When contemplating your options for optimizing a home gym, think carefully before doing anything else. This project will cost you time and space, as well as financial investment in decent exercise equipment. Utilize the following advice and tips to ensure your home gym is perfect.
Speak to an Expert
If you’ve frequented gyms regularly, you’re bound to know somebody you’d class as a gym layout expert. These people have extensive knowledge and experience in gym design and can provide valuable tips and tricks for you to consider.
It may be an exercise partner or the owner of the local gym, or perhaps you have the funds to hire a consultant. Whatever the case, two heads are better than one, and bouncing ideas off somebody knowledgeable will help with your decision process.
Choose Your Ideal Gym Equipment
Choose the gym equipment you most regularly utilize and assess your available space. Some may think working out these essential factors in reverse order would make more sense, but there is logic to doing the former first.
Having a clear idea of which equipment you need for the exercise routines you intend to do allows you to list them in order of priority. Before rushing in and buying whatever you might see first, consider your budget and activity. The following equipment may be good places to start:
- Kettlebells are beneficial for everything from low-impact cardio to core and strength training. They are convenient to use and don’t require much storage space.
- A resistance band also doesn’t need much space. It’s perfect for upper-body workouts like lateral raises, tricep extensions and bicep curls, and for targeting your lower body with squats, leg curls and lunges.
- A pull-up chin bar easily goes on a wall or in a corner and is an excellent choice for freeing up premium floor space for other equipment.
- Barbells are splendid additions to any home gym. They are detachable and easy to store and can be used for several free weight training exercises, including squats, bicep curls, bench and overhead presses and deadlifts.
- A power rack — also known as a squat rack or power cage — provides safety while bench pressing and serves as a spotter for barbell exercises. It’s large and bulky and will require space on your gym floor.
- A treadmill or a stationary bicycle will significantly improve your cardio routine. However, the space you have at your disposal will be crucial.
- Weight benches vary in size, price and functionality. They are primarily used for strength routines, but there are adjustable and Olympic benches that serve many purposes, such as chest and incline presses and seated rows. If space is limited, you might consider a Swiss ball a capable replacement.
Items like ab wheels, exercise mats, medicine balls and a good old jump rope don’t take up much space and are handy additions to a home gym.
Decide on Your Home Gym Area
The easiest place to create an at-home gym is the garage, but you may have limited home gym space — like a spare bedroom — at your disposal. The majority of indoor home gyms take up around a 25-foot x 35-foot area (ideally around the size of a 3-car garage), but you can plan accordingly to fit the space you have available.
If tight on space, you’ll have to be frugal when incorporating your equipment. Remember to use up the wall space you can for storage racks and cupboards to house any smaller equipment. Mounted storage hooks need even less space.
A room with high ceilings could incorporate a loft to store bulkier equipment like an exercise bike or treadmill. If you’re considering such storage, buy foldable bike and treadmill models, as they’re easier to store. Including benches or ottomans with inside storage will further increase your options.
Map Out Your Equipment’s Positions
It’s just as important to map out your specific gym equipment’s positions as it is to fit them into your gym because you want to flow between exercises. Arrange your machines so you aren’t clambering over one to get to another, thus keeping your routine relaxed.
Create an ambiance that elevates your exercise and promotes your productivity. If you can position your cardio equipment so you can watch television or take in a scenic view, you’ll likely enjoy your bike or treadmill time more.
Allocate enough space for your workouts, as well. For example, many standard kettlebell exercises incorporate side-to-side and up-and-down movements, so ensure you’re in an obstruction-free zone before performing them.
Make Sure Your Gym Feels Like Home
It’s ultimately your choice how you design your home gym, but one requirement will trump all others. You must enjoy being in your gym to get optimal use and benefit from it.
In addition to the above tips, create an atmosphere that feels like somewhere where you can thrive. When you feel comfortable, you can get in the right headspace to achieve your physical goals.
Author Bio
With a deep knowledge of workout optimization, Jack Shaw brings his expert opinions and insights to Modded Magazine as lead Fitness editor. His tips, guides and breakdowns have been showcased in publications worldwide, including BarBend, SimpliFaster and TrainHeroic.
