Factors to Consider Before Investing in a Home Gym
By Space Coast Daily // June 24, 2021
Having a gym in your home seems like an exciting idea, especially in terms of convenience and privacy. It’s easier to fit your exercise routine into your schedule since you don’t have to travel and go far. You have all the freedom to work out anytime you want, plus you can save money from the hefty fee you regularly spend on a gym membership.
However, putting up a home gym requires more than buying gym equipment and creating workout routines. If you build it without accurate planning and the right mindset, you might end up wasting your time and money.
To prevent that from happening and ensure that you’re set up for success, here are some factors you need to consider before investing in a home gym.
What Is Your Motivation?
It’s easy to get hyped up with the thought of having a gym in your home. But you have to consider what’s motivating you to do so. Setting up a home gym can be costly, and you would not want to spend on something that you’re not sure you’ll be using for a long time. Besides being convenient, there must be a solid reason to put together all that gym equipment.
Many people think that having gear closer to them will make their workout routine easier. Unfortunately, it can even cause you to give up quickly if you don’t have the right motivation. If you’re serious about working out regularly yet don’t have time to go all the way to a gym, then creating your own training room at home is a great deal.
Evaluating your motivation is the most critical step you should think about before investing in a home gym. Make sure it will push you every day to step inside the gym and utilize what you purchase wisely. You might want to check out Barbend’s top list equipment for working out at home for some inspiration.
What Are Space and Location?
It’s vital to decide where you want to set up your home gym. Remember that a gym requires enough space so you can freely do your workout routines. At the very least, it should be able to accommodate a yoga mat. It’s the minimum space usually needed to stretch and do exercises.
However, the right space for your home gym depends on what’s available to you and the type of workouts you’ll want to accomplish. You might need bigger space and a solid surface for high-intensity interval training. You can also make use of your home’s outdoor space if your local climate and living situation allows it.
What’s more important is you consider the space and location you have so you can make necessary adjustments for your training goals and be able to purchase the right size of equipment.
What Equipment Do You Need?
You need to stock up your home gym with some paraphernalia. But you don’t have to get those bulky and expensive machines to make it an effective place to exercise. Keep in mind that you have to consider your budget and space on this factor. First, it would be wise, to begin with, some simple and affordable workout equipment like weights, resistance bands, or a gym mat.
But as much as possible, make sure to invest in quality ones so you’ll be able to use them for a longer period. Also, you have to determine what you want to achieve in your workout to get the right equipment. It’s useless to buy something that will not support you in your training or workout goals.
How Much Is Your Budget?
While you can save money for a home gym, in the long run, you must realize that putting it up will cost you a sizable amount upfront. However, it doesn’t mean you cannot start home training if you don’t have much capital. You don’t necessarily have to spend a thousand dollars on a state-of-the-art home gym.
But since your budget will serve as your guiding factor in setting up your home gym, you must determine how much you can comfortably afford. If your money is tight, you can only buy the essential equipment you’ll need for your workout. You can even just begin with no-equipment exercises, such as squats, push-ups, or balancing poses.
What Is Your Workout Plan?
Having a personal training place at home doesn’t automatically lead to positive results. You must have a workout plan to achieve your goals and put the home gym to good use. It’s important to have a schedule for your workout and stick to it, just like going to a gym away from home. Try to choose a time where there are minimal distractions.
Consistency is still the key, even if you’re working out at home. Remember that it’s much easier to take your schedule for granted since you have everything you need around the corner. Ensure that you have a solid amount of commitment and discipline to use your home gym regularly, even after the excitement of setting it up already fades.
Additional Factors To Consider
There are additional factors you need to consider when it comes to investing in your home gym and purchasing fitness equipment. Go over each of them below to ensure meeting your needs and preferences in terms of quality and efficacy.
Ensure Safety
While a home gym gives you more privacy and flexibility, the risk of being injured can also become more present. It is why safety should always be a vital factor when setting up a gym at home. Bear in mind that you’re going to spend a lot of time working out. Thus, take some extra precautions to ensure that it is as safe and effective as it would be if you work out in a local gym.
See to it that space and equipment are not prone to any accidents like falling over or breaking apart. Make sure to provide adequate space between as some of them may require a wider berth to function properly. Before putting them up in your home gym, it’s always best to read the user manual for your equipment.
Pay Attention To Ventilation
The quality of air and ventilation is one of the top concerns in setting up a home gym. Neglecting it would not only make your workout space uncomfortable, but it can also harm your health. Bear in mind that you breathe a lot when working out. If you don’t get enough quality air, you’re least likely to go on more workouts.
Lack of sufficient ventilation equipment is among the problems of most homeowners who are putting up a gym in their homes. Although central air conditioning is standard, you can opt for an oscillating fan to keep your fitness room cool. Opening a window while you’re working out can also help.
Set The Right Lights
Proper lighting is often overlooked when setting up a home gym. However, it’s an essential component if you’re looking to create a workout environment that motivates you to keep going. You can benefit from a combination of lighting sources, but as much as possible, take advantage of the natural lighting in your space by setting your equipment near a window.
Note that natural daylight is known to promote alertness and energy. Plus, it can give your workout space a fresh ambiance. If your home gym is located in the garage or basement where natural light isn’t available, you can make use of artificial lighting. Just ensure to have a clear plan of where you need to install them.
Find An Accountability Partner
One key component in determining the likelihood of success in your fitness and wellness endeavor is accountability. It is why an accountability partner is beneficial for having a home gym. It can be a family member or a friend who can help you stay accountable as you do your training or workout at home.
A personal trainer would also be good additional accountability. They don’t only offer a fresh perspective but an extrinsic motivation to push through your workout goals. Since they will inquire and monitor your workout progress and eating plan, you’ll be less likely to skip them.
Learn About Maintenance
Every gym equipment needs proper upkeep and routine maintenance. Make sure that you understand their maintenance demands and procedures before purchasing them. Remember that taking care of them is of utmost importance if you want to increase their durability and lifespan.
It’s also worth noting that equipment repair and maintenance can be costly, and it won’t be practical to pay for all of them, given that you’ve already spent a considerable amount to acquire them. If you want to save a lot of stress and money, look for sports stores with warranty programs that cover all types of repair and maintenance.
Set Up Your Home Gym For Success
It is essential that you set up your home gym for success from the very beginning. Note that it’s not simply about having all the best equipment stock up in your home gym. Of course, they are important, along with space, location, budget, and plan. But on top of it all, you must set your mind for your goal and maximize everything you have in your home gym properly. Its success largely depends on how often you will use it.