Home Gym Equipment Buying Tips
The purchase of equipment for your home gym is a major expense, so you should think about the kinds of exercises you'd like to do and at what level you're at. This will help narrow down your choices to make an informed purchase that you'll be using regularly.
For example, the wall-mounted smart home gym Tonal utilizes electromagnets to simulate the appearance of a cable machine, but also adds virtual classes (and data tracking) for an even more complete workout experience at home.
Space
Home gym equipment is a great way to stay fit without the need to sign up for the expense of a gym membership. If you're planning to build an entire gym or are simply hoping to add some fitness gear to your living space, you can do it with a little bit of forward thinking.
Assess your goals for fitness and your preferences in training to narrow your choices. If you're someone who likes to lift heavy weights and exercise your muscles, then search for equipment that supports this type of training. If you're more interested in cardio on the other hand you might consider investing in a treadmill or other low-impact cardiovascular equipment.
Think about exercise bicycle have for your gym equipment. This will impact your budget. For instance, you'll likely require a set of adjustable dumbbells to meet your needs for strength training however if you're in a small space, you might be able to work with a set that is flat.
Once you have a sense of what your training needs will be, sketch out the dimensions of your space using blue painter's tape to assist you in visualize the layout. cycle workout bike can draw on the tape so that you can imagine how the space will look when the equipment is installed. This is especially useful for smaller spaces that aren't able to accommodate a full-blown gym.
You'll need to include a bench in addition to an squatrack to your setup. This piece of equipment can be used for a variety exercises, such as bench presses, decline and incline movements. Find benches that are easy to build and provide plenty of support.
Anyone who trains by themselves will appreciate having mirrors in their gym, as this is a great method to ensure that you are doing exercises correctly. It can also help identify any areas that need improvement.
Functionality
Home gyms are a favorite option for those who want to cut out costly gym membership fees or work out in a private setting. Before buying equipment, think about the kind of exercise you like and how often you plan on working out. Based on your requirements you might need an array of exercise equipment or something specific like a functional trainer, weight bench, or dumbbells.
When you're shopping for equipment for your home gym, it's important to also consider how much space can be allocated to a workout space. Certain pieces of gym equipment weigh hundreds of pounds and take up a lot of storage space. Others, like the well-known Life Fitness G7 Home Gym is just an area of 7 feet and can fold away to make it more compact and flexible.
You should also consider how it is easy to move and reposition the equipment you have in your home gym. Some pieces are mounted on wheels and are able to be moved easily, while others require professional assistance in moving. This is particularly important for families, as the equipment is likely to be used by the entire family.
If you're in the market for a smart gym at home or free weights that are more traditional, make certain to investigate each piece of equipment. Make sure that it has a range that fits your body type and has enough resistance to challenge.
The top smart home gyms include built-in workouts and AI personal trainers who can offer a variety of workouts and challenges. This is a great way to keep your workouts enjoyable and interesting by adding new elements without having the expense of hiring a personal trainer.
There are many options for smart home gyms. While rowing machines are a popular choice but other options are equally efficient. The Freak Athlete's Nordic HyperPro offers, for instance, a variety of exercises that include GHD sit-ups as well as 45-degree back extension. cycle workout bike can accommodate people up to 7 foot tall and comes with 14 different incline variations. It isn't easy to lift and lacks versatility than Tonal or the Vitruvian, but it offers an excellent workout experience at the price of less.
Aesthetics
The design of the equipment can affect its appeal. Heavy, bulky machines can look intimidating and take up space in a small area, but sleek, compact pieces can provide a range of workout options to keep users interested and enticed to come back to the gym.
Choose decor that matches your style to make your fitness area more inviting. For instance, this area created by Joy Street Design features decorative mirror walls and gorgeous wall lights for task lighting. These features add a touch 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-saving and cost-saving potential of gym equipment at home choose a sleek pulley system that has the ability to double duty as a complete-body machine. This model from BOS Fitness offers a variety of attachments (including an exercise station, a rowing machine and the triceps rope) and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Consider this all-in one system from Bowflex for a more complete alternative. It has a compact footprint and 210 pounds of weight. Although it doesn't strengthen your legs as much as a dedicated leg press, this piece of home gym equipment is ideal for those who wish to save space and have all their fitness requirements met in one.
Another way to add aesthetics to your gym is to choose pieces that fold or hide away when not in use. In this space that is a pool house turned workout area by Curated Nest a hidden treadmill, stowable benches, and other pieces allow the area to be used as a guest bedroom when not in use for restorative yoga or other exercise.
A home gym doesn't have to be white. A moody deep tone, like the Farrow & Ball Hague Blue seen in this room created by Sunny Circle Studio, helps create a more welcoming space to work out in and matching with the equipment you choose. A soothing palette can help you focus on your exercise.
Budget
Home gym equipment can be expensive particularly if you select premium or specialized equipment. A basic set of weights, benches and machines may be cheaper than you think. Also, think about how the initial investment can save you money in the long run since you will not have to pay gym membership costs.
Clarify your goals before you begin shopping and determine what you'll be using most. This will allow you to narrow down your choices and make smart decisions that will fit within your budget. Avoid buying gadgets or gimmicks that aren't very useful. Pull-up bars that are available at the door for instance, might not be sturdy enough to support adequate reps. Consider investing in a strong pull-up bar instead.
Compare in-store and online deals. Compare the online and in-store prices. Also, look out for used or refurbished equipment in good condition. It's common to find a great deal on gym equipment in the early months of the year as people try to keep their New Resolutions for the New Year. In the later months, you can get even better deals when the fitness programs fall to the wayside.
When you purchase new equipment, be sure to inquire about return and warranty policies. Ask about the cost of installation for large equipment like treadmills and squat stands. Don't forget to factor in recurring costs like TV mounting, flooring and mirrors.
While creating a home gym will require some upfront expenses however, the majority of buyers find that it saves them money over time, in comparison to paying for an annual gym membership. It is also less stressful to exercise at home rather than going to a gym every time. This could lead to you abandoning your workouts and eventually regressing to your fitness goals.
To keep your gym equipment in top shape, wash mats, yoga mats and other equipment after every use to prevent sweat and dirt buildup. Make sure you regularly lubricate moving parts to keep your equipment running smoothly. This will help prevent overuse and excessive wear that could increase your risk for injury. It's also recommended to get an exercise journal so you can keep track of your improvement over time and pinpoint areas of improvement.