Owning a home gym is not only a major flex, but also extremely convenient. Imagine not taking out that extra hour travelling to and from the gym before or after work, and not waiting in line to get your chance at the squat rack. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Home gyms gained popularity amid the Covid-19 lockdown when fitness lovers found themselves unable to step out and hit the gym for months at a stretch. The trend seems to have outlasted the lockdown, offering more than a temporary alternative to a fitness-friendly lifestyle.

Building a home gym, however, cannot be an impulsive decision. There are various considerations to be kept in mind, including workout space, budget, equipment management etc.

Find the right space.

Where you set up your home gym is going to vary based on what exercises you’re planning to do and how much equipment you have. You can convert a spare bedroom, a garage or create a space in the basement. Your backyard, driveway or even a small corner in the living room can all make decent spaces to exercise. Determine if you’ll need a mat or if you’ll need to put down foam tiles to protect your floors (and your joints, depending on your exercise).

Create your space for motivation.

One of the main benefits of having a home gym is the convenience. But just like a normal gym, you will need to use it regularly to see the benefits.

Make sure that your workout space is somewhere you actually want to spend time. If your dark basement isn’t motivating you, consider sprucing it up with some shelves, mats or paint. If you’ve been working out in your garage but stopped because it was too cold, consider adding space heaters.

Motivational pictures, quotes or adding a TV to stream online classes can help make the space more inviting. Adding more lights, a Bluetooth speaker, a timer or a full-length mirror can also create a more customized and inspiring area.

Add equipment as you go.

It can be tempting to buy all of the fancy equipment upfront when you’re feeling motivated, but it’s smarter to add a little at a time, especially when you’re figuring out the space and how often you’re going to use your gym.

TYPES OF GYM SET-UP

The minimal home gym

Whether you are looking for a temporary workout space while you feel comfortable enough to go back to your fitness centre, or an alternative option on days you’re too busy to hit the gym, a minimalist home gym is a great idea to start with. When it comes to furnishing the gym with equipment, it is better to choose Indian manufacturers over established brands.

The functional home gym

Aspirants of a functional home gym either already have a basic workout set up at home or are sure they want to switch to a more private fitness lifestyle, away from commercial gyms. If you would like to build a home gym that’s got more than just the essentials, this one’s for you.

The enviable home gym

Over time, you may want to revamp your home gym, especially if you have decided to permanently switch to a home-based fitness lifestyle. This type of home gym isn’t built overnight – you will find yourself adding machines and equipment as you progress in your journey and set newer fitness goals for yourself.

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

Once you have made up your mind that you are going to set up a home gym, you should make a list of the gym equipment you should buy. Here, we have listed the basics you would require to get started.

Weight loss equipment: These include treadmills, elliptical trainers, stair steppers and resistance bands.

Aerobics accessories: Air runner, stationary bike, cross trainer, and rowing machine.

Weight-lifting equipment: Lifting belt, floor mats, weightlifting gloves, weights, barbell, pull-up bar, curl bar, set of dumbbells and kettlebells.

STORAGE

Most people buy a dumbbell rack for dumbbells and a plate tree for weight plate, but what about gloves, belts and cable attachments? These items can clutter a clean and well-designed gym room.

If you are using an extra bedroom, the closet is a perfect location for items like this. Store small items in a plastic tote so you know where they are the next time you need them. Perhaps a small shelf in the closet to store the larger items like gym ropes and handles. If you don’t have a closet available, there are a number of ways you can store small items. A piece of peg board or slat wall with hooks can make for neat storage of items like belts, gloves, and cable attachments.

There are also small pantry and storage shelves you can purchase for storing the small stuff. It is important to have these items stored away to keep your gym floor tidy and clear of tripping hazards.

Keep in mind that you can do a great workout with the simplest of equipment. To achieve that, the exercise corner in your house should be a neat and inviting place. Give it a personal touch with some potted plants. What's more, bringing greenery inside will keep the space fresh. Remember, do not make it congested with too much equipment and ensure that you prioritize safety above all else.