Home Gym Equipment Buying Tips
Think about your fitness level and the types of exercises you want to do before you buy equipment for your home-gym. This will help narrow your choices to make an informed purchase that you will use frequently.
For instance, the wall-mounted smart home gym Tonal uses electromagnets to mimic the cable machine, but it also includes virtual classes (and data tracking) for an even more complete at-home workout experience.
Space
Home gym equipment can be an excellent method to stay healthy, without having to juggle the obligations of a gym membership. If you're looking to construct a full-blown workout space or simply want to add some fitness equipment to your living space you can do it by a more forward thinking.
Review your goals for fitness and your preferences in training to help narrow your options. If you're someone who likes to lift heavy weights and exercise your muscles, look for equipment that can support this type of exercise. If you're more interested in cardio however, consider purchasing treadmills or other cardiovascular equipment that is low-impact.
You should also think about the space you have available to store your gym equipment as this will affect the overall budget. You'll need to invest in an adjustable dumbbell set to help you build strength however, if space is limited, you may be able get away with a flat-set.
Once you have a sense of what your training requirements will be, map out the dimensions of your space using blue painter's tape to assist you in envision the setup. You can draw the tape to visualize what it will look like once you've moved in the equipment. This is particularly helpful in smaller spaces that cannot accommodate a full-blown gym.
You'll need to add an exercise bench and the squatrack in your set-up. This can be a versatile piece of equipment that allows you to perform a variety of exercises, from bench presses to incline and decline exercises. Look for benches with plenty of support and that are easy to assemble.
Mirrors are a must for anyone who trains on their own. They will help ensure that they are doing the exercises correctly. It can also help identify any areas that need improvement.
Functionality
Home gyms can be an excellent option for those who want to avoid expensive gym membership costs or exercise in a private setting. Before purchasing equipment, consider the kind of workouts you are interested in and how often you plan on working out. Depending on your needs you might need various types of fitness equipment or something more specific like a functional trainer dumbbells or a weight bench.
When you're shopping for home gym gear, it's important to also take into consideration how much space can be allocated to a training space. Some pieces of gym equipment weigh hundreds of pounds and require a lot of storage space. Others, such as the popular Life Fitness G7 Home Gym only require a 7-foot square area and can fold away to save space.
Another aspect to think about is how easy it is to move and reposition your gym equipment at home. Some pieces are mounted on wheels and can be moved easily and others require professional assistance to move. This is especially important for families as the equipment will likely be used by everyone in the family.
If you're looking for a modern home gym or just a set of traditional free weights, be sure you research the features of every piece of equipment. Make sure it has the right range for your body's shape and provides enough resistance to test.
Many of the top smart home gyms offer built-in workouts or AI personal trainers who can offer a variety of workouts and challenges. This is a great method to keep your workouts interesting and enjoyable, since they can add new aspects to your routine without the expense of a personal trainer.
There are many options available for smart home gyms. While rowing machines are popular, other options can be equally efficient. For example, the Freak Athlete Nordic Hyper Pro provides a wide variety of exercises including nordic hamstring curls, GHD sit-ups, and 45-degree back extensions. leg exerciser is able to accommodate individuals 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, but offers an excellent experience at a lower cost.
Aesthetics
The design of fitness equipment can have a significant impact on its appeal. Bulky, heavyweight equipment can be intimidating and eat up a lot of space in a tiny space. However sleek, compact pieces provide a range of exercise options that will keep users engaged and motivated.
Add decor that suits your style to make your home gym more inviting. This space, designed by Joy Street Design, features decorative mirrored wall and pretty wall sconces to provide task lighting. These accents add a bit of luxury to the space and make it feel more like a sanctuary rather than an exercise facility.
If you're worried about space and budget, choose an adjustable pulley system that can also function as a complete body machine. This model by BOS Fitness comes with a range of attachments, including an exercise machine that can row and the triceps rope. It's also covered by a limited warranty.
For a more complete solution, look into this all-in-one solution from Bowflex. It has a small footprint and 210 pounds of strength. While it's not going to train your legs as well as a leg press designed specifically for you but this piece of home gym equipment is ideal for those looking to save space and have their workout requirements met in one.
Select pieces that fold or hidden when not in use. In this pool house-turned-workout space by Curated Nest hidden treadmill, stowable benches and other pieces allow the space to be used as a guest room when it is not being used for restorative yoga or other exercises.
White paint isn't the only option to make your gym feel stylish. A moody deep hue, such as the Farrow & Ball Hague Blue seen in this room created by Sunny Circle Studio, helps create a more inviting space to work out in and matching with the equipment you choose. A soothing palette helps you to concentrate on your workout, too.
Budget
Home gym equipment can be costly particularly if you opt for expensive or highly-specialized pieces. A basic set of weights, benches and machines might be less expensive than you think. Be aware that the initial investment will save you money over time since you won't need to pay for gym memberships.
Set your goals prior to when you start shopping and decide what you'll be using the most. This will help you narrow down your options and make smart decisions that are within your budget. Don't buy gimmicks or other gadgets that aren't really useful. For instance, pull-ups with an over-the-door design bars may not be strong enough to do proper reps. Make sure you invest in a sturdy pull-up bar instead.
Compare in-store and online deals. Compare the prices online and in store offers. Also, look for secondhand or refurbished equipment that's in good working order. You'll often find a great deal on gym equipment in the beginning of the year as people try to stick with their New Resolutions for the New Year. In the later months, you can find even better deals as the fitness plans go by the wayside.
When purchasing new equipment, be sure to ask about return and warranty policies. Ask about the costs of installation for big items like treadmills or squat stands. Be sure to include regular costs such as TV mounting, flooring and mirrors.
A home gym might require some upfront costs but most customers find that they save money in the end compared to paying the cost of a gym membership. It is also more relaxing to exercise at home compared to go to a gym every single time. This can lead to you not working out and eventually regressing to your fitness goals.
To keep leg exerciser in good condition, clean yoga mats and other equipment after every use to avoid sweat and dirt buildup. Additionally, you should regularly grease moving parts to ensure that equipment is running smoothly. This helps prevent overuse and excessive wear, which can increase your chance of injuries. It's also a good idea to get an exercise diary so you can keep track of your progress over time and identify areas of improvement.