Home Gym Equipment Buying Tips
Consider your fitness level and types of exercises you'd like to do before you buy equipment for your home-gym. This can help you narrow down your choices to make an informed purchase that you'll use regularly.
The smart home gym Tonal, for example, uses electromagnets that mimic the cable machine. It also has virtual classes and data tracking for more complete workouts at home.
Space
Home gym equipment can be an excellent method to stay fit without the commitment of a gym membership. You can incorporate fitness equipment into your living space, whether you plan to build a gym or not.
To narrow down your options, you must consider your fitness goals and your training preferences. If you're someone who likes to lift heavy weights and exercise your muscles, look for equipment that can support this kind of training. If cardio is more your thing, you might consider investing in a treadmill, or any other cardiovascular equipment that is low-impact.
Consider the space you have available for your gym equipment. This will impact your budget. For instance, you'll probably require a set of adjustable dumbbells that are able to handle your strength training needs however, if you have small space, you might be able to do with a set that is flat.
You can use blue painter's tap to see the space once you have figured out the training requirements you require. You can also draw on the tape to see what it will look like after you've moved in the equipment. This is especially helpful for smaller areas where a gym would be unattainable.
In addition to the squat rack, you'll also need to think about adding an exercise bench to your set. This piece of equipment can be used for a variety of exercises, including bench presses as well as decline and incline exercises. Look for benches that are easy to build and provide plenty of support.
Anyone who trains on their own will appreciate having mirrors in their fitness center, as this is a great way to ensure that you are exercising correctly. Furthermore, it will help you to spot any areas for improvement.
Functionality
Home gyms are a popular choice for those looking to cut out costly gym membership fees or exercise in a more private setting. Take note of the type of workout you enjoy and how often you would like to exercise prior to purchasing equipment. Based on your requirements you might require an array of exercise equipment or something more specific such as a functional trainer, weight bench, or dumbbells.
When looking for equipment for the gym, it's important to take into consideration how much space you could afford to devote to a space for training. Some pieces of gym equipment weigh hundreds of pounds and take up a significant amount of storage space. Others, such as the popular Life Fitness G7 Home Gym is just a 7-foot square area and is able to fold away for more space-saving versatility.
Another factor to consider is how simple it will be to move and relocate your gym equipment at home. Some pieces are mounted on wheels and can be moved easily, while others require professional assistance to move. This is especially important for families, as the equipment will likely be utilized by all members of the family.
If you're in search of an efficient home gym or traditional free weights, make sure to study the specifications of every piece of equipment. Be sure to choose a range that fits your body's shape and provides enough resistance to challenge.
Some of the best smart home gyms offer built-in workouts or AI personal trainers who can offer a variety of workouts and challenges. This can be an excellent method of keeping your workouts fun and varied, as you can add new elements without having to hire a personal trainer.
Although a majority of people think of rowing machines when they think of smart home gyms, there are other options that could be equally effective. For instance, the Freak Athlete Nordic Hyper Pro provides numerous exercises, including nordic hamstring curls, GHD sit-ups, and 45-degree back extensions. It can accommodate people who are up to 7 feet tall and includes 14 different incline variations. It is more difficult to lift and less flexible than the Vitruvian or Tonal however it provides a good experience at an affordable price.
Aesthetics
The way workout equipment looks can play a role in its appeal. The bulky, heavy-duty machines could appear intimidating and take up a lot of space in a small area, but sleek, compact pieces can still offer a variety of workout options to keep users engaged and eager to come back for more.
Add decor that suits your style to make your home gym more welcoming. This space, created by Joy Street Design, features decorative mirrored wall and pretty wall sconces for task lighting. These details add a touch luxury to the space and make it appear more like a spa instead of a gym.
If you are concerned about space and budget, choose a pulley system that can also function as a full-body machine. This model from BOS Fitness offers a variety of attachments (including the rowing station as well as the triceps rope) and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
For a more complete solution, look into this all-in-one system from Bowflex. It lets you perform dozens of exercises in a compact footprint, and it comes with the capacity of 210 pounds of strength. While it won't train your legs as well as a leg press designed specifically for you, this piece of home gym equipment is perfect for those looking to make space and have their workout needs taken care of in one.
Select pieces that can be folded or hidden when not in use. In this pool house-turned-workout space by Curated Nest, a hidden treadmill, stowable benches and other pieces permit the space to be used as a guest bedroom when not in use to do yoga or other exercise.
A clean white paint isn't always the only option to make your home gym appear elegant. A moody deep color, like the Farrow & Ball Hague Blue seen in this room created by Sunny Circle Studio, helps create a more inviting space to work out in and complementing your equipment. And a calming palette helps you to focus on your exercise as well.
Budget
Equipment for your home gym can be expensive, particularly when it is expensive. However, a basic set of weights, benches and machines may cost cheaper than you would expect. Consider that your initial investment will save you money in the long run since you won't have to pay for gym membership.
Before you shop, clarify your goals and identify the items you use most frequently. This will help you narrow your choices and make informed choices that fit into your budget. Also, stay clear of buying products that don't provide much benefit. Over-the-door pull up bars, for example, may not be sturdy enough to support the proper reps. Instead invest in a high-quality pull-up bar designed to last.
Take time to look for the best price. Compare online and in-store deals. Also, look for secondhand or refurbished equipment that's in good condition. You'll often find a great deal on gym equipment in the beginning of the year, when people are trying to keep up with their New Resolutions for the New Year. There are even better deals after fitness plans are abandoned.
When buying new equipment, make sure to ask about the return and warranty policy. Ask about the cost of installation for large items such as treadmills or squat stands. Finally, don't forget about recurring expenses like flooring mirrors, TV mounting, and flooring, which can add up.
A home gym might require some upfront expenses, but most buyers find they save money in the long run as compared to paying for an annual gym membership. It's more relaxing than having to go to a gym every time you exercise, which can cause you to quit your workout and, ultimately, reversing your fitness goals.
To keep your home gym equipment in top shape, wash mats, yoga mats and other equipment after each use to prevent sweat and dirt accumulation. Regularly lubricate moving components to keep your equipment running smoothly. This helps prevent overuse and excessive wear which could increase your risk of injuries. It's also recommended to invest in an exercise journal so that you can track your progress over time and identify areas for improvement.