Home Gym Equipment Buying Tips
Consider your fitness level and types of exercises you want to do before you buy equipment for your home-gym. This will help you narrow your options and make a purchase you'll be using frequently.
The smart home gym Tonal, for example, employs electromagnets to mimic a cable machine. It also offers virtual classes and data tracking for an extensive workout at home.
Space
Home gym equipment is an excellent method to keep fit without the need to sign up for an exercise membership. If you're planning to build an entire fitness space or simply want to add some fitness gear to your living space You can make it happen with a bit of forward thinking.
To narrow down your options, you must consider your fitness goals and preferences for training. If you're a fan of lifting heavy weights and work your muscles, look for equipment that is suited to this type of training. If cardio is more your style, you might want to invest in a treadmill, or any other cardiovascular equipment that is low-impact.
You should also think about the space you have available to store your gym equipment since this will impact your overall budget. For instance, you'll need a pair of adjustable dumbbells to be able to meet your strength-training needs, but if you have small space, you might be able to do using a flat set.
Once you've got a good idea of what your training needs will be, draw out the dimensions of your space using blue painter's tack to help envision the setup. You can draw the tape to imagine what it will look like when you've gotten the equipment. This is especially helpful for smaller spaces where a gym would be unattainable.
You'll need to include an exercise bench and an squatrack to your setup. This piece of equipment can be used for a variety exercises, including bench presses, decline and incline movements. Make sure you choose benches that have ample support and are easy-to-assemble.
Anyone who trains by themselves will appreciate having mirrors in their fitness center, as this is a great method to ensure that you're exercising correctly. It can also help to identify areas that require improvement.
Functionality
Home gyms are a favorite option for those looking to cut out costly gym membership fees or work out in a more private environment. Take note of the type of workout you enjoy and how often you would like to exercise prior to purchasing equipment. Depending on your needs, you may need a variety or specific equipment such as dumbbells, weight benches, dumbbells or a functional trainer.
When you're shopping for home gym gear, it's important to also take into consideration how much space can be allocated to a workout space. Certain pieces of gym equipment weigh hundreds of pounds and take up a significant amount of storage space. Some, like the popular Life Fitness G7 home gym require just a 7-foot square area, and can be folded away for more flexibility and space.
Another aspect to consider is how easy it is to move and reposition your gym equipment at home. Some pieces have wheels that make it easy to move them and others are wall-mounted and require professional help to be relocated. This is especially important for families, as the equipment is likely to be used by the entire family.
If you're looking for a gym that is smart at home or free weights that are more traditional, make sure to look into each piece of equipment. Be sure to choose the right range for your body's shape and provides enough resistance to challenge.
Some of the top smart home gyms have built-in workouts and AI personal trainers who can offer a variety of workouts and challenges. This can be an excellent method to keep your workouts fresh and fun, as they can add fresh elements to your routine without the cost of personal trainers.
There are a variety of options for smart home gyms. While rowing machines are popular but other options are equally effective. For instance, the Freak Athlete Nordic Hyper Pro offers a wide variety of exercises including nordic hamstring curls, GHD sit-ups, and 45-degree back extensions. It supports people who are up to 7 feet tall and has 14 different incline variations. It is heavier to lift, and less flexible than the Vitruvian or Tonal however, it offers an excellent experience for a lower cost.
Aesthetics
The appearance of workout equipment can have a major impact on its appeal. Heavy, bulky machines can be intimidating and waste space in a small room however, slim, sleek pieces of equipment can provide a range of workout options to keep users interested and eager to come back to the gym.
Choose decor that matches your style to make your fitness area more inviting. For instance, this gym created by Joy Street Design features decorative mirrored walls and pretty wall sconces for task lighting. These features add a touch of luxury to the space and make it feel more like a retreat instead of gym.
If you're worried about the space-saving and cost-saving potential of home gym equipment go for a sleek pulley system that is able to double duty as a complete-body machine. This model from BOS Fitness offers a variety of attachments (including the rowing station as well as the triceps rope) and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Think about this all-in-one solution from Bowflex for a more comprehensive alternative. It has a compact footprint and 210 pounds of strength. This piece of home gym gear is perfect for people who want to cut down on space and want to have all their exercise needs met with one unit.
Pick pieces that can be folded or tucked away when not in use. For instance in this pool house that has been transformed into a workout space by Curated Nest, a hidden treadmill and stowable benches allow the area to function as a guest room when not being used for yoga or other relaxing exercises.
Crisp white paint isn't the only option to make your gym appear chic. A dark, moody hue such as the Farrow & Ball Hague Blue that is used in this Sunny Circle Studio room, can create a welcoming environment for working out while coordinating your equipment. A relaxing palette will aid you in focusing on your workout.
Budget
Home gym equipment can be expensive, especially if you choose expensive or highly-specialized pieces. A basic set of benches, weights and machines might be less expensive than you think. Also, think about how the initial investment could save you money in the future because you can avoid gym membership costs.
Before you shop, clarify your goals and decide what you use most frequently. This will help narrow your choices and make informed choices that fit into your budget. Also, avoid buying products that don't provide any benefits. Over-the-door pull up bars for instance, may not be strong enough for proper reps. Invest in a durable pull-up bar instead.
Compare in-store and online deals. Compare the online and in-store prices. Also, look for refurbished or secondhand equipment that is in good condition. In the first few months of the new year, when people attempt to stick to their New Year's Resolutions there are great bargains on gym equipment. In the later months, you can find even better deals as the fitness programs fall to the wayside.
When you purchase new equipment, be sure to ask about the return and warranty policy. Also inquire about the cost of professional installation for big items such as treadmills or squat racks. Finally, don't forget about the ongoing costs like flooring mirrors, TV mounting and flooring, which can add to.
leg exerciser might require some upfront expenses, but most users find that they save money in the long run compared to paying an annual gym membership. It's also less stressful to exercise at home than going to a gym each time. This could lead to you putting off your workouts and ultimately regressing in your fitness goals.
To keep your fitness equipment in good condition, clean yoga mats and other equipment after each use to avoid sweat and dirt accumulation. Additionally, you should regularly lubricate moving parts to keep the equipment running smoothly. This prevents overuse and excessive wear which could increase your chance of injury. It's also a good idea to get an exercise journal so that you can track your improvement over time and pinpoint areas of improvement.