If you want to live a healthy lifestyle there is no denying that you will need a regular workout routine. You can eat all the healthy foods and drink the healthiest drinks that you want and minimize your alcohol intake by half, but if you aren’t working out you aren’t maximizing your true potential.
It is understandable that one can’t work out as much as they would like when you factor in the struggle of everyday life along with trying to raise a family. Heck, who feels like driving 30 minutes out of the way to the gym for a 20 minutes workout when you just put in an eight hour shift? Sure, most gyms are open around the clock, but your clock doesn’t stop.
This is just one of the reasons that a home gym makes more sense. Not only will a home gym help save you a bundle on membership fees, but it will give you the chance to design the gym in any manner that you see fit. Of course, all of this will depend on the space that you have as well as the type of workout that you are looking to get, but there are some key items that every home gym should include. All that being said, going to the gym does have its own benefits and there are just some of the things that this article will cover below.
Getting Started
There is no denying that building your home gym is going to be both exciting and a bit overwhelming. This is even more so true for individuals that have never walked into a sporting goods store or know absolutely nothing about workout equipment. Choosing the right workout equipment can be daunting because you not only need to make sure that you are getting the right equipment for the job, but you need to make sure that you are shopping with the right manufacturers.
Unfortunately, buying the highest-priced items doesn’t always necessarily guarantee that you are making the right decision. Choosing the best manufacturers will require in-depth research along with knowing what you can and cannot spend. Heck, this is even the case when signing up for a gym membership. You have to know what you can and cannot afford or the whole venture could turn into a major financial mess that just deters you from ever working out again.
Budget For Gym And Equipment
The first step of building a home gym is setting a budget. Your budget should reflect your expectations and the space you have to spare. The first thing you should consider is your fitness and weight loss goals. For example, if your goal is to build your cardiovascular system, you will need to buy gym equipment that will help you fulfill that goal. Your space will probably be limited, as well as your budget. So, you will probably only be able to make space and afford one or two cardio machines. You can choose from the treadmill, mini stepper, stair mill, lat pulldown machine, rowing machine, spin bike, and Jacob’s ladder. All of these machines will help you build your cardiovascular system effectively in the comfort of your home.
A Jump Rope
No one likes cardio. You can ask any athlete and they will tell you that the worst part of their workout is cardio. This doesn’t mean that you need to omit it from your routine. In fact, only doing so would hinder your progress. Of course, an elliptical and treadmill are go-to machines for this process, but not everyone will have the room. While there are smaller more affordable models that don’t take consume a lot of space, you will still pay a couple of hundred dollars for even the most basic model. This is exactly where the jump rope can come in handy.
In fact, the jump rope could provide you with one of the best cardiovascular workouts that you’ll ever get. This is because it not only has the ability to quickly raise the heart rate but look at all the parts of the body that it works. It works your arms, your shoulders, your legs, and even those abs. When you combine this with the fact that a jump rope consumes little to no space it should be easy to understand why this is a veritable must for any home gym.
Heavy Kettlebell
Yes, everyone would like to deck out their home gym with a whole set of dumbells, but have you looked at the prices of these items lately? It’s like steel is under some kind of embargo. You would literally drop nearly a thousand dollars or more on quality, brand name set of dumbbells. This is where the kettlebell can help out. This little bell will not only provide the extra weight that you need to get a killer workout, but there are a variety of workouts that you can do with this one piece of equipment. You can use it for squats, overhead presses, and deadlifts.
The Pull Up Bar
Everyone would probably be more than excited if they could own a Bowflex machine. Yes, these machines can provide you with a whole-body workout, but they aren’t the only option on the table. One great alternative is the pull-up bar. Most people overlook this piece of equipment because they automatically make the assumption that the pull-up bar is for pull-ups. No, this isn’t the case at all. Pull up bars can actually be utilized to perform a number of workouts.
Weight Plates
If you want to put on that bulk, you are going to need some extra weight. Yes, you already have your kettlebell and this will provide quite the workout, but if you want to truly bulk up, you need more weight. This is what the weight plates can offer. Just make sure that you buy a variety of weights like 5’s, 10’s, and 25’s. This will give you the ability to switch up your bench press, ensuring that you get the most out of every set.
Benefits Of Working Out At Home
Working out at home might seem boring to some, but there really are a number of benefits that you can take advantage of when you choose to build your own home gym.
Fewer Distractions
If you have ever worked out in a gym, you know the distractions are endless. There is nothing worse than being distracted when you are determined to reach a fitness goal. Most people go to the gym to workout but there are some people who are more interested in the companionship. When you work out at home, you can turn off the TV, put the phone on vibrate, and tune out the rest of the world.
Safer Environment
Gyms are known for attracting people from all walk’s of life. Unfortunately, some of the people that commercial gyms attract are unsavory. When you opt to work out in your home, you never have to worry about encountering these individuals. A home gym is much safer than a gym, which is the driving force behind them.
You Are In Control
All gyms hire trainers to assist customers with the basics of exercise. While this service is helpful, many people find it more of a hindrance. When you work out at home, you are always in control. You never have to be concerned about trainers hindering your workout.
No Contract
The great benefit of owning a home gym is it does not require a contract. Most gyms require new members to sign up for a contract before they are allowed to utilize their services. The contract can be anywhere between 12 to 24 months, with the latter being the most popular. Contracts help ensure gyms that they will have a routine business and a regular flow of income.
Unlimited Privacy
Not everyone is thrilled with their body. Many of these individuals believe gyms do not offer enough privacy. Well, it is a fact that gyms do not offer a lot of privacy since all members are required to perform their exercise routines in crowded environments. When you workout at home, you can maintain your privacy and integrity.
Convenient
Home gyms are just so convenient because there is no commuting involved. You can access your home gym 24/7 without any restrictions. When you visit a commercial gym, you can to get dressed, get in your car, drive to the gym, workout, and return home.
No Commute
Setting up a gym in your home can be very beneficial. However, it can be expensive. So, is it going to be worth? Yes. When you visit the gym, you’re going to be required to commute. You’ll have to get into your vehicle and drive 15 or 20 minutes to the gym. That isn’t a big deal until you begin looking at the prices. Gasoline is expensive and you’ll find yourself filling up more often. By eliminating the need to commute from the picture, you’ll be able to save yourself a lot of money.
Therefore, buying your own equipment will pay for itself in the long run. You should also understand how much wear and tear you’re putting on your vehicle. Driving back and forth can be taxing on your car and this will decrease its lifespan in the future. Thankfully, you can avoid this by enjoying sports at home. This will ensure that your vehicle lasts for many more years.
No Monthly Fees
The biggest con associated with having a gym membership is being required to pay a monthly fee. A lot of people do not like monthly fees and there is a good chance that you fit into this category. Well, you should avoid it by setting up your own sporting center at home. You won’t need a lot of equipment to get a good cardio exercise. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be able to avoid that monthly fee and keep more money in your pocket.
The only downside here is that the initial price is going to be higher. Of course, you can always buy one piece of equipment at a time to avoid overdoing it.
No Pressure
Going to the gym can be fun but it can be very stressful too. Think about it for a minute. You’re going to be entering a facility with a lot of fit individuals. If you’re just starting out, there is a good chance that you aren’t in the best shape. This can make you feel bad about your current situation. You’ll feel like you need to hide in the corner just to lift weights. Well, this is something you can avoid by working out at home. You won’t have to worry about anyone glancing in your direction.
Once you’ve enhanced your physique, you’ll be able to hit the gym and show off. Either way, you’re going to have a lot less pressure on your shoulders when you exercise in your home. Nobody will be there to keep a close eye on you.
In most cases, you’re going to be the only person working out at home. If you have two pieces of equipment, you can exercise alongside your son, daughter, or significant other. Either way, you should know that you won’t be required to share as much. You’ll have a mutual agreement with everyone at home so you can guarantee that you’ll get your fair share on the equipment. In the gym, this might not happen. You’re going to run into a lot of overbearing individuals and they might not be willing to give up their machine.
You can ask them nicely but they might say no. Instead, you’ll have to come back later. This can be very annoying. If it is something you do not want to put up with, you can stay at home and exercise there.
Gym Benefits
When it comes down to it, there are many benefits associated with owning a gym membership. This will ensure that you’re able to partake without having to worry about the equipment. You can work out as much as you want when you’re at the gym. If something goes wrong with the equipment, you can sleep soundly knowing that someone else is going to take care of it. Below, you will learn more about the benefits of joining a gym.
No Equipment Worries
First and foremost, you should know that you won’t have to worry about the equipment. If you own a treadmill or a recumbent bike, you will have to properly maintain that machine. This can be very expensive and time-consuming. Plus, you never know when it is going to malfunction for good. This is a serious problem and it will remain in the back of your mind while you jog along. This is something you can ignore when you’re at the gym.
The staff will handle the equipment problems. If an elliptical tears up, you won’t be the one paying to have it replaced.
Encouragement
Another thing to note is that you’re going to be able to exercise alongside many other people. At home, you’ll likely be by yourself. It is true that some people prefer working out alone. However, this can make it much more difficult to get motivated. If you want extra motivation and encouragement, you should start working out in the gym. This will get you near like-minded individuals. They’ll push you to do your best and that can make a big difference in the long run.
More Equipment
When you set up a gym at home, there is a good chance that you’re going to have many limitations. This can be very problematic. You might not be able to afford certain equipment. Unless you’re a very rich individual, you’re not going to be able to buy everything you need at once. This is one of the biggest benefits associated with owning a gym membership.
When you visit the gym, you can guarantee that you’ll have access to tons of equipment. The versatility will be massive. In return, you’ll be able to exercise every part of your body. At the gym, you’ll likely have access to a sauna and swimming pool too. At home, you probably won’t.
Personal Assistance
The gym staff can be very beneficial. If you’re new to sports, there is a good chance that you do not know how to exercise properly. If you’re not careful, you might bend over or lift incorrectly. That could result in big problems and major injuries. At the very least, your posture and technique may result in diminished results. This is why you’ll benefit from owning a gym membership.
This will give you the ability to get assistance when you need it. At home, you’ll have no one to depend on. You’ll have to watch videos and experiment on your own.
Cues And Feedback
Another thing to remember is that some people have disabilities that limit their ability to function properly. This is the case for people who have advanced Parkinson’s disease. Well, it has been said that training in the gym with cues and feedback can help. It can help improve gait. While you can get this type of assistance at home, it will be more expensive. Therefore, it is best to sign up for a gym membership for this purpose.
Socializing
Working out at home can be fun but it can get boring very quickly. After all, you’re going to be alone the entire time. Wouldn’t you rather mingle with people while you give yourself a break? Going to the gym can be very helpful for this purpose. Getting out there and socializing is fun and it could help you develop some good relationships. With this in mind, you should sign up for a gym membership. If you set up a gym at home, you might be able to convince your loved ones to exercise with you. Otherwise, you’re going to be all alone.
Which Is Better?
At the end of the day, it can be tough to say which is best. It is true that building your own gym at home is going to be very expensive. However, you need to know that it is only going to be expensive in the beginning. Once you’ve bought the equipment, you won’t have to worry about buying anything else. You won’t be required to pay an expensive fee every month. Instead, you’ll be able to enjoy your equipment in the comfort of your own home.
Plus, you should know that gyms aren’t open all the time. They tend to close for the major holidays. They can shut down for bad weather too. This is something you have to know. If you want to work out every day of the year, you should buy your own equipment. This will help you save time and money. Plus, it greatly increases the likelihood that you actually use the equipment and get the most of your time and energy.
Summary
There is no denying the fact that getting involved in sports at home is going to be very beneficial. However, it might not be suitable for everyone. There are benefits associated with doing it at home but there are benefits of joining a gym too. Therefore, it is tough to say which option is going to be best for you. This is something you’ll need to find out on your own. You should take your time and find out what you really want before spending the money.