A home gym can offer multiple benefits. Even better, equipment for at-home workouts won’t necessarily require a major investment or lots of space. Even the most frugal budgeters can justify the expense by balancing it against the cost and availability of other types of workouts.
The best kinds of gym equipment may depend upon budgets, available space, and individual preferences. Learn how to get yourself and your home prepared for fitness equipment, so it’ll fit in, offer convenient access, and most of all, get used regularly.
How to Prepare for Creating a Gym at Home
CNET advises people to consider two main factors before they decide how to create a home gym:
Consider Available Space for Fitness Equipment
A large home with an extra room can hold almost any type of fitness equipment. People in more cramped or crowded dwellings should not despair. For small spaces:
- Manufacturers offer plenty of advanced exercise machines with compact designs. Some even fold up for easy storage.
- Of course, the old standby of a yoga mat, some exercise bands, and a couple of weights can easily fit in a closet when not in use. Some fitness apps require few pieces of gear, so they help bring advanced training to low-tech equipment.
A nearby TV, smart display, or even wireless earbuds or speakers can provide entertainment to help make the workout feel like it’s passing by faster. Of course, some of the new fitness equipment even comes with a built-in tablet to access entertainment and fitness classes at any time.
Decide Which Kind of Exercise Offers the Best Benefits
According to the U.S. Army, sticking to a consistent routine will offer more benefits than less frequent but more intense workouts. In fact, sudden bursts of intense activity can cause injuries or aggravate medical problems.
Most importantly, choose fitness equipment that can help encourage consistency and steady progress. Some people find that high-tech fitness machines help because they come with built-in trackers and access to fitness guides. Other people simply decide to schedule a workout while they listen to their favorite podcast or TV show.
When choosing your equipment, consider what workouts you already enjoy. If you purchase equipment for workouts you’re unfamiliar with, it will be harder to use it regularly. As a result, start with what you’re comfortable with.
What Are the Benefits of a Home Gym?
Joggers, runners, walkers, bikers, or people who workout at gyms might wonder if they can truly benefit from home fitness equipment.
The most important thing is that you’re getting a good sweat, and there are many places where you can get enough exercise. For example, you can purchase a gym membership or simply go for a run outside. Still, having a climate-controlled place to exercise at home during rainy, snowy, excessively hot, or bitterly cold weather can offer a comfortable and safe alternative.
Does Home Fitness Equipment Need Extra Protection?
A mat, workout bands and weights shouldn’t require a lot of extra protection beyond the manufacturer’s limited warranty. However, today’s high-tech treadmills, stationary bikes and rowers combine mechanical and electrical components. These devices can help promote consistent workouts, but they are also vulnerable to damage. To protect these devices, it’s essential for equipment owners to purchase an
extended warranty from Upsie.
Upsie’s extended warranties protect fitness machines, including devices from brands such as
Bowflex,
Peloton,
NordicTrack and
ProForm. Upsie offers choices between three-year and five-year warranties that cost up to 70 percent less than competitors. In addition, Upsie offers in-home service for mechanical, electrical, computer, screen and connectivity issues through certified technicians.
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