Home Gym Equipment Buying Tips
Consider your fitness level and the kind of exercise you'd like to perform before you buy equipment for your home-gym. This can help you narrow down your options to make a wise purchase that you'll be using regularly.
For example the wall-mounted smart home gym Tonal uses electromagnets to mimic a cable machine but adds virtual classes (and data tracking) for an even more complete workout experience at home.
Space
Home gym equipment is an excellent way to stay in shape without the need to sign up for an exercise membership. You can incorporate fitness equipment into your living space, regardless of whether you intend to build an exercise facility or not.
Assess your fitness goals and training preferences to narrow down your options. If you're a fan of lifting heavy weights and work your muscles, then look for equipment that is suited to this type of training. If you're more interested in cardio however you might consider purchasing treadmills or other cardio equipment that is low-impact.
Take into consideration the space you have available for your equipment for your gym. This will affect your budget. For instance, you'll require a set of adjustable dumbbells that are able to be able to meet your strength-training needs however if you're in a limited space, you might be able to get away using a flat set.
You can use a blue painter's tape to visualize the space once you have figured out the training requirements you require. You can draw the tape so that you can see how it will look once the equipment is installed. This is especially useful in smaller spaces where a gym may be unattainable.
Aside from an squat rack, it's also need to think about adding an exercise bench to your set. It's a flexible piece of equipment that lets you perform a variety of workouts including bench presses, to decline and incline exercises. Choose benches that are easy to put together and provide plenty of support.
Anyone who trains alone will appreciate having mirrors in their home gym, as it is a great method to ensure that you are doing exercises correctly. Moreover, it will allow you to see any areas that could be improved.
Functionality
Home gyms are a popular choice for those who want to avoid costly gym membership fees or work out in a more private setting. Before buying equipment, think about what type of workouts you are interested in and how often you will be exercising. Based on your requirements you might require a variety of exercise equipment or a specific item like a functional trainer, weight bench, or dumbbells.
If you're in the market for gym equipment for your home it is important to think about how much space could be allocated to a workout area. Some pieces of gym equipment weigh hundreds of pounds and take up a lot of storage space. Some, like the popular Life Fitness G7 Home Gym is just a 7-foot square area and can fold away to save space.
You should also think about how it is simple to move and reposition the equipment in your gym at home. Some pieces are equipped with wheels for easy mobility and others are wall-mounted or need professional assistance when moving. For families, this is particularly important as it's likely that everyone in the family will use the equipment.
If you're in the market for a smart gym at home or free weights that are more traditional, make certain to investigate every piece of equipment. Be sure that it offers a range of motion that is able to adapt to your body's shape as well as enough resistance to challenge you.
The top smart home gyms come with built-in workouts and AI personal trainers that can offer a variety of workouts and challenges. This is a great way to keep your workouts fun and varied, as you can add new elements without having to pay for personal trainers.
While many people think of rowing machines when it comes to smart home gyms, there are other options that could be equally effective. The Freak Athlete's Nordic HyperPro is a good example. It offers a variety of exercises that include GHD sit-ups as well as 45-degree back extension. It can support people up to 7 feet tall and has 14 different incline variations. It is more difficult to lift and less flexible than the Vitruvian or Tonal however it provides an excellent experience at an affordable price.
Aesthetics
The appearance of equipment for workouts can have a major impact on its appeal. Bulky, heavyweight equipment can be intimidating and eat up space in a small space. However slim, sleek pieces offer a range of exercise options that will keep users engaged and motivated.
Choose decor that matches your style to make your fitness area more inviting. The space, designed by Joy Street Design, features attractive mirrored walls and beautiful wall sconces for task lighting. These details add a touch luxury to the space and make it feel more like a retreat than gym.
If you're concerned about space and budget, choose an adjustable pulley system that can also function as a complete body machine. This model from BOS Fitness comes with a variety attachments, including an exercise machine that can row and the triceps roping. It is also backed by a limited warranty.
Take a look at this all-in-one system from Bowflex for a more comprehensive alternative. It allows you to do many exercises in a compact footprint and offers the capacity of 210 pounds of strength. While it's not going to exercise your legs as effectively as a dedicated leg press it is a home gym equipment is perfect for those who wish to make space and have all their fitness needs met in one unit.
Select pieces that fold or tucked away when not in use. In this space that is a pool house turned workout area by Curated Nest hidden treadmill, stowable benches and other equipment allow the space to function as a guest room when not being used for yoga or other workouts.
White paint isn't the only option to make your home gym look stylish. A deep, moody tone like the Farrow & Ball Hague Blue that is used in this Sunny Circle Studio room, can create a relaxing setting for working out while coordinating your equipment. And a calming palette makes it easier to concentrate on your workout as well.
Budget
Home gym equipment can be expensive particularly if you select expensive or highly-specialized pieces. A basic set of benches, weights and machines may be cheaper than you think. Also, think about how the initial investment can save you money in the long run as you avoid the expense of gym memberships.
Clarify your goals before you start shopping and decide what you'll be using the most. This will allow you to narrow down your choices and make smart decisions that will fit within your budget. Also, stay clear of buying products that don't provide any benefit. For instance, pull-ups with an over-the-door design bars may not be strong enough to allow correct reps. Consider investing in a strong pull-up bar instead.
Compare in-store and online deals. Compare the prices on the internet and in stores. Also, look out for used or refurbished equipment that is in good condition. In the beginning of the new year, when people attempt to keep their New Year's resolutions, you can find great bargains on gym equipment. There are even more affordable deals when fitness plans are abandoned.
When buying new equipment, be sure to inquire about the return and warranty policy. Ask about the cost of installation for larger equipment like treadmills and squat stands. Don't forget to think about recurring expenses like flooring mirrors, TV mounting, and flooring that can add to.
A home gym could have some upfront costs, but the majority of buyers find they save money in the long run as compared to paying for the cost of a gym membership. It's also less stressful to exercise at home than to go to a gym every single time. This can lead to you abandoning your workouts and ultimately regressing in your fitness goals.
To keep your home gym equipment in top condition, clean mats, yoga mats and other equipment after every use to avoid sweat and dirt accumulation. Regularly lubricate moving components to ensure your equipment runs smoothly. This helps prevent overuse and excessive wear which could increase your chance of injuries. It's also recommended to invest in an exercise journal so you can track your progress over time and identify areas for improvement.