by Kyle Decker, ATC, CSCS FAST Stetson Village
Home gyms are a great way to stay fit without the commitment and expense of joining a gym or going elsewhere every day. Choosing the right equipment lets you have everything you need right in your house. But before you buy anything, there are some things you should know about all the options available and how they could impact your goals—and wallet!
Consider Your Space
If you plan to invest in a home gym, you’ll want to ensure that it fits into the space available in your house. It’s important to consider how much room there is for moving around and where exactly you will store all the equipment. Consider how much space it will take up when folded or disassembled and how easy it is to set up and take down. Some models come with storage systems, so they can be tucked away when not in use, but most will need a separate area for storage.
If you have limited space, you may consider a smaller model or one you can fold away. You’ll also need to consider how many people you plan on using your home gym with —if you plan on using it for yourself and your family, then a smaller model will probably be sufficient. If you plan on having friends and family over or training for an athletic event, you’ll want to get something large enough to accommodate everyone who intends to use it.
Think About Your Goals
What do you want to achieve? Are your fitness goals primarily aesthetic? Or do they involve gaining muscle and losing fat? Perhaps you’re aiming for an athletic body or a more functional physique to handle all sorts of activities. Maybe it’s just a matter of being able to work out at home rather than driving somewhere every time you want to lift weights or jog on a treadmill.
Whatever the case, considering these questions will help get things off on the right foot when shopping for home gym equipment. You’ll be able to find an option that fits your budget while still meeting your needs—and then maybe even exceeding them!
Budget
Your budget for your home gym equipment should be considered a guide, not a restriction. The best thing about having a home gym is that you can start small and add equipment as needed (or desired). Set aside enough money to cover the essentials, but don’t let the budget become an overbearing factor in your decision-making process. It’s more important to make sure that what you buy fits your fitness goals than spend hundreds of dollars on things that will remain unused because they’re too expensive or unnecessary.
The best way to ensure you don’t overspend is to list what you need and prioritize it. Your budget should be determined by the most critical items on that list, not by how much money is left over after everyone else gets what they want. If you start small with just one or two pieces of equipment and then build up from there as needed, your home gym will evolve like any other part of your fitness routine.
Is It Portable?
Another important consideration is how easy it is to move the equipment around. Ideally, you want to be able to reposition your home gym equipment quickly and easily. This will be essential in their selection process for people with limited space. If you have a big garage or basement, this may not be much of an issue. You can leave your equipment in place if you want and move it out of the way when it’s not in use. The key is ensuring that your gym equipment is easy to assemble and disassemble, so moving it around will be a simple process.
When considering portability and ease of assembly/disassembly, remember that most machines weigh over 100 pounds (45 kg) and have several parts you must assemble before using them for the first time. So, if multiple people are involved in this process, consider whether having extra hands makes the job easier for everyone involved! Also, note how long each step takes so there aren’t any surprises later on down the road.
Prioritize Multi-Functional Equipment
If you’re looking for the best home gym equipment and want to save money, look for multi-functional exercise machines. For example, if you’re trying to decide between a Bowflex or an elliptical machine, the Bowflex may be the better choice because it offers more exercise options and can work for both men and women.
Multi-functionality will help you get away with fewer pieces of equipment if space is at a premium in your home gym. Multi-functionality can also keep boredom at bay by giving you more variety when working out at home—and that’s important if you stick with working out! It might seem like having several different pieces of equipment would lead to confusion about which ones to use for what purpose, but once you set them up correctly, it shouldn’t be hard to remember how they work together effectively.
Finally, don’t forget that getting injured while exercising is never fun! Having multiple types of equipment available will allow people who may not feel comfortable using a kind, in particular, access other ways without sacrificing progress toward fitness goals because their joints aren’t up for specific movements.
Buy Quality and Ergonomic Equipment
When it comes to the best home gym equipment, you must look at the quality. The better the quality of your equipment, the longer it will serve you and make your workouts more comfortable. It’s wise to spend money on things that will last when purchasing equipment for your home gym.
You want to ensure that whatever item you buy is well-made and durable to withstand continuous use over time without breaking down or wearing out. It should also be ergonomic because it helps with comfort during exercise sessions, making them more fun!
Choose Equipment That Can Grow With You
Choosing the right home gym equipment will help you get the most out of your workouts. The best way to select equipment that can grow with you is by starting small and building up from there. Beginners, intermediate, and advanced athletes all need different types of home gym equipment, so knowing which type you will need as you progress in your fitness journey is essential.
Choosing the right type of home gym equipment for where you are now can make it much easier for you to grow into more advanced exercises when it comes time for those extra heavy-duty workouts. Choosing adjustable items to fit different body sizes and shapes.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a professional athlete, weekend warrior, or want to get in shape, choosing the right sports equipment is the best way to stay fit in the comfort of your home. What you need in a home gym is personal, so choose equipment based on what will best support your goals and needs.
For example, if you need help with balance training, look for products that can provide stability while working out. To improve cardiovascular health, look for equipment for high-intensity workouts without sacrificing your joints or muscles during exercise.
Contact any of our Foothills Sports Medicine Physical Therapy clinics if you need help choosing sports equipment or assistance with your home workouts. We can advise what gear works best for particular goals, and we’ll help you develop a routine that will keep you healthy and happy.
If you are interested in personal or sports performance training with customized workouts tailored to all fitness levels and abilities, we have several FAST Performance Training locations throughout the valley. FAST trainers have the experience, education, and expertise to get you up and on your way to achieving your fitness goals—FAST!
