Home Gym Equipment Buying Tips
Buying equipment for your home gym is a major investment, so consider what type of workouts you want to perform and the level you're at. This will help narrow down your options to make an informed purchase that you'll be using regularly.
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 workout experience at home.
Space
Home fitness equipment is a great method to keep fit without having to commit to 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 achieve it by a some forward-thinking.
To narrow down your options, consider your fitness goals as well as your preferences in training. If you like lifting heavy and stress your muscles for example, you should look for equipment that is suited to this type of exercise. If cardio is more your style, you may consider investing in a treadmill, or any other cardiovascular equipment that is low-impact.
Think about the space you have available for your gym equipment. This will impact your budget. For instance, you'll want a good pair of adjustable dumbbells that are able to be able to meet your strength-training needs however if you're in a little space, you may be able to work using a flat set.
Once you have a sense of what your requirements for training will be, draw out the dimensions of your space using blue painter's tape to help envision the setup. You can draw the tape so you can imagine how the space will look after the equipment is put in place. This is particularly useful for smaller spaces where a gym may be unattainable.
Aside from an squat rack, it's be thinking about adding benches to your set-up. It's a versatile piece of equipment that allows you to perform a variety of workouts such as bench presses to incline and decline exercises. Choose benches that are easy to build and provide plenty of support.
Anyone who trains alone will appreciate having mirrors in their home gym, as this is a great method to make sure you're performing exercises correctly. Furthermore, it will help you to see any areas of improvement.
Functionality
Home gyms can be an ideal option for those who want to avoid expensive gym membership costs or exercise in a private space. Consider what kind of workouts you like and how often you'd like to exercise prior to purchasing equipment. Based on your requirements you might need various types of fitness equipment or something more specific such as a functional trainer, dumbbells or a weight bench.
When you're looking for home gym gear it's crucial to take into consideration how much space can be allocated to a training area. Some pieces of equipment weigh hundreds of pounds and require lots of space to store. Others, like the popular Life Fitness G7 Home Gym is just an area of 7 feet and is able to fold away to make it more compact and flexible.
You should also think about how it is simple 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 to move. For families, this is especially important as it's likely that everyone in the family will use the equipment.
If you're looking for a smart home gym or traditional free weights, you should be sure you research the features of each piece of equipment. Be sure that it offers a range of motion that is able to adapt to your body's form, as well as enough resistance to test you.
Many of the top smart home gyms include built-in workouts or AI personal trainers that can provide a variety of exercises and challenges. This can be an excellent method of keeping 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 however, other options can be equally effective. The Freak Athlete's Nordic HyperPro is a good example. It offers various exercises that include GHD sit-ups as well as 45-degree back extension. It is able to support people up to 7 feet tall and comes with 14 different incline levels. It isn't easy to lift and offers less flexibility than Tonal or the Vitruvian, but it offers an excellent workout experience at a lower price.
Aesthetics
The design of fitness equipment can have a significant impact on its appeal. The bulky, heavy-duty equipment can be intimidating and take up space in a small space. However, sleek, compact pieces provide a range of exercise options that will keep users interested and motivated.
When it comes to aesthetics, the simplest way to make your home fitness space appear more inviting is to incorporate decor that matches your personal style. For instance, this gym designed by Joy Street Design features decorative mirror walls and gorgeous wall sconces for task lighting. These features add a touch of luxury that makes the space feel like a welcoming retreat rather than an exercise space.
If you're concerned about space and budget, consider a pulley system that can also function as a full body machine. This model from BOS Fitness comes with a range of attachments, including the rowing machine as well as the triceps rope. It's also covered by a limited warranty.
For a more comprehensive solution, consider this all-in-one solution from Bowflex. It allows you to do dozens of exercises in a compact footprint, and it comes with 210 pounds of resistance. While it's not going to exercise your legs as effectively as a leg press that is specifically designed for but this piece of home gym equipment is perfect for those who want to make space and have all their fitness needs taken care of in one.
Another way to add a sense of style to your fitness center is to select pieces that fold up or slide away when not in use. In this pool house-turned-workout space by Curated Nest, a hidden treadmill, stowable benches and other equipment allow the area to be used as a guest bedroom when it is not being used for restorative yoga or other exercise.
White paint isn't the only way to make your gym look stylish. A deep, moody tone like the Farrow & Ball Hague Blue that is used in this Sunny Circle Studio room, can create a welcoming setting for working out while coordinating your equipment. A relaxing palette will aid you in focusing on your workout.
Budget
Home gym equipment can be expensive, especially if you choose high-end or specialized pieces. But a basic set of benches, weights and machines could cost cheaper than you would think. Also, think about how the initial investment could save you money in the future since you will not have to pay the expense of gym memberships.
Set your goals prior to when you start shopping and decide what you'll use most. This will help you to narrow down your options and make smart decisions that will fit within your budget. Don't buy gimmicks or other gadgets that don't have any value. For example, over-the-door pull-up bars might not be sturdy enough to do correct 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 for secondhand or refurbished equipment that is in good condition. You'll often find great deals on gym equipment during the first few months of the year as people try to stick with their New Year's resolutions. There are even better deals when fitness plans are put on hold.
When buying new equipment, be sure to inquire about warranty and return policies. Ask about the cost of installation for large items such as treadmills or squat stands. Don't forget about ongoing expenses such as flooring mirrors, TV mounting, and flooring that can add to.
A home gym may require some upfront costs but most users find that they save money over the long term when compared to the cost of a gym membership. It is also more relaxing to exercise at home rather than to go to a gym every time. This can lead to you not working out and eventually regressing to your fitness goals.
Wipe down your mats, equipment, and other equipment after each use. This will keep sweat and dirt from building up. Regularly lubricate moving components to ensure your equipment runs smoothly. This will prevent excessive wear and use that could increase your risk for injury. It's also recommended to get an exercise diary so you can track your improvement over time and pinpoint areas for improvement.