Home Gym Equipment Buying Tips
Take into consideration your fitness level as well as the type of workouts that you'd like to do before you buy equipment for your home-gym. This can help you narrow down your options to make a smart purchase that you will use frequently.
The smart home gym Tonal, for example, utilizes electromagnets that resemble the appearance of a cable machine. It also has virtual classes and data tracking for an extensive workout at home.
Space
Home gym equipment is an excellent way to stay fit without having to juggle the commitment of a gym membership. If you're looking to construct a full-blown workout space or simply want to add some fitness gear to your living room, you can achieve it with a some forward-thinking.
To narrow your options, you must consider your fitness goals as well as your training preferences. If you're someone who likes to lift heavy weights and exercise your muscles, then look for equipment that can support this type of training. If cardio is more your style, you might consider investing in a treadmill or other low-impact cardiovascular gear.
You should also think about the space you have for gym equipment because this will impact your overall budget. For instance, you'll require a set of adjustable dumbbells that can meet your needs for strength training, but if you have little space, you may be able to work with a flat set instead.
You can use blue painter's tape to visualize the space once you have figured out the training requirements you require. You can also draw the tape to imagine what it will look like after you've moved in the equipment. This is especially helpful in smaller spaces where a gym may be impossible.
You'll need an exercise bench and a squatrack to your set-up. This can be a versatile piece of equipment that lets you do a variety of exercises including bench presses, to incline and decline exercises. Find benches that offer plenty of support and that are easy to assemble.
Mirrors are essential for those who train alone. They will ensure that they are doing the exercises correctly. Furthermore, it will help you to identify areas that could be improved.
Functionality
Home gyms are a popular choice for those who want to avoid costly gym membership costs or exercise in a more private setting. Before purchasing equipment, consider what kind of exercise you like and how often you will be working out. Depending on your needs, you may need a variety or specific equipment, such as dumbbells weight benches, dumbbells or a functional trainer.
When you are looking for home gym equipment, it's also important to consider the amount of space you can afford to dedicate to a training area. Certain pieces of gym equipment weigh hundreds of pounds and require a lot of storage space. Some, like the well-known Life Fitness G7 Home Gym, only requires 7 feet of space and is able to fold away to make it more compact and flexible.
Another factor to think about is how easy it will be to move and reposition your gym equipment at home. Some pieces have wheels for easy mobility and others are wall-mounted and require professional help to be relocated. For families, this is particularly important, as it's likely the entire family will use the equipment.
If stationary bike in search of a smart home gym or traditional free weights, make sure to research the features of each piece of equipment. Ensure it has an adjustable range of motion that is able to adapt to your body's form, and also enough resistance to challenge you.
Some of the top smart home gyms include built-in workouts or AI personal trainers that provide a variety of exercises and challenges. This can be a great method to keep your workouts varied and enjoyable, as they can add new elements to your routine without the cost of a personal trainer.
There are many options for smart home gyms. While rowing machines are very popular but other options are equally effective. The Freak Athlete's Nordic HyperPro is a good example. It offers various exercises, including GHD sit-ups as well as 45-degree back extension. It is able to accommodate individuals up to 7 feet tall and comes with 14 different incline progressions. It is more difficult to lift and less versatile than the Vitruvian or Tonal however it provides an excellent experience at less cost.
Aesthetics
The design of the equipment can affect its appeal. The bulky, heavy-duty machines could look intimidating and take up space in a small space however, compact, sleek pieces can still offer a variety of exercises to keep users interested and enticed to come back for more.
When it comes to aesthetics, the best way to make your gym appear more inviting is to incorporate decor that is a match to your personal style. For instance, this gym designed by Joy Street Design features decorative mirrored walls and pretty wall sconces that can be used for task lighting. These accents add a bit of luxury to the space which makes it appear more like a spa instead of gym.
If you're concerned about the space-saving and cost-saving potential of home gym equipment, opt for an elegant pulley system that can do 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 triceps rope) and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
For a more comprehensive 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 dedicated leg press but this piece of home gym equipment is ideal for those who wish to save space and have all their exercise needs met in one unit.
Another way to add a sense of style to your gym is to choose pieces that fold or tuck away when not in use. For example in this pool house transformed fitness space created by Curated Nest, a hidden treadmill and stowable bench permit the space to be used as a guest room when not in use for yoga or other restorative exercises.
Crisp white paint isn't the only method to make your gym feel elegant. A moody deep hue, such as the Farrow & Ball Hague Blue that is featured in this space designed by Sunny Circle Studio, helps create a welcoming space to work out in while also matching with the equipment you choose. A soothing palette can help you concentrate on your workout, too.
Budget
Home gym equipment can be costly particularly if you select expensive or highly-specialized pieces. A basic set of weights, benches and machines may be cheaper than you think. Also, take into consideration that the initial investment could save you money over the long term as you avoid the expense of gym memberships.
Before you start shopping be clear on your objectives and decide what you typically use. This will help you narrow down your options and make wise choices that fit into your budget. Also, stay clear of buying products that don't provide much benefit. The pull-up bars you can buy at the door for instance, might not be stable enough for proper reps. Make sure you invest in a sturdy pull-up bar instead.
Then, take the time to shop to find the lowest prices. Compare both online and in-store deals. Also look for refurbished or secondhand equipment that is in good condition. In the early months of the new year, when people attempt to keep their New Year's resolutions, you can find great deals on gym equipment. In the later months, you can get even better deals when the fitness plans go by the wayside.
When buying new equipment, be sure to inquire about the return and warranty policy. Also ask about the cost of professional installation for large items such as treadmills or squat racks. Make sure to consider the ongoing costs of flooring, TV mounting, and mirrors.
A home gym may require some upfront expenses, but most customers find that they save money in the end when compared to the cost of a gym membership. It's also more relaxing to exercise at home compared to travel to a gym each time. This can lead to you abandoning your workouts and, in the end, regressing from your fitness goals.
To keep your home gym equipment in top shape, wash mats for yoga and other equipment after each use to prevent sweat and dirt accumulation. Regularly lubricate moving components to keep your equipment running smoothly. This will stop overuse and excessive wear which can increase the risk of injuries. You should also invest in a journal to keep track of your progress and pinpoint areas that need improvement.