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Equipment

Many workouts can be done with little to no equipment so if you have a small space, you will still be able to create a nice home gym. Here are some ideas for small and affordable equipment to stock your home gym with.

Cardio: A jump rope is great for cardio and easy to store. If you want to increase the challenge you can get some weighted jump ropes. There are also a plethora of exercises that can be done without equipment like jumping jacks, burpees, squat jumps, and running in place.

Strength: To get your strength training in without a ton of equipment you can opt for more compact versions of traditional equipment. An example would be using a balance disc instead of a stability or Bosu ball for your balance and core work. A single pair of adjustable dumbbells, and a set of resistance bands can be a nice addition to your home fitness routine. And don’t forget to incorporate bodyweight exercises too!

Recovery: Stretching is an important part of any exercise and can be done on a soft but sturdy surface. An exercise/yoga mat is just what is needed for a small home gym. If you want a larger surface, you can purchase gym flooring in small squares to fill your space of any size. Foam rollers are important since they can be used for massaging tense muscles, core work, and yoga or Pilates. Rolling out your muscles after exercise has been proven to reduce recovery time, minimize soreness, and increase performance. It is a must-have for any workout.

When stocking your gym, it is best to start with just a few items you know you’ll use and add equipment as you see the need.

Storage

With the right storage system, you make the most of your space. You might consider a storage bin for under your bed or couch. If you have an empty wall, this can be used to hang resistance bands, jump ropes, or other tools.

Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget a speaker or boombox for those inspirational workout tunes!

Motivation

The most important step in creating your home gym is making sure it will be put to good use. Aside from good music, you might consider inviting friends and family to work out with you so you can support and motivate each other on your fitness journey.

With online workouts on the rise and easily accessible, it has become very simple to create a home gym or workout room of any size. If you are ready to increase your strength, balance, and stamina while easing your stress you ought to consider creating your own workout space tailored to your unique fitness goals.

Here are a few tips for creating a fitness space, big or small, on any budget:

Consider Your Space

The size of your gym will depend on the activities you want to do and space you have available. A HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) workout will likely require more space and equipment than Pilates or yoga might. If you are low on space, you might consider cutting out all the extra equipment in favor of performing bodyweight exercises, which can easily be tailored to your fitness level and have the added benefit of combining balance training along with your strength training.

If you are low on space or love fresh air and sunshine then you might consider using your deck, patio, or yard for working out. If you do, be sure to examine your surroundings for potential hazards and make sure you have enough space and stability to move safely.

Setup

The equipment in your gym is only beneficial if the area is set up so that you can use it correctly. Two large contributors to injuries while exercising is poor form and improper use of equipment. In your home, you likely will not have a personal trainer available to correct your posture, so a mirror is an essential element that will enable you to reap the full benefits of your routine. With plenty of light and a large mirror, you can easily monitor your own form. An added advantage of a mirror is that it can make an area seem more spacious.

You will also want to think about your workout spaces flooring. You will want enough cushion to keep your joints healthy but a stiff enough material that will give you the stability for movement. Gym flooring can be found in small square pieces that connect so you can easily install it in a space of any size. This will also protect your floor from friction and moisture.

In this article, we have considered how to set up a fitness space that is exactly right for your needs. Make sure to check back soon for part 2, to get some tips on how to stock and organize your home gym. See you next time!