Even if you already have a gym membership, a home gym is the best way to complement your workout routine. Having fitness equipment at home helps you to be more aware of your health. However, this is no easy task: you have to take into account a number of factors to create a space where you really enjoy working out. That’s why we’ve summarised the most important aspects you should take into account when planning your dream gym.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
ATMOSPHERE
The right environment can inspire and motivate you. No matter where you place your machines, try to create an area that allows you to escape from the distractions of everyday life. The training area can be a space for both exercising at home and recharging your batteries.
LIGHTNING
Lighting has the ability to transform any space. Try adding bright or dim lights to add intensity, or use softer lighting to create a relaxation zone. Coloured lights can help you create a unique space that helps you concentrate.
MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
Music is a great motivational tool. You can always use headphones, but since you’re at home, you have multiple options for adding sound bars and speakers. Your existing TV can serve as a distraction during long cardio sessions at home.
COLOR
Whether it’s your favourite team’s logo, a splash of colour or motivational images, adding elements that inspire you helps you progress and create an environment you’ll enjoy spending time in. Bring out your creative side!
MIRRORS
Mirrors are a great way to amplify the light in your home gym and make it look bigger. At the same time, they allow you to see how your body is developing.
SOILS
This is an important but often overlooked issue that depends on your training style. If you primarily use cardio machines, a mat under the equipment to protect the floor and a yoga mat for stretching will suffice. But if you place dumbbells and weights on the floor, consider a sturdier option to better protect it and minimize noise.
ELECTRICITY
When planning your home gym, check where the electrical outlets are in the room. This will help you decide where to place machines that require electricity, such as treadmills and ellipticals.
WHAT FITNESS EQUIPMENT SHOULD I INCLUDE?
CARDIO MACHINES
A cardio machine is a staple in most fitness routines. Even if you prefer to go running or cycling outdoors, cardio machines are a great help when the weather is bad. They also allow you to perform specific workouts and record your data, helping you to see your progress. There are several types of cardio machines, including treadmills, upright and recumbent bikes, indoor cycling bikes, elliptical trainers, and rowing machines.
SIZE
One of the determining factors when selecting home gym machines is size. Treadmills typically take up the most space of any other machine, followed by ellipticals. Indoor cycling bikes and rowing machines typically take up the least space.
MOBILITY AND STORAGE
Another important factor to consider is the ability to move and store home gym equipment. Some treadmills can be folded up when not in use, which frees up a lot of space. Rowing machines can easily be moved and stored upright in a corner or high cupboard. If you don’t have much space, these are great advantages.
ENTERTAINMENT
Some cardio equipment offers limited entertainment options, while others are practically like a smart TV and include workout programming, apps, data logging, etc. Choose the entertainment experience that best suits your workout routine.
COMFORT AND PRACTICALITY
Many products have additional features beyond the console or workout programming. Quality treadmills absorb shock to minimize stress on joints. Features such as automatic stop, side platforms for easy stepping on and off, side bars, and quiet operation can be important if the equipment will be used by multiple users.
STRENGTH MACHINES
There are several types of home strength training equipment, each with its own advantages. Your goals, preferred training method, and available space will determine which is the best option for you.
CABLE MOTION TECHNOLOGY
CMDAP – Cable Motion Dual Adjustable Pulley machines are a great option that combines the great features found in home gym systems and free weights. CMDAPs use two cable pulleys to lift a built-in weight stack, allowing the user to select the desired resistance. The cables allow the user to define the paths of movement, allowing for a variety of exercises to train the entire body. CMDAPs typically take up more space than most equipment and require a higher ceiling. A CMDAP also requires more space around it to perform the exercises.
Fixed motion technology
Home Gym Systems: Home Gym machines allow you to perform a wide variety of exercises in a compact design. They have built-in resistance. Home Gym machines offer an experience similar to the selectorized machines found in fitness centers, with fixed movement paths that work specific muscle groups.
Smith Machine: This machine offers great versatility and allows the user to perform many of the typical rack exercises, but in a design tailored to individual training. Smith Machine systems have an integrated bar, but require plates to provide resistance and it is also necessary to add a bench to expand training options.
FREE WEIGHT
Dumbbells: Free weights offer complete control over the path of movement. Every home gym should have one or two dumbbells, as they are small and easy to store.
Racks: Incredibly versatile, they offer you the ability to perform compound exercises ideal for functional and strength training. Racks are the perfect option for those who want to train with free weights, but consider adding a bar and plates for this option. A bench will also be necessary if you are thinking of building your gym around the rack. Racks are configurable and offer the option to add multiple accessories to perform all types of exercises and workouts, such as functional or bodyweight.