With so many people unable to hit the gym due to the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a gym at home is the best option to support your health. All you need is a room or even a small space to move around in.
Also, you don't need to spend a lot to create a workout space for yourself. Here is a guide on the best ways to create a gym at home.
- Pick an Ideal Space for a Home Workout
According to the fitness experts, the best fitness space is where a lot of natural light and air can come in from windows or doors. However, if such an option isn't possible, you can add proper lighting to the room as well as a nice cooling fan. Good light and comfortable flow of air can help you get in the right mood to exercise.
If you can’t find the right space indoors, maybe you can set things up on the terrace or workout in the garage with the garage door open?
- The Equipment You Will Use
The space you designate for creating a gym at home will depend on the type of equipment you plan on using. Most exercise machines require at least 2x2 meters of space.
If you already got a set routine at the gym, you will know what fitness equipment you need. If not, you should do a bit of research to decide what you should buy. If possible, you might want to book an online session with a personal trainer to discuss your fitness goals and what type of equipment will be most useful for your training program.
- Best Fitness Equipment for Cardio
Cardiovascular exercises help to get your heart rate up and burn fat at quite a fast rate. Here are a few options you can look into if you want to buy cardio machines that you can incorporate in your dream gym at home:
- Treadmill
- Rowing machine
- Exercise bike or Spin bike
- Turbo trainer
- Stair stepper
- Cross trainer
- A punching bag
Don't have space or money for such fitness equipment? Don't worry. All you need is enough space to do a body-weight cardio routine. So, think of the exercises you will be doing, such as lunges and burpees to know how much space you will need.
- Best Fitness Equipment for Strength
Building your muscle strength is essential for overall fitness (including keeping joints healthy). You can tone your body by holding small dumbbells while lunging, squatting, or crunching.
You can invest in a multi-gym with different pulleys, bars, levers that target major muscle groups. They are pretty safe and allow you to lift weights while offering proper support. If you plan to lift hefty weights, always have someone spot you.
No space or you have a budget issue? Well, you can always opt for smaller free weights. Also, lifting water bottles that weight at least 5 liters each or more can help give your arms a good workout.
- Best Fitness Equipment for Flexibility
A flexible body means you are less likely to suffer from injuries. Such a body also gives you better posture. You might not know this, but you do not need any special equipment to make your body more flexible. All you need is a high-quality mat.
If you feel like it, you can purchase resistance bands, exercise balls, and rollers to help you during your stretching and flexibility sessions.
- Finally, Don’t Forget to Relax!
You do not need to create a perfect home gym to punish yourself!
Relaxing is essential, especially while surviving a pandemic. Why not purchase a massage chair (if you can)? An aromatherapy diffuser can help you relax after a workout, too.
Wrapping it up, keep in mind that you don’t have create your dream gym all at once. You should start with the most-needed pieces and gradually build from there.
