When it comes to exercising, it's not just about the way we look, although it is a thing that makes us confident. No, it's about the way we feel and the fact that we are putting our health as a priority. You may want to give your best and make fitness part of your everyday routine, but you can't find the time to go to the training center. The last thing you should do is to give up. There is always something you can do, like creating your home gym.
With numerous fitness equipment in the market, purchasing the right home gym equipment can be overwhelming! Since purchasing a home gym machine may involve a lot of investment and research on your part. We have done the research for you.
Here is a list of the top tips you need to know before buying a home gym, factors to consider, and our best home gym equipment recommendation. Let's begin!
Best Home Gym Equipment
1. Best Beginner Home Gym- Bowflex PR1000
- Weight Capacity 300 lbs.
If you are a beginner, Bowflex is the gym equipment for you. It offers everything a gym beginner needs to get started. Furthermore, you can do more than 25 different exercises that will cover your entire body on it. However, its rod system allows for up to 200 pounds of resistance, which is more than most beginners need when exercising.
Bowflex comes with a bench, which can convert to a rolling seat for aerobic rowing. You can also do strength and cardio workouts on it. Furthermore, Bowflex PR1000 has multiple cable pulley positions, which allow you to easily change the angle of resistance and increase numerous exercises' efficiency.
You don't have to worry about the gym space since Bowflex PR1000 has a vertical folding bench which, when folded, you can usethe space to do other exercises. Besides, it comes with a built-in media rack where you can place your dumbbells.
The Bowflex PR1000 is flexible, maneuverable and a casual fitness enthusiast will find it as a great piece of equipment for their everyday needs. Also, a person on a budget and still wants a workout machine at home will benefit a lot from Bowflex PR1000 home gym equipment.
One observation worth mentioning is that this equipment is meant for upper-body exercises. However, you can do leg extensions and curls on it.
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2. Best Budget Home Gym- Gold’s Gym XRS 50 Home Gym
The fact that Gold's gym XRS 50 is an all-in-one, weight stack-base home fitness equipment makes it the best option and affordable gym equipment to own. You can do essential workout routines you need for both upper-body and lower-body exercises. This makes it worth investing in.
Gold's Gym XRS 50 comes with a 4-roll set up for high and low pulleys, leg exercises, and a chest press station for upper body development. Also, a weight stack that goes up to 280 pounds of resistance per movement.
This home gym machine is enough to improve your fitness without leaving the house. It is a must-have for newer lifters who can lift 280 pounds of resistance with ease, as well as athletes who want a variety of movement options all in one machine.
However, for highly experienced exercisers who might want a larger weight stack for resistance, Gold's Gym XRS 50 is never on their list. Also, exercisers prioritize free weights over equipment.
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3. Best Portable Home Gym- BodyBoss 2.0 Portable Home Gym Workout Package
- Allows you to use as a squat system
- Allows you to stand on the platform and easily adjust band length...
- Allows you to workout your upper body
- Allows you to workout your lower body
- Allows you to meet fitness goals and take it anywhere you like to...
If you want to carry on with your workout programs, this BodyBoss 2.0 portable workout package is the best choice to consider even when on the go. When stored, BodyBoss 2.0 can be carried like a lightweight suitcase, and when in use, its size is almost the same as that of a yoga mat. Besides, its exercise versatility is on another level.
BodyBoss 2.0 package comes with a resistance band-based system. Fasten it to the fold-up platform and/ or either the collapsible workout bar, the handles, or the wrist/ankle straps, then do the exercises.
With this portable gym equipment, you can do a lower body workout, an upper body workout, and a cardio workout. You can do more than 300 exercises with this workout package. Also, you can increase or decrease the difficulty of the moves by lengthening or shortening the resistance bands. Furthermore, if you want to burn more calories, look no further; BodyBoss 2.0 home gym workout package is the way.
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4. Best Small Space Home Gym- Total Gym XLS Workout Machine
Total gym XLS workout machine provides Total Body Strength Training in minimal space. You can fold it to fit under your bed when not using it. It is also easy to set up and fold up, unlike other larger models.
This Total Gym model has a glide board, which can be set at six different incline options. Therefore, you can increase resistance with your body weight rather than a large weight stack. Furthermore, the cable pulley mechanism makes it easy to merge challenging exercises for your upper body.
Total gym XLS workout machine can handle a weight capacity of up to 400 pounds. Besides, it is equipped to handle more than 80 different exercise movements with six levels of resistance, ensuring that you can work your muscles without getting bored and get your blood pumping.
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5. Best Pull-up Bar Home Gym- Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Doorway Pull up Bar
- Portable gym that can be used as a doorway pull up bar or turned...
- Padded handles for 3 grips options: close grip, hammer grip and...
- When turned over, use padded handles for situps, pushups and...
- Patented door frame guard and adjustable design securely fits...
This home gym equipment can be used as a doorway pull-up bar or turned over to perform pushups, sit-ups, and dips. Besides, it can handle up to 300-pound weight capacity when performing pull ups.
The Perfect fitness multi-gym pull-up bar home gym comes with three options padded handles; hammer grip, close grip, and true wide grip pull ups, patented door frame guard, and adjustable securely fit door frames that fit door frames of 27 to 35 inches wide.
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Tips For Building Your Own Home Gym
Step 1. Choose the space in your house for the gym
First things first. It would be best if you decided where you want to create your private fitness heaven. If you have an extra room that you aren't using, that's great. You can put everything you need in there. Also, your patio, garage, or office room could do the work. If, however, you don't have that space luxury, you can always put one machine in your living room and another in your bedroom, for example.
Step 2. Make this space appropriate for the purpose
The room you are going to exercise in must contain a good air supply and a quite amount of light. You don't want it to feel depressing and suffocating. If there isn't enough natural light, put some laps in the corners, and bring some plants. They will open the space up and increase the level of oxygen. Then take out everything that may distract you while you do the workouts; you need to stay focused on the thing you are doing. And, if you can and want, you can put a huge mirror on one wall. It is proven that looking at yourself while exercising can be stimulating.
Step 3. Purchase equipment
Be aware that you are not building a real gym. You don't need everything you saw in a fully-equipped professional training place. Most of the stuff you should buy is quite small and affordable. However, some great pilates machines are worth your money, like those that can improve your stamina or appliances you can practice a couple of muscle sets on at the same time.
Here is some key equipment that you should invest in when starting your home gym
- Strength equipment
There is no need for gigantic cable machines to get strength in, rather invest in a single kettlebell, an entire set of dumbbells, a pair of adjustable dumbbells, and a set of resistance bands. They will give you the same muscle toning without even the bulky storage concerns.
Furthermore, although balance discs take up as much as a plate, they offer the same benefits and work best for home gyms. BOSUs and stability balls are also handy in strengthening your core and improving balance; however, they can be difficult to store.
If you want to build power, think of medicine balls. They are also perfectballistic training. They come in 2-25kg, and they are great for building explosive power as well as conditioning. Conversely, they are different exercises from dumbbells as you throw and catch them instead of pulling against their weight.
- Cardio equipment
If you are working on a tight budget, buy a jump rope for cardio instead. To reel the intensity, go for a weighted jump rope which is a bit heavier to crank up, so your forearms and wrists will be working harder to keep it rotating.
- Recovery equipment
Recovery types of equipment are vital for your home gym. Consider buying foam rollers because they are versatile. These rollers can be used for strengthening your core, 'kneading' out muscles, or as a prop for yoga poses. As a matter of fact, a study shows that frequently rolling out your muscles with a foam roller can help reduce soreness and muscle fatigue, enhance overall muscular performance as well as speed up recovery. Apart from these foam rollers, consider adding a Theragun, which acts as a vibration therapy, and a hot and cold foot roller, which relieves sore and aching feet.
- Adjustable bench
To feel like you are at a gym without leaving the house, you need to have a bench to use your dumbbells with. Fortunately, since it is adjustable, it can fit in any gym space.
However, keep in mind that you don't have to purchase everything for your home gym at a go. Start with these few key pieces and then build up from there slowly. You can even save more money to buy some equipment on your wish list for your birthday if you want.
Step 4. Organize your gym
If you have a whole room just for this, then all you need to do is make some order and organize your equipment in the way it comes in handy to you, but that it's not on your way while exercising. On the other hand, if you are improvising and have to put gym things all around your house, you need to think carefully about how you want to store these items.
Step 5. Have a storage plan
If you have a ton of equipment and small gym space, then it is essential you consider having a storage plan. For simple workout routines, get a storage container that can slide under your bed to hold resistance bands, jump rope, sliders, and other small portable pieces. You can as well turn an empty wall with a hanging organizer into a storage solution.
To store your dumbbells, you will need a compact weight rack, that is, if your dumbbells don't come with one. With these arrangements, you don't have to comprise weight to keep all of your equipment pushed neatly in the corner.
If you want to start your home gym like a pro, then you will need something a bit heavy-duty, such as Mass Storage Corner Shelf. The steel bars are sturdy enough to support slam balls, kettlebells, medicine balls, and weight plates.
Step 6. Design your home gym set up
For your home gym, ensure you have enough light, either from overhead light bulbs or natural light coming in through windows. This will help you keep an eye on your form easily.
Besides, you may want to add a mirror to your workout space. There is a reason gyms have mirrors. Watching yourself exercise is one of the reasons. They help you correct your form and minimize injury. That is crucial, especially when working out on your own and with no one to correct your form. Mirrors also help open up space, making it seem larger than it is, which may help you feel less confined in a small gym.
If you are converting a spare room into a home gym, you may want to cover up the floor with gym flooring, giving your body a little cushion while you do core workouts. It also protects yourfloor from getting slippery with sweat drops.
Lastly, clear your home gym of distractions and mess that might call your attention away from your workout. It is essential. Ensure you move shoes into your closet and place your TV or laptop at a level that is best for following along with the workout routine, that is, if you are a streaming workout fan.
Step 7. Start using the home gym
Use your home gym; this is the easy part. You can invite your buddy who wants to strength train to come over and workout together or by your side. The good thing is, just like any gym, you will sell benefits from this home gym if you visit it regularly.
Factors to consider when buying home gym equipment
1. Evaluate your space
Before buying home gym equipment, it is important to find out how much space it will occupy. If you fill many gym machines in a small space, it will make it difficult for you to get on the gym machine and exercise freely and affect the appearance of your gym.
2. The versatility of the equipment
When shopping, look for versatile gym equipment. Some of these home gym equipment can be used to perform different exercises. The versatility level can make a considerable impact on your capability to keep your muscles guessing as to what move you will challenge them with next. However, the more comprehensive the machine is, the higher the price tag.
3. Style
Strength training is a single phrase used to describe exercise meant to build muscle. However, it can mean more than that to different exercisers. A senior exerciser looking to protect their joints better may not need a large multi-tool with 300-pound maximum weight resistance. At the same time, a bodybuilder may want more than a sliding incline bench with some cables and pulleys. With that said, go with the home gym style that will help you achieve your specific fitness goals best.
4. Maximum weight resistance
Many home gym equipment enables you to lift heavy without buying individual weight plates, a rack, and a free weight bench. In fact, their maximum resistance settings are challenging enough for most newbies. However, if you are a 'go big' type of lifter, focus on the cable resistance settings and maximum weight plate when shopping for a home gym.
5. Type of gym equipment
It is important to know the type of exercise equipment you want your home gym to have. Mostly, we have two categories of these types of equipment; strength and cardio. With that said, you have to research to determine the type of equipment you will buy. Nevertheless, your fitness needs will help you figure whether you need strength or cardio equipment.
You, therefore, have to do detailed research so that you can determine the kind of equipment you will buy. Nonetheless, your fitness needs will determine the type of equipment to buy; cardio or strength equipment.
6. Assess your fitness needs
It is essential to assess and understand your fitness needs before making the decision. Some people end up buying fitness equipment from sports stores without understanding how such equipment is used. It would be essential to purchase equipment that you have used previously used in a gym facility. Furthermore, stock your home fitness with small equipment sets, which match your needs before purchasing complex fitness systems.
7. Price of the equipment
Don't let the premium prices you paid for home gym equipment make you think you will get more satisfaction. Paying above the market price doesn't mean that the equipment is of higher quality. Ensure that you check the quality of home gym equipment before you buy it. Put aside a separate budget for purchasing fitness equipment and select the equipment accordingly. Do enough research online so you can compare and get the best deals that suit your budget.
8. Safety
It is essential to check whether the home fitness equipment meets the safety measures to avoid the risk of injury. Safety should be your priority always.
9. Warranty and maintenance
Buying gym equipment is an expensive investment. Therefore, it is important to check for their warranties, maintenance, and installation before you make the purchase. Find out whether the gym equipment suppliers provide replacement parts and service technicians when needed. If you do careful research and purchase gym equipment accordingly, then you will get greater returns in the future.
Conclusion
You are done. You have your home gym, so start using it and enjoy the process. If you don't like to exercise alone, invite a friend or two and do it together, it may be more fun. Either way, don't let the dust settle on your home gym equipment; you started this because you wanted to become a better, healthier version of yourself. You don't have an excuse anymore. And if you don't know how to start, the internet is full of great advice regarding that problem.
