Home Gym Equipment Buying Tips
Consider your fitness level and the kind of exercise you'd like to perform before purchasing equipment for your home-gym. This will help you narrow your choices and then make a purchase you'll be using frequently.
For instance, the wall-mounted smart home gym Tonal uses electromagnets to mimic a cable machine but adds virtual classes (and data tracking) to provide a more complete at-home workout experience.
Space
Home gym equipment is an excellent way to keep fit without the obligations of a gym membership. Whether you're planning to build an entire gym or are simply hoping to add some fitness equipment to your living space you can do it with a bit of forward thinking.
To narrow down your options, you must consider your fitness goals and training preferences. If you love to lift heavy and stress your muscles for example, you should look for equipment that can support this kind of training. If cardio is more your style, you may want to invest in a treadmill, or other low-impact cardiovascular gear.
Take into consideration the space you have for your equipment for your gym. This will affect your budget. You'll need a pair of adjustable dumbbells for your strength training, but if space isn't available, you may be able get away with a flat-set.
Once you have a clear idea of what your training needs will be, sketch out the dimensions of your space using blue painter's tape to help visualize the layout. You can draw on the tape so you can see how it will look once the equipment is installed. This is particularly helpful for smaller spaces that aren't able to accommodate a full-blown gym.
Apart from an squat rack, it's also need to think about adding an exercise bench to your set. It's a versatile piece of equipment that allows you to perform a variety of workouts such as bench presses to decline and incline exercises. Find benches that are easy to assemble and offer plenty of support.
Mirrors are essential for anyone who trains on their own. They will make sure that they are performing the exercises correctly. It will also help you determine areas that require improvement.
Functionality
Home gyms are a favorite option for those looking to avoid costly gym membership fees or exercise in a more private environment. Take note of the type of workout you enjoy and how often you want to exercise before purchasing equipment. Based on your requirements, you may need a variety or specific equipment, such as dumbbells weight benches, dumbbells or a functional trainer.
When shopping for home equipment for your gym, it's important to consider how much space you can afford to dedicate to a training zone. Some pieces of gym equipment weigh hundreds of pounds and require a lot of storage space. Some, like the popular Life Fitness G7 home gym require just a 7-foot square area, and can be folded away to provide space-saving flexibility.
It is also important to consider how easy it is to move and relocate the equipment in your home gym. Some pieces are equipped with wheels for easy mobility, while others are wall-mounted and require professional assistance to move. For families, this is especially crucial, since it's likely all members of the family will utilize the equipment.
If you're in search of a smart home gym or traditional free weights, be sure you research the features of every piece of equipment. Be sure to choose an option that is appropriate to your body shape and enough resistance to test.
Some of the top smart home gyms include built-in workouts and AI personal trainers who provide a variety exercises and challenges. This can be a great way to keep your workouts fresh and fun, as they can add new elements to your routine without the expense of an individual trainer.
There are a variety of options for smart home gyms. While rowing machines are very popular but other options are equally effective. The Freak Athlete's Nordic Hyper Pro offers, for instance, a variety of exercises, including GHD sit-ups and 45-degree back extension. It can support individuals up to 7 feet tall and features 14 different incline progressions. It is more difficult to lift and less flexible than the Vitruvian or Tonal however it provides an excellent experience for a lower cost.
Aesthetics
The appearance of equipment for workouts can have a big impact on its appeal. The bulky, heavy-duty machines could be intimidating and waste space in a small room however, compact, sleek pieces can provide a range of workout options to keep users interested and eager to come back to the gym.
Choose decor that matches your style to make your home fitness area more inviting. For instance, this area designed by Joy Street Design features decorative mirror walls and gorgeous wall sconces that can be used for task lighting. These features add a touch of luxury to the space which makes it appear more like a spa than an exercise facility.
If you're worried about space and budget, choose a pulley system that can also function as a full body machine. exercise bicycle by BOS Fitness comes with a variety of attachments, such as a rowing machine and the triceps roping. It's also covered by a limited warranty.
For a more complete solution, you can consider this all-in-one solution from Bowflex. It has a small footprint, and 210 pounds of strength. While it won't strengthen your legs as much as a leg press that is specifically designed for but this piece of home gym equipment is perfect for those looking to make space and have their workout requirements met in one.
Select pieces that fold or tucked away when not in use. In this pool house-turned-workout space by Curated Nest hidden treadmill, stowable benches and other equipment allow the space to be used as a guest bedroom when not in use for yoga or other exercises.
A clean white paint isn't always the only method to make your gym feel stylish. A dark, moody hue, such as the Farrow & Ball Hague Blue that is featured in this space created by Sunny Circle Studio, helps create a welcoming place to exercise, while complementing your equipment. A soothing palette can help you focus on your workout.
Budget
Equipment for your home gym may be expensive, particularly when it is expensive. A basic set of weights, benches and machines might be less expensive than you think. Think about the fact that your initial investment will save you money over time as you don't have to pay for gym memberships.
Before you shop be clear on your objectives and determine what you will use most frequently. This will help you reduce your options and make wise choices that will fit within your budget. Avoid buying gadgets or gimmicks that aren't very useful. For instance, pull-ups that are placed on the floor bars may not be stable enough to allow proper reps. Make sure you invest in a sturdy pull-up bar instead.
Compare in-store and online deals. Compare online and in store bargains. Also, look out for used or refurbished equipment that is in good condition. In the beginning of the new year, when people attempt to keep their New Year's resolutions, you can find great bargains on fitness equipment. You may find more affordable deals when fitness plans are aborted.
When purchasing new equipment, be sure to ask about warranty and return policies. Ask about the costs of installation for big equipment like treadmills and squat stands. Don't forget to factor in recurring costs like TV mounting, flooring and mirrors.
While establishing a home gym will require some upfront expenses but most buyers find it saves them money over time, as opposed to the cost of the gym membership. It's also more relaxing to exercise at home rather than to travel to a gym every time. This can lead to you not working out and ultimately regressing in your fitness goals.
To keep your fitness equipment in tip-top condition, clean yoga mats and other equipment after each use to prevent sweat and dirt accumulation. Additionally, you should regularly grease moving parts to keep equipment running smoothly. This will stop excessive wear and use that could increase your risk of injuries. It is also recommended to invest in a journal to track your progress and pinpoint areas to improve.