Sweat it Out: Creating the Perfect Home Gym Setup

It’s that time of year again: Everyone is working hard to uphold their New Year’s resolutions. Maybe you’ve been looking at gyms near you, thinking about how to make the time and set aside money to go workout in the new year. You know it would be good for you, but you’re dreading venturing out in the cold and leaving the comfort of your home. Wouldn’t it be easier if you didn’t have to go anywhere to get a workout in?

It turns out you can! We’re not talking about that home weight machine you picked up at a garage sale, used once, and eventually sold on a social media Marketplace after using it as a pseudo-coatrack. With just a couple pieces of workout equipment, and a little space, you can make your own home gym setup that works for you and your lifestyle.

“Isn’t exercise equipment expensive?” Well, like most things, it certainly can be. But there are endless ways to keep your body moving without breaking the bank. Your exercise goals determine what kind of home workout equipment you need. Check out these home gym ideas to get you started.

Step 1: Set Your Goals

Your body will carry you through all the trials and triumphs of life. You only get one though, so it’s important to take care of it as best you can.

Think about the things you want to be able to do with your body. You’ll want to lift your grandchildren when you’re older. You’ll want to be able to bend your knees without pain or struggle. You’ll want to go up and down the stairs without fighting for breath. It’s necessary to take the steps now to have better quality of life later.

Identify what’s most important to you, then think about and research how you can reasonably attain that goal through exercise. Whether you’re looking to build muscle, lose weight, gain flexibility, or simply keep your body moving, having a goal in mind will make the tough physical exercise feel worth it when you begin to see and feel results.

Step 2: Make the Space

Whatever your goals, there are lots of options of exercise equipment for home to help you excel. Some of it takes up a good deal of space, like an exercise machine. Some of it is small and easily tucked away, like free weights or resistance bands. Once you know what you want to achieve with exercise, you know how much room you need to make it happen. Set aside space in a spare bedroom, basement, or home office. Make sure it’s an area where you won’t disturb others and where you feel motivated to work. Think about when you will be working out. Are you doing yoga to start your morning? Pumping iron after work? Hopping on the treadmill between meetings? Make your space work for your goals and your schedule. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but it does have to be somewhere you feel comfortable.

Step 3: Find What Works

For all-around health and weight loss, walking is one of the very best things you can do. Walking at least 150 minutes per week (that’s just over 20 minutes a day) can help you sleep better, improve memory, and reduce your risk for life-altering ailments such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even cancer.

Walking outside is a great way to get some exercise, enjoy nature, and explore your neighborhood. But if you don’t live in an area or climate where that’s feasible, you still have options. For low-intensity walks, try a walking pad. Designed to be smaller than the traditional treadmill, a walking pad is an ideal addition to your home gym setup if you don’t have vast amounts of space to work with.

If you’re looking for something that gives you the option of higher intensity workouts, like running perhaps, taking the extra step up to a treadmill is the way to go. That way, you can enjoy a peaceful walk, plus up the ante and go for a jog or run.

Maybe your goal is to get stronger and gain muscle. While it’s still good to work walking or cardio into your home gym setup, you may need other equipment to really succeed. Consider a set of small free weights or an adjustable weights kit. You can find numerous weight exercises online, and there are plenty of videos out there that will show you how to perform these exercises properly without injuring yourself. Plus, these weight sets are easy to tuck away, so if your office has to double as your gym area, you can just pull them out when you’re ready to use them.

Weightlifting is the most obvious way to build muscle, but what if you also want to focus on your flexibility and stamina? Stretch out and relax with some yoga. There are numerous trained yoga instructors that post videos online for free. Grab a mat or a kit like this one and follow along. Soon you’ll be both stronger and more relaxed.

Although yoga can certainly be a challenge, maybe you want something with a little higher intensity. Something that will make you stretchy and strong. Try Pilates! You can use a yoga mat to do floor Pilates, or you can try it with a bar. With some perseverance, you’ll be surprised at the things your body can do.

“Okay,” you say. “All this stuff is great. But “I have physical disabilities,” or, “I’m pregnant,” or, “My body just doesn’t move like it used to. I’m not sure much of this will work for me.” No problem! There are plenty of ways to use some of this equipment – like the free weights – to modify exercises and make them easier for you. Other equipment options, like resistance bands, are a helpful way to move without straining too hard. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about your interest in pursuing fitness at home. They can suggest modified exercises and the best home fitness accessories to help you succeed. We’re here to provide a guideline and offer ideas, but you know your body and its limitations best.

Step 4: Hold Yourself Accountable

Need a way to keep track of your goals? Want some extra accountability? Or maybe you’re just trying to establish a baseline. A smart watch is perfect for all the above. If you have an iPhone, an Apple Watch is a natural choice. Or if you want something more specifically geared toward exercise, check out FitBit. Think about what makes the most sense for your lifestyle. Whether you’re trying to track your sleep or monitor your heart rate, there’s a wearable out there to improve your everyday.  

It can be intimidating to know where to start, but these suggestions will help you determine a smart way to create your own workout oasis with the best home exercise equipment. Skip those hefty gym fees this winter and invest in your body while in the comfort of your own home. Make it easier for yourself to pursue all-around fitness. You’ll be glad you did!