How to Build a Home Gym

Since the beginning of COVID-19 in early 2020, people have fundamentally changed the way they view fitness. After the initial shock of having to do everything from home wore off, my clients quickly realized how home workouts and virtual training could be a game-changer, allowing them to work out more consistently than ever before. Many people struggle to maintain a consistent workout routine due to factors such as children, work, travel, bad weather, and even good weather. If you truly want to see results from home workouts, it's important to have equipment that matches your goals, fits in your space, and stays within your budget. I wanted to explore how to build a home gym. Please note that the equipment listed below may not match your goals specifically and is simply a reference to get started.

The first step in building a home gym is to create a space to work out. Ideally, this should be a dedicated room or area in your home with enough space to move around freely. If you're tight on space, a corner of your living room or bedroom can work just as well. Regardless of where you set up your home gym, make sure it is a clean, organized, and well-ventilated area.

1. Workout Mat 

   A workout mat or carpet is an excellent starting point. It provides a cushioned surface for exercises such as planks, push-ups, and crunches. It also protects your flooring from damage and provides a non-slip surface, which can help prevent injuries from falls or slips.

2. Resistance Bands

   Resistance bands are an excellent addition to any home gym. They are versatile, affordable, and effective for strength training, mobility exercises, and stretching. Bands come in different levels of resistance, allowing you to adjust your workout intensity as needed. Any exercise that can be done with a dumbbell can be done with a resistance band; you just need to know how to use it.

3. Dumbbells or Kettlebells

   Dumbbells or kettlebells are a great investment for strength training. They provide resistance, allowing you to build muscle, burn fat, and increase your metabolism. You can purchase them in various weights and use them for various exercises, including squats, lunges, and presses.

4. Adjustable Bench

   If you're looking for more advanced strength training exercises, an adjustable bench is an excellent addition to your home gym. It allows you to perform a range of exercises, including incline and decline presses, chest flyes, and more.

5. Cardio Equipment

   Cardio equipment, such as a treadmill, stationary bike, or elliptical machine, is a great investment if you're looking to improve your cardiovascular health. These machines provide a low-impact workout that burns calories, improves endurance, and strengthens the heart and lungs.

6. Sound System or TV

   A sound system or TV is a great way to stay motivated during workouts. You can listen to music, podcasts, or watch your favorite TV shows or movies while you exercise.

While there are countless other pieces of equipment that I could recommend, such as suspension trainers, sandbags, BOSU balls, and balance trainers, no list can compete with the advice of a personal trainer who can recommend specific items and brands that will work well for your goals, space, and budget.