Home Gym Equipment Buying Tips
Think about your fitness level and type of workouts that you want to do before purchasing equipment for your home-gym. This will help you narrow your options and make a purchase you'll use often.
The smart home gym Tonal, for example, uses electromagnets that mimic the appearance of a cable machine. It also has virtual classes and data tracking for more complete workouts at home.
Space
Home fitness equipment is a great way to stay fit without having to commit to an exercise membership. Whether you're planning to build an entire gym or are simply hoping to add some fitness gear to your living room you can make it happen with a some forward-thinking.
Evaluate your fitness goals and preferences to help narrow your options. If you're a fan of lifting heavy weights and exercise your muscles, then search for equipment that can support this kind of training. If you're more interested in cardio, on the other hand, consider purchasing treadmills or other low-impact cardiovascular equipment.
Consider the space you have for your equipment for your gym. This will affect your budget. For instance, you'll likely need a pair of adjustable dumbbells that are able to be able to meet your strength-training needs however if you're in a small space, you might be able to work with a flat set instead.
Once you have a clear idea of what your training needs will be, sketch out the dimensions of your space with blue painter's tape to help visualize the set-up. You can draw on the tape so you can imagine how the space will look once the equipment is in place. This is especially useful for smaller spaces that aren't able to be able to accommodate a full gym.
Aside from the squat rack, you'll also have to consider adding a bench to your setup. This piece of equipment can be used for a variety exercises, such as bench presses as well as decline and incline exercises. Choose benches that are easy to put together and provide plenty of support.
Mirrors are essential for anyone who trains on their own. They will help ensure that they are doing the exercises correctly. It can also help to identify areas that require improvement.
Functionality
Home gyms are a popular choice for those who want to stay away from expensive gym membership fees or exercise in a private setting. Before you purchase equipment, think about the kind of workouts you enjoy and how often you will be exercising. Based on your requirements, you might require a variety of specific equipment such as dumbbells, dumbbells, a weight bench or a functional trainer.
When you are looking for home equipment for the gym, it's important to think about how much space you could afford to dedicate to a space for training. Certain pieces of gym equipment weigh hundreds of pounds and take up a lot of storage space. Others, such as the well-known Life Fitness G7 Home Gym is just 7 feet of space and can fold away to make it more compact and flexible.
You should also consider how it is easy to move and relocate the equipment you have in your home gym. Some pieces come with wheels for easy mobility while others are wall-mounted or need professional assistance to move. This is particularly important for families, as the equipment will likely be utilized by all members of the family.
Whether you're looking for an efficient home gym or just a set of traditional free weights, be sure to study the specifications of each piece of equipment. Make sure that it has an option that is appropriate to your body type and has enough resistance to keep you challenged.
Some of the best smart home gyms include built-in workouts and AI personal trainers who can provide a variety exercises and challenges. This can be an excellent way to keep your workouts enjoyable and interesting since you can add new elements without having to pay for a personal trainer.
There are a variety of options for smart home gyms. While rowing machines are a popular choice however, other options can be equally effective. The Freak Athlete's Nordic Hyper Pro offers, for instance, various exercises that include GHD sit-ups and 45-degree back extension. It supports people who are up to 7 feet tall and comes with 14 different incline variations. It isn't the easiest to lift and lacks versatility than Tonal or the Vitruvian, but it offers an enjoyable workout at a the price of less.
Aesthetics
The design of fitness equipment can have a significant impact on its appeal. Bulky, heavyweight machines may appear intimidating and take up a lot of space in a small space however, slim, sleek pieces of equipment can offer a wide range of exercise options to keep users entertained and enticed to come back for more.
In terms of aesthetics, the most effective way to make your home gym appear more inviting is to incorporate decor that is a match to your style. For instance, this space designed by Joy Street Design features decorative mirrored walls and pretty wall lights for task lighting. These accents add a bit of luxury to the space and make it feel more like a sanctuary rather than an exercise facility.
If you're worried about the space- and budget-saving potential of gym equipment at home go for a sleek pulley system that is able to double duty 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 is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
For a more complete solution, consider this all-in-one model from Bowflex. It is compact in size and 210 pounds of weight. Although it doesn't train your legs as well as a leg press that is specifically designed for, this piece of home gym equipment is ideal for those who wish to reduce space and have their workout requirements met in one.
Another way to add a sense of style to your fitness center is to select pieces that fold or hide away 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 function as a guest bedroom when not being used for restorative yoga or other exercises.
A gym at home doesn't need to be white. A dark, moody tone, like the Farrow & Ball Hague Blue found in this room created by Sunny Circle Studio, helps create a more inviting space to work out in while also matching with the equipment you choose. A calming palette will also aid in focusing on your workout.
Budget
Equipment for your home gym can be costly, especially when it is expensive. A basic set of weights, benches and machines could be less expensive than you think. Also, think about how the initial investment could save you money in the long run as you avoid gym membership costs.
Make sure you know what you want before you begin shopping, and then decide what you'll use the most. This will allow you to narrow your choices and make smart decisions that fit your budget. Also, avoid buying products that don't provide much benefit. For instance, pull-ups that are placed on the floor bars may not be stable enough to allow proper reps. Instead, invest in a quality pull-up bar designed to last.
Then, take the time to search to find the lowest prices. Compare the online and in-store prices. Also, look for secondhand or refurbished equipment that is in good condition. In the early months of the new year, when people try to keep their New Year's Resolutions, you can find great bargains on gym equipment. In the later months, you can get even better deals when those fitness plans fall by the wayside.
When buying new equipment, be sure to inquire about warranty and return policies. Also, inquire about the cost of professional installation for big items like treadmills or squat racks. Make sure to consider regular costs such as flooring, TV mounting, and mirrors.
A home gym might require some upfront costs but most buyers find they save money in the end as compared to paying for an annual gym membership. It's also less stressful than traveling to a gym each time you exercise, which can lead to workout abandonment and eventually reversing your fitness goals.
Cleanse your mats, equipment, and other equipment after every use. This will stop dirt and sweat from building up. Make sure to regularly lubricate moving parts to ensure your equipment runs smoothly. This helps prevent overuse and excessive wear which could increase the risk of injury. It's also recommended to invest in an exercise journal so that you can keep track of your progress over time and identify areas for improvement.