How to design a home gym that makes you want to work out

Making a home gym may actually save you money. In Australia, a gym membership is getting increasingly high, year after year which is why we think it’s best to invest some cash and design yourself a functional home gym! So, let’s read on some tips that will help you create a nice place in which you can build your muscle and get toned for the summer!

1.  Find a good location

The first thing on your to-do list is to find a suitable room for all your equipment. Is there just one spare room available to you? Then you can create a home office and a home gym in one space. Maintain distinct areas for gym equipment and office supplies. Use furniture with built-in storage to hold kettlebells Australia, resistance bands, and yoga mats in order to keep your workout area free of clutter. You can always store equipment in beautiful storage boxes that can truly transform your room.

Another option could be to transform a boring basement into a well-lit home gym. The use of reflective surfaces, such as rubber flooring and lighting fixtures, as well as mirrors, will maintain the room feeling airy and bright. If you have a basement with a bathroom and kitchen, you may use the whole area as a gym.

Furthermore, building a home gym in the garage is a terrific option because of the garage's sturdy flooring, storage space, electrical outlets, and ventilation. It's possible to install a full sound system and get larger pieces of equipment such as a treadmill, elliptical, or stationary cycle in a garage.

2.  Get the right equipment

A home gym doesn't require an enormous amount of equipment or large machines in order to be useful. In reality, some of the greatest equipment for at-home workouts is both compact and affordable.

Do not feel obligated to get everything you need for your home gym at once. Begin with a few foundational elements and then go on from there. For even greater savings, put some things on your Christmas or birthday wish list or buy at used sports shops or garage sales. Online secon hand listings are a great idea too! You may even switch out with friends to cycle your gear for free.

Instead of squandering space and money on an expensive treadmill, consider picking up a cheap jump rope instead. You can even get a weighted jump rope, which is a little heavier to spin.

3.  Strength equipment is key

Strength training does not need the use of enormous cable equipment. A single kettlebell, a pair of adjustable dumbbells or a full dumbbell set, and/or a set of resistance bands may provide the same muscle toning benefits without the cumbersome storage issues that come with larger kettlebells. To maximize your core strength, utilize stability balls and BOSUs, however, they are difficult to store. If you don't have a lot of room in your home gym to spare, balancing discs are a great option. In addition, don't ever underestimate the power of bodyweight exercises, so a yoga mat is a must!

4.  Think about recovery

Recovery equipment is vital for every home gym, regardless of whether you're an aspiring bodybuilder or a cardio bunny. Foam rollers are a favorite of many fitness influencers, since they may be used for 'kneading' out muscles, strengthening your core, or even as a yoga prop. Using a foam roller on a daily basis may help minimize muscle fatigue and soreness, speed up recovery, and improve overall muscular function.

5.  Decorate your gym

It can sometimes be hard to stay motivated, especially if you work out from home. This is why decorating your gym area is so important. You may place some inspirational posters on the walls - this is definitely the cheapest option.

Furthermore, never underestimate the power of music. When you hype yourself up with the right tunes your workout will feel like it lasted minutes! This is why a good sound system is truly essential. If you’re short on space, you can get good BlueTooth speakers you can later use even when you’re on the go.

Setting up a home gym doesn’t have to be hard - the hard part is actually sticking to the routine. However, if you make yourself a space you truly like, decorate it to your own preferences, and get all the equipment you need, you’ll be on par with Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime in no time!

How to Create the Best Gym in Your Home

Working out is one of the most beneficial habits for your health, so hitting the gym is a must. However, gyms can not only get expensive but also be stuffy, noisy, crowded and uncomfortable for many people. If you feel the same about public gyms, why not create a personal gym in your home? With only a few design moves and equipment pieces, you can work out like a boss every day!

Carve space for your home gym

This should always be your starting point before you go ordering a bunch of things online for your future home gym. Some people have enough space for an entire room dedicated to their gym, some have a corner in their bedroom for working out and some simply work out in their living room. Depending on your space, you will start buying equipment and gear. The best solution is to keep your home gym located somewhere away from distractions (upstairs or in the basement). This way, you won’t disturb others with noise and you won’t be distracted by your family. Just don’t wait for the ideal space for a home gym to appear—you’ll never get fit then.

Consider flooring and walls

Before any equipment gets in your space, make sure to tackle the floors and walls. Gym flooring should be well-insulated for noise (especially if your gym is upstairs) and be soft enough to add a bit of cushioning for your exercises. There are special gym flooring squares you can grab for areas that get the most traffic. When it comes to the walls, mirrors are a must. Mirrors in the gym are not there for vanity (even though they provide you with a great selfie and flexing space) but they allow you to keep an eye on your form, thus preventing injuries. And of course, you don’t have to cover all the walls with mirrors, but at least one or two deserve this treatment.

Gym fitout

When the skeleton of your home gym is complete, you can start the fun part—putting equipment inside. If you want to let professionals handle your home gym gear, you can consult with gym fitout experts and hire them to provide you with everything from cardio machines to strength-training equipment. For the best home gym, it’s necessary to provide yourself with a balanced workout plan that involves both cardio and resistance training. And don’t think you need all the machines to get fit! Some free weights, some cable machines, one cardio machine and a few accessories will be able to provide you with hundreds of different exercise and workout programs.

Storage and organizing

Leaving equipment all over the floor of your home gym is not recommended for many reasons. Trip hazards on the floor can cause serious injuries that can stop you from working out forever. Plus, it simply doesn’t look motivating to work out in a messy space. Luckily, with a few storage solutions, you can have all your equipment in its designated space. Cabinets are perfect for smaller equipment and workout accessories, hooks are great for ropes and cables while racks are perfect for free weights.

Entertainment

For many, working out is the ultimate form of entertainment, but if you enjoy longer cardio sessions or need extra motivation to hit your PRs, you will need music and visuals. A TV is a great idea for a home gym, because it will allow you to watch your favorite TV shows and movies while you sweat it out on the treadmill or bike. Also, music is a great motivator so a proper sound system is necessary for all sessions.

Feel free to personalize the space as you wish and add various forms of motivation for those extra hard sessions. That’s it—you’ve just created your home gym ready to get you fit and healthy.

Home Gym Set-Up: Is It Worth Investing In?

Home Gym Set-Up: Is It Worth Investing In? 

If you're like most people, the gym is probably not your favorite place to be. It's crowded, sweaty, and full of people who seem to know what they're doing - while you're struggling to figure out how to use the elliptical machine.

The good news is that you don't need a gym membership to get in shape. You can get just as many - if not more - benefit from working out at home.

So you’ve decided to take your fitness regime to the next level. You want to get out of the gym and into your own home. You want to invest in a home gym to have exclusive access to it whenever you feel like working out or getting fit.

But there are so many options and different pieces of equipment out there. How do you know what’s right for you? Is a home gym setup worth investing in, or will it just be another expensive toy taking up space in your house?

Read on to find out if a home gym is ideal for your needs and whether buying individual items is more cost-effective than setting up an entire room as a dedicated fitness space.

What Is A Home Gym?

A home gym is a self-contained exercise area designed for the specific use of strength training and cardio. The equipment is intended to be used in a space other than a commercial gym to provide the same (or better) level of service.

Home gyms can be used by people of all ages and fitness levels and they come in various shapes and sizes. The majority of home gyms feature cardio equipment, resistance machines, and free weights.

The most common type of home gym is a room-based setup, which comes with its equipment, and can provide all the tools necessary to get a great full-body workout.

Smaller home gyms that fit into a corner of a room or are portable enough to put away when not in use can be great for those living in smaller spaces.

Why Invest In A Home Gym?

There are many reasons why you should consider investing in a home gym.

The most obvious reason is that it saves you money in the long run. A gym membership can cost anywhere from $20 to $100 per month, depending on where you live and what kind of facilities you're looking for. That adds up to $240 to $1,200 per year - money that could be used to pay off debt, save for a rainy day, or invest in your future.

Another reason to invest in a home gym is that it's more convenient than going to the gym. You don't have to worry about driving there, finding a parking spot, and dealing with the crowds. You can work out whenever you want, for as long as you want, and in the privacy of your own home.

If you have kids, a home gym can be a great way to get them involved in fitness and healthy living at an early age. You can set up a play area for younger children while you're working out, and older kids can use the equipment under your supervision.

Finally, a home gym can help you get and stay in shape. If you're motivated to work out, you're more likely to stick with it - and see results.

Investing In Cardio Equipment

Exercise Bike

An exercise bike is a great cardio machine and is a great low-impact option for those recovering from injury or aiming to avoid knee or joint issues. It’s an excellent way to strengthen your leg muscles without putting too much pressure on your joints.

Elliptical Trainer

An elliptical trainer is a great way to get a full-body workout while also targeting specific muscle groups more than others. It’s an excellent option for building strength and maintaining endurance in a single workout session.

Treadmill

A treadmill is a great all-rounder for any home gym. You can use it for running, walking, and even HIIT training.

Stepper

A stepper is a great way to build lower body strength and can be used to replace or complement a treadmill session.

Investing In Weight Equipment

Barbell

A barbell is the staple weight lifting equipment, and you can use it for a variety of weighted exercises, such as squats and deadlifts.

Dumbbells

These are great for adding variety to your muscle-building regime and can be used for various exercises.

Weight Bench

A weight bench is a must for any serious weight lifter, and a bench with adjustable seats can be used for various exercises.

Power Rack

A power rack is a crucial piece of equipment for any serious weight lifter and is used for various exercises, including squats, bench presses, and bent-over rows.

Investing In Accessories

Exercise Mat

No home gym is complete without an exercise mat to protect your floor and provide you with a stable surface to perform your exercises on.

Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are a versatile piece of equipment that can help build strength in your muscles.

Jump Rope

A jump rope is a great piece of equipment to help add variety to your cardio routine and improve your coordination.

Riser Platform

A riser platform is a great way to help you spice up your weight lifting routine and is perfect for anyone who wants to start performing weighted exercises.

How Much Does A Home Gym Setup Cost?

The cost of a home gym can vary depending on the equipment you choose, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 - $3,000 for an entire setup, depending on what you need. Side note:

Be sure to factor in the cost of maintenance, repairs, and upkeep. Depending on the equipment you choose, your monthly rate of return can vary, but you can expect to get your money back in as little as nine months.

Pros Of Having A Home Gym

Full-body workouts - You might focus on a specific muscle group or neglect others entirely at the gym. A home gym gives you the freedom to perform full-body workouts, arguably more effective than single-muscle exercises.

More focused attention - As mentioned, you may be sharing equipment or waiting for your turn to use it at the gym. This is all part of the gym experience, but you don’t have to put up with it when you have your equipment.

More time freedom - Gyms are busy places, so you may find yourself waiting around or rushing your workout to fit in with other people’s schedules. A home gym can be used whenever you like, so you can train at a time that suits you. -

More privacy and comfort - You get to decide who you let into your home and when, so you can tailor the privacy and comfort of your equipment use as you see fit. -

No more crowded machines - Whether you rely on a particular machine at the gym or not, they can often be very popular pieces of equipment. You don’t have to wait around for those machines with a home gym anymore.

Is It Worth Investing In A Home Gym Set Up?

Of course, setting up your home gym can be a bit of an investment. But if you're serious about getting fit, it's worth it. Here's why:

You'll Save Money In The Long Run

Gym memberships can be expensive, and they usually require you to sign a long-term contract. If you cancel your membership, you may be charged a hefty fee.

On the other hand, once you've invested in equipment for your home gym, it's yours to keep - no matter what happens. And if you take good care of it, it will last for years. In the end, you'll save money by working out at home.

A mini gym is an initial investment that will quickly pay for itself and then some. There's no need to waste time traveling to and from the gym when you work out at home.

You can also say goodbye to expensive gym clothes, shoes, and accessories. All you need is a comfortable pair of shorts and a shirt, and you're good to go.

You Won't Have To Deal With Crowds

The gym can be more enjoyable when it's not packed with people. When you work out at home, you won't have to wait for machines or weights - everything will be right there, ready for you to use.

You Can Work Out On Your Own Schedule

Gym hours can be restrictive, and it can be tough to find time to fit a workout into your busy schedule. When you have a home gym, you can work out anytime - day or night.

You Can Create The Perfect Environment For Your Workout

Some people love working out to their own music, while others prefer complete silence. Some like to watch TV, while others prefer to focus on their form and breathing.

When you're in charge of your own home gym, you can create the ideal environment for your workout, dimming the lights, cranking up the tunes, or anything else that helps you get in the zone.

You Can Tailor Your Workout To Your Own Goals

If you're trying to lose weight, build muscle, or get in better shape, you can create a workout routine tailored specifically to your goals.

And since you won't be distracted by other people at the gym, you'll be able to focus on your form and push yourself to reach your potential.

Cons Of Having A Home Gym

• Equipment upkeep: You have to clean your equipment and keep it in good condition.

• Lack of accountability: You’re the only one who knows if you skipped a workout.

• Lack of socialization: You miss out on the camaraderie of working out in a group setting.

• Lack of variety: You can’t take advantage of group exercise classes or other special programs offered at the gym.

• Lack of specialized equipment: You won’t be able to do specific exercises that require specialized equipment, like indoor rock climbing, swimming, or certain types of yoga.

• Lack of trainers: You don’t have the guidance of a personal trainer who can help you stay on track with your fitness goals.

• Lack of group exercise classes: You miss out on group exercise classes, which are a great way to stay on track with your fitness goals and make new friends.

• More expensive than a gym membership: You have to pay for all the equipment and space in your home and maintenance costs, which can add up to more than your monthly local gym membership fees.

What To Look For In A Home Gym Setup

Most importantly, you have to find the right fitness equipment for you. Don’t just buy what’s popular or what your friends have. It may not be suitable for you. You also have to consider the space you have available.

A full-blown gym might not be a good fit if you have limited space. You also have to look at your budget. You can find cheaper alternatives to popular gym equipment like resistance bands and medicine balls.

With all that said, here are a few things to look for in a home gym setup:

Fitness Goals

What fitness goals do you have? What exercises do you want to focus on? These should be your starting point when setting up a home gym.

Budget

What is your budget? How much can you afford to invest in a home gym setup? You can find cheaper alternatives to popular gym equipment like resistance bands and medicine balls. You can also get creative and repurpose furniture or use items you already have at home.

Space

Do you have enough space to set up your home gym? If you have limited space, you might have to scale back your equipment or consider setting up a smaller area like a corner of your room.

Quality

What level of quality do you want? Do you want commercial-grade equipment, or are you willing to settle for lower-grade products? There are various factors to consider when looking at equipment quality, like construction materials, weight capacity, and warranty coverage.

Conclusion

Having your own basic home gym can help you get fit and stay healthy. It can also be a great way to de-stress after a long day at work. However, it’s important to note that a home gym isn’t for everyone, nor does it come cheap.

You should only invest in home gym setups if you’re serious about getting fit and want to build a healthy routine for yourself. If you’re unwilling to put in the work and discipline required to use your home gym, it won’t be worth the investment.

Investing in a home gym may not be cheap - but it's worth it if you're serious about getting fit. With all of its benefits, there's no reason not to make the investment.

How to Turn Your Unfinished Basement into a Home Gym

Thanks to our perennially sedentary lifestyle, more and more of us are out of shape than at any time in history. Unfortunately, this trend does not seem to be ending anytime soon. This is why it is absolutely imperative that we take steps to get back in shape. The alternative consists of the evils of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure leading to heart attacks and strokes to quote but a few drawbacks of being out of shape. However, it does not have to be this way at all. Not if we make exercise an important part of our day-to-day regimen. 

The best and easiest way of doing so is to build our very own gym, right in the comfort of our own home. Here, many people have unfinished basements that they plan on turning into dens or home cinemas, or even game rooms. You might consider turning your unfinished basement into a home gym so that everyone in the family can use it to exercise and thereby regain their fitness. Here is how you can go about doing that: 

• Declutter your basement

Unfinished basements have a habit of gathering clutter that doesn’t seem to belong anywhere else. Broken furniture, baseball, bats, and all the other assorted flotsam and jetsam end up in the basement. Decluttering it and getting rid of years of accumulated junk will help you to actually see what you are supposed to do and how you can go about doing it. 

• Paint the walls

Walls can provide that extra bit of inspiration for your workouts. You can paint the world "GYM" in big bold letters and throw in lots of inspirational quotes that will help you to keep going long after you are tired. Finally, bold and light colors also help to create the right ambiance to get you into the mood. In a nutshell, your walls should be painted in such a way that once you enter the gym you would not want to leave, till you are done with a grueling workout. 

• Ceiling and floor

Many people don’t give proper attention to the ceiling. But considering the time you will spend pumping iron while lying flat on your back, it is a good idea to treat the ceiling in much the same way you would treat your walls. Similarly, it won’t do to exercise on a hard and cold concrete floor. If you accidentally drop any weights, it might damage the floor or any flooring you might have installed. It is a good idea to use thick rugs and old carpets or even a wall-to-wall carpeting solution. This way, you will be able to exercise on the floor in all kinds of weather. Moreover, dropping weights will not be an issue nor would it be very noisy. However, it is advisable to find out if your basement is leak and damp-proof lest the floor coverings are ruined every time it rains. 

• Lighting fixtures 

Lighting is of paramount importance in any home basement gym. If you can’t see what you are doing you might be liable to injure yourself. At the same time, gloomy lights can demotivate you and you might not feel like working out at all. Instead of fluorescent lighting or bare bulbs hanging all over the place, consider your basement every bit as important as every other room in your house. Moreover, you have to take into consideration what kind of light inspires you the most.  If you work best in white light go for that. Alternately, if warm lights are your thing, then make sure that your basement gym has a lot of those. You can also use string lights to attract you to certain calorie-burning machines.   

• Equipment list 

Make a list of the essential equipment to include in the basement gym. For example, you will need weight plates, running machines, exercise bikes, elliptical machines, and so on and so forth. 

• Conclusion

Your unfinished home basement does not need to remain that way for long. You can paint it over, get fresh flooring and adequate lights, and fill it up with gym equipment to create your very own home gym. Good Luck!