purchase the highest quality equipment you can afford to achieve your desired workout. If you have the budget to purchase a treadmill, stair-stepper or multi-gym system then go for it. If your budget doesn't quite stretch that much it is easy enough to create your personal fitness room on the tightest of budgets.
Find the Appropriate Space
Assess the available space in your home. You may have an unused bedroom, corner of the basement or even a portion of your two-car garage. Make sure the space you choose is conducive to your exercise regimen.
Setting up a tranquil yoga studio alongside your husband’s power tools and lawn equipment may not be the proper environment. When creating shared spaces consider using a folding screen or ceiling mounted curtains as a room divider to delineate your workout space.
Start Small
Don’t sweat the big stuff. Some of the best home gyms are compact. Even with limited space and basic equipment you can put together a top-notch workout. Opt for a stability ball, resistance bands, dumbbells, step platforms, aerobic DVDs and a proper mat for a well-rounded routine. As your budget allows expand the space and add new pieces of equipment.
Consider Your Personal Needs
According a government report entitled “2015 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans,” you should perform a combination of aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises each week to benefit your overall health.
Aerobic activity boosts your stamina, sheds unwanted pounds, builds immune defenses, strengthens cardiopulmonary function and improves mood. By adding a strength training component to your workout routine you will increase bone and muscle mass, improve balance and manage arthritis and fibromyalgia symptoms.
Account for Physical Limitations
Keep physical limitations in mind when planning your home gym. If you haven't been active recently or have been diagnosed with a chronic health condition consult with your physician for an appropriate exercise plan. This will dictate specific activities, intensity levels and types of equipment that are suited for you.
Research, Research, Research
Large exercise equipment purchases require careful consideration. Research the features, quality, technology, design and safety offered by different machines and manufacturers. Make sure the equipment is easy to operate, has a lifetime or extended warranty and repair program.
When you are ready to buy a particular machine look at a number of online sites, read reviews and compare prices for the best deal. Don’t forget to check its measurements to ensure the machine will fit where it belongs.
Add the Finishing Touches
Select a motivational wall color for your workout room. The color you choose is extremely important. Using the wrong color can diminish your energy or create intensity when you want to meditate. There are many colors for every exercise type whether you prefer lifting weights, doing yoga poses or performing aerobics.
Mirrors placed along one wall make a small room feel larger and allow you check out your form. Add interest to the walls with your favorite artwork or inspirational messages. Hang hooks for holding resistance bands and jump ropes. If you have too much stuff in the room store it in a close. Although it's best to have everything out in the open so you will use it each time.
Include open shelving for towels, CDs, DVDs and small pieces of equipment. Illuminate the space with ample overhead lighting. Purchase a small weight rack to organize your dumbbells. Use an mp3 player in its docking station and combination TV/DVD player to serve as your gym’s audio/video system.
© 2012 Linda Chechar