If you have the space – and it doesn’t take much – a home gym can be a worthwhile investment. But what kind of fitness equipment should you get for working out at home?
Working out on your own isn’t for everybody. Some people will buy home workout equipment and never use it. Some people prefer the gym because they find better motivation in group classes or training around other people on the same fitness journey.
However, we are all busy people, and most of us are pretty slick at finding reasons to not get into the car and drive to the gym. Working out at home is a lot easier because we only have to make it to the garage!
So, whether your gym membership is starting to strain your wallet or you find yourself struggling to find make time for exercise in your busy schedule, it might be time to consider working out at home.
For those of you who are under a time crunch and are self-motivated, remember this: Even if the initial outlay for home fitness equipment is more than the price of a gym membership or personal training package, if investing in a home gym has you actually working out on a regular basis, it’s a better investment than spending monthly dues on a gym you never attend!
What Kind of Fitness Equipment To Get For Working Out At Home
So, now you’ve made the decision to build a gym in your spare room or your garage, but what does this mean? How exactly does one build a home gym?
If you’re on a budget, check the local classifieds or Craigslist for great deals on exercise equipment. If you live near a college or university, a great time to check listings is in the springtime when students are moving back home for summer and selling off their possessions.
An at-home workout can be just as effective as a studio session, and you might find that it’s easier to fit home workouts into your busy schedule when you don’t have to schlep equipment to the gym or remember to pack your sneakers.
All it takes is a little motivation and the right equipment to get it done. But if you’re not sure what you need for an effective at-home workout, there are a lot of places to start researching what works for you.
This is the reason why the sale of exercise equipment has seen an increase in recent years. But finding high quality, useful fitness equipment that you can use at home is easier said than done. Keep the following six things in mind to find the best fitness equipment for home gym:
The Different Categories of Home Exercise Equipment
Gym equipment can broadly be classified into cardio and strength training. Equipment such as treadmill and stationary cycle falls under the cardio category, while weights, dumbbells, and shoulder press equipment are strength training. When buying home gym equipment, make sure you find out the functions and benefits of both types. To decide which type is best for you, the next step is to understand your fitness needs.
Evaluate Your Fitness Needs
Before buying home gym equipment, it is important to understand your fitness needs first. If you wish to burn calories and stay active to get rid of excess body fat – cardio equipment such as treadmills are great for you. On the other hand, if you aim to build muscle – then you should buy strength training equipment such as weights, barbells, or dumbbells.
It is also important that you should only buy the equipment which you have used before, under the supervision of a fitness trainer. That way, you will know the correct way of using the exercise equipment and pose no risk of injury.
Gym Equipment Cost
There is a wide range of home gym equipment available in the market. You will find cheap and expensive options for every kind of gym equipment out there. Always check the quality of the equipment and pay only for the best quality equipment that will be long-lasting. Also, it’s a wise move to check for second-hand equipment. You could find good quality second-hand gym equipment available for half or less than half the price there.
How Much Space Do You Need For A Home Gym?
Before you buy any exercise equipment, give a moment to think where in your home you can set it up. How much space do you need to set up the equipment and if you need additional space to work out on it? Think about the arrangement, storage, and cleaning of equipment before you decide what to buy.
Fitness Equipment Brands
If you are not sure about how to judge the quality of your fitness equipment, it is best to stick to a well-known brand with good reviews. You can be assured of quality and durability with branded exercise equipment. Invest in gym equipment from a good brand name and you will be sure to have a good user experience.
Finding Warranties and Maintenance Offers
Leading brands of gym equipment offer warranties and replacement terms. Always ask about the warranty when purchasing. And find out about the kind of maintenance your home gym equipment will need. Also, ask in advance about repair charges, availability of technicians for repairs if needed and availability of parts for replacement if needed.
Whatever your motivation for working out at home, it is wise to set up a home gym and plan your workout sessions in advance, just like you’d do for a workout in the gym. However, home gym equipment is a big investment – so make sure you think carefully about your fitness needs, home gym layout, and equipment budget before buying anything.
About The Author: Sancket Kamdar is a certified weightlifting coach, and a successful entrepreneur. Sancket founded SF HealthTech with a single goal in mind – to bring high quality, international standard exercise equipment to help fitness enthusiasts and athletes reach the next level of fitness. When he’s not working on new equipment ideas and designs, he loves to create educational content about health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness. He also writes to help budding entrepreneurs run and grow a successful fitness business.