New Year! New You!
The holidays are over and it’s time to start making goals for the New Year. If one of your goals is to get in better shape, a home gym may be the answer. A home gym gives you the convenience of working out at any time, without having to drive, and without the hassle of a gym full of other people. Here are some things to consider when creating a workout space at home.
First, find a space in your home you can dedicate to your workout. Many people find the basement works well for them. Even an unfinished basement can work. I quick coat of paint on block walls and an inexpensive carpet creates an inviting workout space. If the basement is not an option for you, maybe the corner of the bedroom or a small office space will work.
Once you have decided on the space, you will need to decide what kind of equipment you will want in your gym. This decision will depend on how much space you have and what your budget is. The first thing you should purchase is a mat. These are good for both cushioning your muscles during floor workouts and also during cardio. The harder your floor surface the thicker your mats should be.
Although there are many weight machines you can look at, free weights can be inexpensive and very effective. Free weights also take up much less room and are easier to move around than a bulky machine. Start by purchasing just a few weights. You can add to your gym as you get stronger and need more weight. A bench would be a good addition to your free weights. Resistance bands are also good to have around for strength training. Both of these items will allow you more options in your workout routine.
Cardio is an important part of working out. There are many ways to add it into your home gym workout. Interval training which is alternating high intensity exercise with low intensity recovery periods, are great cardio workouts and can be done with minimal equipment. Another inexpensive cardio workout is a jump rope. If you have the space and it works with your budget, you could look at a treadmill, elliptical machine, or rowing machine. There are many different options of cardio machines so you have to decide which one works best for you.
There are many items on the market you can choose from to change your workout. Balance equipment like a stability ball, kettle balls, TRX training systems are just a few ideas. You can go to any sporting goods store and browse the isles for ideas.
A home gym is not complete without a TV and source of music. Watching a show on TV or listening to music helps take your mind off the exercise and make your workout seem shorter. You can also use the TV for workout videos.
A home gym can be a great option to get in shape in the New Year. There are many different options to fit everyone’s fitness goals. Check with your doctor to make sure you are ready for a new workout routine and enjoy your home gym.