There’s never been a better time in your life to get in shape, regardless of your age. Whether you’re doing cardio, aerobics, or stretching workouts, you needn’t go further than your living room. Exercising in a home gym is convenient for busy people like you to stay fit and healthy.
Your first experience with exercise and a gym was probably in school. There was plenty of room for running, stretching, and working out. The gym teacher taught you basic movements like sit-ups, pushups, jumping jacks, and leg lifts. No fancy equipment was necessary, and you learned fitness skills to last a lifetime.
Training young people in health and fitness isn’t a new concept. According to an article published by World History Encyclopedia, the first gymnasiums were established in Greece around the 6th century BCE.
They were training sessions in the open air for young men. According to the article, the Ancient Greeks valued muscular bodies, so they honed running, wrestling, discus throwing, and gymnastics skills.
Although most global cultures valued strength, agility, and war training, the Greek gymnasium established the general concept. Later, the Ancient Roman Empire embraced the Greek gymnasium style and integrated it into their iconic Roman bathhouses. Eventually, the idea spread throughout the modern world.
Nine Ways to Make a Home Gym Without Purchasing Expensive Equipment
Are you one of those people in the gym statistics? You value your health and want to be in decent shape. Exercising in a fitness center may be great for your body, but not so wonderful for your time and money. What benefits are you receiving from your health club that you couldn’t get from a home gym?
The good news is that you needn’t attend an expensive gym for your daily exercise routines. Did you know that you don’t have to buy a bunch of expensive equipment to get in shape? Here are nine easy ways to create your home gym without fancy equipment.
1. Claim Your Space
In her iconic essay, author Virginia Woolf espoused the need for a successful writer to have a dedicated space. The same rule can be applied to setting up a home gym. It’s as simple as assigning a room or even a corner with enough space to move around safely.
Finished basements and garages make ideal workout places, especially if you want to add some inexpensive equipment. What if you live in a small apartment with minimal space? You can rearrange a couple of pieces of furniture temporarily for a spot.
If possible, try to find a space with a window. It offers you a lovely view of nature while you exercise. Also, you can open this window when you need a little fresh air.
2. Establish Your Purpose
Once you’ve claimed a suitable space, what’s the purpose of your home gym? Does your daily routine include running in place, jumping, or stretching? Maybe your exercise of choice is yoga or another meditative workout. If you’re adding simple equipment, how can you arrange it most efficiently?
3. Set the Mood
Have you ever noticed the appealing décor in gyms and health clubs? They’re often painted in bright colors and have accessories to inspire and motivate clients. The music is pumping, and everyone’s on natural energy high.
Part of having a home gym is creating an inviting space that will draw your attention. If you have an entire room, use your imagination, and paint the walls your favorite energizing colors. Hang posters, art, or inspirational words that encourage you to keep exercising. Play some of your favorite tunes and get with the beat during your fitness sessions.
Do you wonder why they hang full-length mirrors in fitness centers? You can easily see if you’re doing an exercise right by your reflection. Adding a mirror to your gym will keep you motivated as you see your body morph into better shape.
If you enjoy watching exercise videos or tutorials, you may consider mounting a tv on the wall. Also, keep track of your fitness goals with a hanging whiteboard. You can create the refreshing ambiance of a fitness club in your own home.
4. Identify Your Equipment Needs
While many fitness regimens don’t require equipment, it’s up to you if you need some for your home gym. When you’ve established the purpose of your exercise routine, you can decide what equipment you need, if any. Keep in mind how much space you have and any storage capacity.
Regardless of your routine of choice, simple equipment can help. A comfortable exercise mat, a few dumbbells, and some stretching bands won’t cost much. They can easily be stored in a container in a closet.
If you do decide to add equipment to your gym, try to keep it simple. Don’t pay a fortune for expensive, bulky machines that you don’t use and will end up in next summer’s garage sale. You can find high-quality used equipment for your purpose at bargain prices online.
Instead of buying gimmicky equipment that can only be used for one exercise type, invest in a piece with multiple functions. It can help you boost your routine. Plus, you want equipment that will fold up easily for storage if space is an issue.
5. Comfort is Important
Garages and basements are the quintessential home gymnasium spot. They are separate from your living space, and you usually don’t have to take down any equipment. However, these spaces aren’t always climate-controlled.
If you want an exercise space that you’ll want to use every day, you must be comfortable. Consider safe portable heaters for winter and fans or air conditioners for summer. You can still sweat and get the most out of your workout without freezing or suffocating from the indoor temperatures.
6. Dress for Success
One of the reasons many people avoid public gyms is that they’re ashamed of their bodies. Or they aren’t comfortable exercising around other people. When you create a home gym, you have the privacy and freedom you may want.
For optimal exercising benefits, you need to dress the part. Of course, you don’t have to wear the neon leggings, leotards, and sweatbands of the 80s. Just wear simple clothes that are comfortable, breathable, and appropriate for your routine.
7. Get the Family Involved
Just because you’ve created a personal gym doesn’t mean you can’t invite the family. According to an article published by the Centers for Disease Control, working out with others can boost your motivation and make your routine more consistent. Plus, per the article, you may be more apt to try a new exercise with a friend.
You can claim this space as your own or use it with your family. It can be rewarding to get healthier with your mate and children. Some people enjoy inviting an exercising buddy to their home for support and camaraderie.
8. Other Supplies to Remember
Exercising at home can build up a sweat that can quickly dehydrate your body. You may want to keep a minifridge in your space and stock it with water and energy drinks. Some people have supplements on hand for a recovery boost after a hard training session.
You might also consider keeping a stack of clean towels in your gym. They are handy for wiping away sweat as you exercise or when you hit the shower. Even if your routine is simple and you don’t use equipment, you’ll want a sturdy chair in your space for some exercises and to rest.
9. Fitness Al Fresco
What could be more inspiring than exercising in the great outdoors? When the weather permits, your backyard can be your home gym. There’s plenty of space, and the fresh air will rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit. Running and stretching exercises can be more exhilarating in a park or forest.
You can do yoga or just about any of your favorite exercises on the beach or wherever you feel comfortable. During inclement weather, bring your routine back indoors. A change of scenery always keeps your routine fresh.
Final Thoughts on Creating a Space for At-Home Workouts
Forget spending a fortune on a gym membership that you may never use. Creating space for a gym in your home will save you money and provide more motivation and accountability. You feel more inspired in your daily routine, and you’ll reap the rewards of better health.
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