Setting Up a Home Gym
How do you start a home gym? First, assess the space you have available. Ensure there is adequate room for workout equipment and good ventilation and lighting. If space is limited, invest in equipment that can be easily stored, like resistance bands.
When buying equipment, prioritize the essentials first. Start small and focus on your main goals; you can always add more later. Quality flooring that is comfortable and practical is vital in a home gym to protect your floor, prevent loud noises, and absorb shocks from dropping weights.
Essential Equipment for a Home Gym
Bumper plates or iron plates? If you are new to weightlifting, go with bumper plates as they can handle being dropped. Iron plates may break or crack if dropped. After getting plates, pick up some floor mats, which greatly improve comfort underfoot. The mats may initially have an unpleasant odor, but it fades after some time.
Cost and Setup
A basic home gym can be set up for about $1,000 if you shop smart and focus on key items. Be patient in building it up over time. A garage gym allows you to workout anytime without wasting time driving or waiting in line. You can play your favorite high energy music too. Working out at home takes some motivation, but the convenience can make it worthwhile.
Consider investing in a half rack, power rack, adjustable bench, barbell, weights, and flooring to start out. Allocate space for different exercises – perhaps cardio near a window, weights in one corner, and floor exercises elsewhere. The ability to fully customize your workout space to your preferences makes a home gym highly appealing.