Home Gym Equipment Buying Tips
The purchase of equipment for your home gym is a major investment, so consider what kinds of exercises you'd like to do and what level you're at. This will help narrow down your options to make an informed purchase that you'll use regularly.
For example, 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 workout experience at home.
Space
Home gym equipment can be an excellent way to keep fit, without the obligations of a gym membership. You can add fitness equipment to your living space, whether you plan to build an exercise facility or not.
To narrow down your options, consider your fitness goals and preferences in training. If you're a fan of lifting heavy weights and work your muscles, look for equipment that is suited to this type of exercise. If you're more interested in cardio, on the other hand think about investing in treadmills or other cardio equipment that is low-impact.
Take into consideration the space you have for your gym equipment. This will affect your budget. For home gym workout equipment , you'll likely want a good pair of adjustable dumbbells to meet your needs for strength training, but if you have small space, you might be able to do with a flat set instead.
Once you have a sense of what your training requirements will be, sketch out the dimensions of your space using blue painter's tape to assist you in envision the setup. You can draw on the tape to see how it will look once the equipment is installed. This is especially helpful in smaller spaces where a gym may be impossible.
In addition to a squat rack, you'll also need to think about adding benches to your set-up. This piece of equipment can be used for a variety exercises, including bench presses as well as decline and incline exercises. Make sure you choose benches that have lots of support and are easy to put together.
Anyone who trains on their own will appreciate having mirrors in their fitness center, as this is a great method to ensure that you are exercising correctly. Moreover, it will allow you to see any areas of improvement.
Functionality
Home gyms are a great option for people who want to avoid expensive gym membership fees, or exercise in a quiet setting. Take note of the type of workout you like and how often you'd like to exercise before purchasing equipment. Depending on your needs, you may need a variety or specific equipment like dumbbells, weight benches, dumbbells or a functional trainer.
When looking for gym equipment, it's also important to think about how much space you can afford to allocate to a training area. Some pieces of equipment are hundreds of pounds and require lots of space to store. Some, like the popular Life Fitness G7 Home Gym only require 7 feet of space and can fold away to save space.
You should also think about how it is easy to move and relocate the equipment you have in your home gym. Some pieces are mounted on wheels and can be moved easily but others require expert assistance to move. For families, this is particularly important, as it's likely all members of the family will utilize the equipment.
If you're looking for a gym that is smart at home or free weights that are more traditional, make sure to research each piece of equipment. Ensure it has an adjustable range of motion that is able to accommodate your body's shape, as well as enough resistance to challenge you.
Some of the best smart home gyms include built-in workouts and AI personal trainers who provide a variety exercises and challenges. This is a great way to keep your workouts enjoyable and interesting since you can add new elements without the need to hire a personal trainer.
There are a variety of options for smart home gyms. While rowing machines are a popular choice, other options can be equally effective. The Freak Athlete's Nord Hyper Pro, for example, offers various exercises, including GHD sit-ups and 45-degree back extension. It is able to support people up to 7 foot tall and has 14 different incline progressions. It can be challenging to lift and lacks flexibility than Tonal or the Vitruvian however, it provides an enjoyable workout at a a lower price.
Aesthetics
The appearance of equipment for workouts can have a significant impact on its appeal. Heavy, bulky equipment can be intimidating and take up space in a small space. However slim, sleek pieces provide a range of exercise options that will keep users motivated and engaged.
In terms of aesthetics, the simplest way to make your gym appear more inviting is to include decor that is a match to your style. This gym, created by Joy Street Design, features attractive mirrored walls and beautiful wall sconces for task lighting. These accents add a bit of luxury to the space and make it feel more like a retreat instead of an exercise facility.
If you're concerned about the space- and budget-saving potential of home gym equipment choose an elegant pulley system that can do 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 comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
For a more complete solution, you can consider this all-in-one model 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 it is a home gym equipment is perfect for those looking to reduce space and have all their fitness requirements met in one.
Another way to add aesthetics to your home gym is to select pieces that fold up or slide away when not in use. For example, in this pool house turned exercise space designed by Curated Nest, a hidden treadmill and stowable bench allow the space to serve as a guest room when not being used for yoga or other restorative exercises.
A clean white paint isn't always the only option to make your gym feel elegant. A dark, moody hue such as the Farrow & Ball Hague Blue that is used in this Sunny Circle Studio room, can create a comfortable environment for working out while coordinating your equipment. And a calming palette helps you to concentrate on your workout, too.
Budget
Equipment for your home gym may be costly, especially if it is high-end. However, a simple set of benches, weights and machines may cost less than you might expect. Also, consider that the initial investment can save you money over the long term as you avoid the expense of gym memberships.
Before you shop make sure you know your goals and identify the items you use most frequently. This will help you to narrow down your choices and make informed choices that will fit within your budget. Also, stay clear of purchasing gimmicks that aren't providing much benefit. Pull-up bars that are available at the door, for example, may not be sturdy enough to support the proper reps. Instead invest in a good pull-up bar that's built to last.
Compare deals in stores and online. Compare online and in store bargains. Also look for refurbished or secondhand equipment that is in good condition. You can often find great deals on gym equipment in the beginning of the year when people are trying to keep up with their New Year's resolutions. You can then find even more affordable deals when fitness plans are put on hold.
When buying new equipment, be sure to ask about warranty and return policies. Ask about the cost of installation for larger items like treadmills or squat stands. Don't forget to factor in recurring costs like flooring, TV mounting and mirrors.
A home gym may require some upfront costs but most customers find that they save money in the long run as compared to paying for the cost of a gym membership. It is also more relaxing to exercise at home than to travel to a gym every single time. This can lead to you putting off your workouts and ultimately regressing in your fitness goals.
Clean your mats, equipment, and other items after each use. This will prevent sweat and dirt from building up. Regularly lubricate moving components to keep your equipment running smoothly. This will help prevent excessive wear and overuse that could increase your risk for injury. It is also recommended to invest in a journal to track your progress and highlight areas that need improvement.