In the age of COVID-19, public gyms may not be the safest place to pump iron, squeeze in a cardio session, or perform core-strengthening exercises.

With some areas of the nation still encouraging people to shelter in place and social distance, home gyms are on the rise. Rather than risk exposure at a public gym, fitness enthusiasts are taking advantage of the convenience and benefits of working out at home.

Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast seeking to work out at home or someone determined to lose the extra weight gained during the pandemic, creating the perfect home gym is within reach. In the long run, working out at home will not only help you achieve your goals but will also save you on gym membership costs.

Before exploring the tools and equipment you’ll need, first determine your goals, the kinds of exercises you plan to do, and how much room you have to build your home gym.

Assess the space

Not only will you need space for workout machines, but you’ll also need some space for floor work like pushups, squats, sit-ups, stretching, and lunges.

Having a designated area for your home gym is ideal. A single room, a section in the garage, or an area in the basement are all great places to set up a fitness center. If you’re planning to set up a home gym with all the bells and whistles, you’ll need the space to lay it out properly and safely.

Be sure the area is well-lit with natural light and/or overhead lighting so you can keep an eye on your performance while working out.

Consider the essentials

A basic home gym includes equipment like a yoga mat, jump ropes, resistance bands, balance discs, and kettlebells. Additional essentials include items like dumbbells, medicine balls, and a foam roller for reducing muscle fatigue.

Bigger key pieces like a treadmill, barbells, an exercise bike, an elliptical, weight benches, and pull-up bars help round out a home gym if there’s room for any or all of them.

Don’t forget to add a full-length mirror to your home gym to ensure you’re maintaining form and performing the exercises correctly. After all, the absence of a personal trainer puts you in charge of your own performance.

Keep in mind you’ll need to store equipment when not in use. While designing your gym, save space for a compact weight rack or corner shelves for items like dumbbells and kettlebells.

Make it extra special

The perfect home gym is easily accessible and smartly accessorized. Enhance the space with a flat-screen TV so you can view your favorite sports while exercising or add a tablet so you can stream fitness videos. Keep fresh towels on hand, stored in a cubby or on shelves.

Most everyone has a workout playlist so don’t forget to furnish the space with a Bluetooth speaker. You might also consider adding a water cooler and having a water bottle within reach to make it easy to stay hydrated.

Having a home gym makes exercising convenient, affordable, and worry-free. Our expert consultants at Balance Fitness can eliminate the guesswork on building the perfect home gym.

Based on your specific needs, our experts can offer recommendations, help you choose the best equipment, and design a space that works for you. Give us a call at (650) 348-1259 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.