With nearly 1/3 of all American’s told to stay home during the virus preventative measures and more than half of the country’s gyms closed for the same reason, its time to look into getting your home gym going (finally). Here are some tips for setting up the perfect space:
Find a place that you can designate for workouts. It may be a spare bedroom, basement, garage, porch, or even just a corner of your living room. Make sure that it fits the equipment you will be using and that it is free from distractions that will try to pull you away from the task at hand. If it has a window – great! But, a door that closes is even better. Shutting off the outside world for a little while will help you stay focused on getting the best from your workout. If you have a separate room, you can paint the walls a happy color and hang motivational posters. However, not everyone has this option – and that’s alright! You don’t need a huge area as long as it’s large enough for you to perform the types of exercise you have chosen. After all, it’s not very comfortable (or safe) to use a stationary bike that has been wedged between the bed and the dresser.
Light is very important. Darkness makes you sleepy, less motivated, and triggers your body to shut down. Natural light is best, but again, that isn’t always possible. So, bring in some lamps or lights to make your space bright.
Make sure that the area is free of clutter. Use shelves, bins, or cupboards to store equipment so that the space is clear for working out. If your fitness room also doubles as your living room, bedroom, or dining room, then choose decorative furniture such as lidded ottomans, trunks, or cabinets. If you can’t install a full-length mirror, you may want to purchase a light, portable one. Making sure that you are performing movements correctly can improve results and decrease your risk of injury.
Set a Budget. Write down your goals and decide what equipment you will need to meet them. Determine what you able and/or willing to invest and what will work best in the space you have. Check out second hand shops, classified ads, or wait for sales. Doing a little homework can save a lot of money.
Choose Your Equipment. First, make sure the equipment you choose fits your space and gives you enough room to move around. If you have lots of space and want big machines, then go for it! But, remember, you don’t need fancy equipment to get into shape. In fact, body weight exercises can deliver amazing results and you need nothing but….well…YOU. Let’s be honest, many people buy expensive equipment and end up not using it. How many weight machines and treadmills have been transformed into clothes hangers and dust collectors? Simple things like resistance bands, dumbbells, kettle bells, stability balls, balance discs, and jump ropes can help you meet your goals without costing a lot of money or taking up a lot of space. And, you don’t need everything all at once. Start with the basics – buy a few key items – and build up from there. Add a few new things whenever the funds become available or you find a great sale. It will also give you time to see what you really need – or will actually use – so you aren’t wasting money on unnecessary equipment.
Make A Plan And Stay Committed. A home fitness room is only effective if it’s used, right? Whether you hang a chalkboard/whiteboard on the wall or use a notebook, having a plan will always help you get the most out of your workouts. Make your area appealing enough that you want to use it and then plan out each workout to help you meet your daily, monthly, and long-term fitness goals.
