The occasional exerciser to the dedicated fitness buff, and all those in-between uses home gyms. The best home gym is the one that fits the needs of the person using it. Multiple users give the opportunity for expanded gym equipment as they may require different routines and exercises. Setting up a home gym does not require a large investment as much of the equipment is available second-hand. It may take several months before your gym is complete if you are on a budget, but each purchase puts you closer to achieving your goals. You might either start with the most important piece, or go first for the most affordable one. Do not let your search get hung up with trying to find the perfect equipment and passing by the merely good.
Analyzing Needs
The most important part of putting together a home gym is coming to terms with desires and needs. For some, a general toning with light aerobic exercise is sufficient. Someone else may be in serious competition in a sports team, which requires a substantially more demanding workout. Losing weight, building muscle, adding tone, and increasing endurance are all different types of exercises. Some gym equipment can do two of these, but few can do three and all four. Be cautious about buying equipment that over promises, or leads you to believe that it can do everything for you.
Needs may change over time, and the equipment that once was sufficient may prove to be too basic. Buying the best equipment available and taking care of it gives the best opportunity to turn it around and use the money from selling it to upgrade to better or other sports equipment. If you give a true testimony about how it helped you, and now you are able to go even further into a fitness program, you can easily find a buyer for the outgrown equipment.
Making Space
A small corner provides sufficient space for many exercises. Something as simple as rubber resistance bands take no room to store and provide a basic workout. Other equipment such as a stationary bike or stair climber needs a certain amount of floor space. There are units that fold up, and tuck away in closets or under the bed. These tend to be less sturdy. In addition, when it is out of sight it means that it is often out of mind also.
Measure your available space and decide what a realistic type and amount of equipment would fit based upon your goals. If you are looking for general tone and cardio then a bike or other similar equipment might be best. They usually need a space at least three foot wide and five foot long. A weight lifting bench by itself would need a similar space, with additional space to store the weights. Just the two items together require half a normal room to set up permanently.
Various types of hanging and pulling exercises are done with equipment that attaches to walls and doorways. These take up no floor space. It is critical that the supports for this type of equipment be attached directly to the wall or ceiling studs. Otherwise, the wall may not prove strong enough and can collapse onto you, causing serious injury.
Finding the Equipment
There are many places to buy new equipment but it is usually better to find used. Many people go into an exercise program only to drop it a few weeks or months later. Their equipment sits around taking up space until they would almost be willing to pay someone to take it out of their home. The best place to start is by asking around friends and family to see if anyone has equipment they will give or lend you. They may consider you are doing them a favor by removing it from their home. If they only lend you the equipment, you must ensure that you treat it so that it remains in the same or better condition than when it came to you.
Another good source for exercise equipment is the classifieds in both the Internet and newspapers. If you have good negotiating skills you might be able to get a discount over the listed price. If you cannot find what you want you might even post your own classified ad stating what you are looking for. Someone might be motivated enough by your ad to sell you what he or she has and is not using.
A more expensive alternative is to buy used equipment at a retail store. Many sports stores will take an expensive piece of equipment in on trade the same as new car dealer will. Other stores specialize in only used sports equipment. The disadvantage is that the prices are usually considerably higher than the classified ads. The advantage is that you see many different pieces of equipment at once and can judge among them. The store clerks might be better in helping you decide which equipment would be best for your needs.
Gym equipment can be quite heavy, so transportation should be arranged before settling on any deal. Many cars are not big enough to carry a larger piece. If you need to carry it up a flight of stairs, you should have help for that also.
Judging Equipment
Buying equipment over the classifieds is usually a “no warranty” situation. Check the equipment out carefully to ensure that all the parts are there and in good working order. Look for missing screws and bolts, rusted parts, and ripped upholstery. If you feel you can fix it yourself, this gives an opportunity to bargain for a better price. Some retail stores offer a warranty and others do not. If the equipment has sophisticated electronic monitors that provide much of the value then it is best to have a warranty.
If the equipment is complicated, an owner’s manual is helpful. More and more manuals are available free over the Internet so a missing manual may not be a deal breaker.
Neighbor’s Considerations
Gym equipment can be noisy when it is used vigorously. Weights clunk on the floor, gears grind against one another, and belts and straps creak. If you live in tight quarters with neighbors, they might rightfully complain that you are disturbing their peace. The best time to exercise is when you can do so in peace and quiet for all. This may mean compromises on your part but keeping good relations with the neighbors is as important as keeping a fit body.
The best equipped home gym is no substitute for a planned and followed approach to exercise. There are many books, DVDs, and helpful sources to give the knowledge you need. You must have the willpower and the follow through to not only put the plan into place but to work it as it should be done. After a few months when both you and your friends are able to tell the difference in your body you can congratulate yourself on a lifelong task well started.
