Regular physical activity is very beneficial for one’s health and looks. But, some people simply don’t like going to the gym or can’t find the time in their busy schedule. That doesn’t mean that you have to give up exercising – not when you have your home to work out at. This is a great solution, especially if the biggest issue you have is wasting time on getting to and from the gym. What’s more, you can create your own gym at home or at least make your home more suitable for exercising.
1. Room makeover
If you have a spare room in your home, you can easily turn it into your home gym. All you really have to do is clear it out and make space for gym equipment and other essentials. This also goes for your basement and attic, in case you’re not really using them for anything in particular. Of course, you might have to do a thorough makeover of your attic/basement if there’s moisture to worry about, electricity, insulation, etc. You want to feel comfortable and relaxed in your home gym.
2. Designate one area for workouts
Unfortunately, not that many people have empty rooms in their homes just waiting to be transformed into home gyms. In this case, it’s important to find an area in your existing rooms which could be cleared out and used as your own gym corner. This is usually a designated area in the living room or bedroom. Of course, you don’t have as much space in this case which is why you should focus on getting just the essentials when it comes to gym equipment. You won’t have to limit your use of equipment too much though. For instance, a set of weights with a stand doesn’t take much room yet it can be used for various strength exercises, be it barbells, dumbbells or kettlebells. That said, with a great commercial gym fitouts offer, you can make the most out of the space that you have regardless of its size.
3. Home gym essentials
Aside from the weights, which are absolutely essential for strength training, you’ll need other items to create an effective home gym. For starters, you want a cardio option. Now, your choice will depend on your preferred cardio workout as well as the space you have. For instance, if you really don’t have a lot of space to work with and you don’t mind some jumping, a jumping rope is definitely a great addition. On the other hand, if you do have some extra room for cardio equipment, you can pick between a cardio bike, stepper and/or maybe even a treadmill. An exercise mat is a must, of course. You might want to look into an exercise ball, a pull-up bar and a weight bench as well.
4. Video and audio equipment
If you’re exercising at home, you want to have motivating background music as well. In case your goal is to create a separate room for your home gym, you might also feel ready to invest in a proper stereo system. On the other hand, any type of audio device can play an important part as music can be really stimulating during the workouts. And if you want the full experience of a personal trainer, there are plenty of YouTube videos featuring pros and fitness enthusiasts showing the exercises. That said, you can put up a flat-screen TV on the wall of your home gym, use the TV in your living room and maybe even your computer if it’s conveniently located.
5. Create a nice atmosphere
It’s not easy to get in the mood for exercising even when you try your best to stick to the schedule. This is why it’s essential that the space for your home gym feels relaxing and motivating enough for you to willingly engage in physical activity and feel good while doing it. Essentially, your goal should be to create an atmosphere that’s rather pleasant for you in particular. That said, you might want to introduce colors that soothe you if you like to do yoga or those that make you energetic for some active cardio. Plants will also be very beneficial in this environment. You might also enjoy some personal touches such as fitness-inspired wall art, scented candles and/or incense, and similar.
The most important ingredient when making your home suitable for exercising is your will to actually exercise. By knowing yourself and your needs, you’ll find it easier to choose the perfect area in your home for this activity as well as get the necessary equipment that will work for your preferences.
