Home Gym Equipment Buying Tips
Buying equipment for your home gym is a significant investment, so think about what type of workouts you want to perform and the level you're at. This will help you narrow down your choices and then make a purchase you'll use often.
For example, the wall-mounted smart home gym Tonal utilizes electromagnets to simulate a cable machine but adds virtual classes (and data tracking) to give you a more complete at-home workout experience.
Space
Home gym equipment is an excellent way to stay fit without having to commit to the expense of a gym membership. You can add fitness equipment to your living space, regardless of whether you intend to build a gym or not.
Review your goals for fitness and your preferences in training to narrow down your options. If you're a fan of lifting heavy weights and work your muscles, then look for equipment that is suited to this type of exercise. If you're more interested in cardio however think about investing in a treadmill or other low-impact cardiovascular equipment.
Think about the space you have for your equipment for your gym. This will affect your budget. You'll need an adjustable dumbbell set for strength training however, if space is limited you might be able to make do with a flat-set.
Once you have a sense of what your training needs will be, draw out the dimensions of your space using blue painter's tape to assist you in envision the setup. You can draw the tape to see what it will look like once you've moved in the equipment. This is particularly useful for smaller spaces where a gym would be difficult to access.
You'll need to add benches in addition to an squatrack to your setup. This piece of equipment can be used for a variety of exercises, including bench presses, decline and incline movements. Look for benches with lots of support and are easy to assemble.
Mirrors are a must for those who train alone. They will help ensure that they are performing the exercises correctly. It will also help you determine areas that require improvement.
Functionality
Home gyms can be an ideal option for those who wish to save money on gym membership fees, or exercise in a quiet setting. Consider what kind of workouts you like and how often you would like to exercise before you purchase equipment. Depending on your needs, you may want various types of fitness equipment or a specific item like a functional trainer, dumbbells, or a weight bench.
If you're in the market for home gym gear, it's important to also take into consideration how much space can be allocated to a training space. Some pieces of equipment are hundreds of pounds and require a large amount of space to store. Some, such as the familar Life Fitness G7 home gym require just a 7-foot square space and can be folded away to provide flexibility and space.
You should also think about how it is easy to move and reposition the equipment in your gym at home. Some pieces have wheels for easy mobility while others are wall-mounted or need professional help to be relocated. This is especially important for families as the equipment is likely to be used by everyone in the family.
If you're in the market for a gym that is smart at home or free weights that are more traditional, be sure to research each piece of equipment. Be sure to choose a range that fits your body type and has enough resistance to test.
Some of the top smart home gyms include built-in workouts or AI personal trainers who can offer a variety of workouts and challenges. This is a great method of keeping your workouts enjoyable and interesting, as you can add new elements without the need the expense of hiring a personal trainer.
There are a variety of options for smart home gyms. While rowing machines are very popular but other options are equally effective. For example the Freak Athlete Nordic Hyper Pro provides a wide variety of exercises including nordic hamstring curls, GHD sit-ups, and 45-degree back extensions. It supports people who are up to 7 feet tall and includes 14 different incline levels. It isn't easy to lift and offers less versatility than Tonal or the Vitruvian however it offers an excellent workout experience at the price of less.
Aesthetics
The design of fitness equipment can have a big impact on its appeal. The bulky, heavy-duty machines could be intimidating and waste space in a small area however, sleek, compact pieces can offer a wide range of workout options to keep users interested and eager to come back for more.
Add decor that suits your style to make your fitness area more inviting. For instance, this space designed by Joy Street Design features decorative mirrored walls and pretty wall sconces that can be used for task lighting. These little details add a touch of luxury that makes this space feel like a welcoming space, not a workout space.
If you're concerned about the space- and budget-saving potential of gym equipment at home, opt for a sleek pulley system that is able to double duty as a full-body machine. This model from BOS Fitness offers a variety of attachments (including an exercise station, a rowing machine and triceps rope) and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Think about this all-in-one solution from Bowflex for a more complete option. It has a small footprint and 210 pounds of resistance. This piece of equipment for your home gym is perfect for people who want to save space, and want all their fitness needs to be met with one unit.
Another option to add style to your home gym is to choose pieces that fold up or slide away when not in use. For instance, in this pool house turned fitness space created by Curated Nest the hidden treadmill and stowable bench permit the space to serve as a guest room when not being used for yoga or other relaxing exercises.
A gym at home doesn't need to be white. A moody, dark hue, such as the Farrow & Ball Hague Blue that is featured in this space designed by Sunny Circle Studio, helps create a more welcoming place to exercise while also matching with the equipment you choose. A soothing palette helps you to focus on your exercise as well.
Budget
Equipment for your home gym can be costly, especially when it is expensive. But a basic set of weights, benches and machines can be cheaper than you would think. Think about the fact that your initial investment will save you money in the long run since you won't have to pay for gym membership.
Set your goals prior to when you start shopping and decide which products you'll need the most. This will allow you to narrow your choices and make smart decisions that are within your budget. Don't buy gimmicks or other gadgets that aren't very useful. The pull-up bars you can buy at the door for instance, may not be sturdy enough to support proper reps. Instead invest in a high-quality pull-up bar designed to last.
Compare deals in stores and online. Compare both online and in-store bargains. Also, look out for secondhand or refurbished equipment in good condition. In the early months of the new year, when people try to keep their New Year's Resolutions You can find fantastic bargains on fitness equipment. You can also find better deals as the fitness programs fall to the wayside.
Find out about warranties and return policies prior to purchasing new equipment. Ask about the cost of installation for larger items such as treadmills or squat stands. Finally, don't forget about ongoing expenses such as flooring, TV mounting and mirrors, which can add up.
A home gym may require some upfront costs, but the majority of buyers find they save money in the long run as compared to paying for the cost of a gym membership. It's more relaxing than having to go to a gym every time you exercise, which could cause you to quit your workout and ultimately backsliding on your fitness goals.
To keep your home fitness equipment in good condition, clean mats, yoga mats and other equipment after every use to avoid sweat and dirt accumulation. Additionally, you should regularly lubricate moving parts to keep the equipment running smoothly. This will prevent excessive use and wear which could increase the chance of injuries. You should also invest in a journal to keep track of your progress and highlight areas for improvement.