How to set up a home gym - The four things you need to consider
HOME GYMS don't have to be kitted out with the latest technology to be successful. Here are the four things you need to consider when setting up a home gym.
Louise Redknapp takes part in a live at home workout
If you’ve got a spare room, half a room, or are able to kit out a shed in your garden, you’ve got the potential for a full-blown home gym. Research from notonthehighstreet has found that up to half of us would look for a room or space in their next home which they could dedicate to themselves. More specifically, 16 percent of us want a home gym. You don’t need all the bells and whistles to create a sufficient workout space. Express.co.uk reveals the four things you should consider when building a home gym.
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Brits have been forced to rethink the way they work out during numerous lockdowns over the last couple of years.
More and more of us are choosing to fit our workouts in during the day at home while working from home rather than trekking to the gym.
On top of that, a lot of us are more conscious about our health and want to incorporate exercise into our day to day lives.
This year, ‘me time’ (68 percent), spending more time on hobbies (66 percent), and maintaining a better work/life balance (58 percent) have been named amongst the top priorities for the nation, with the home gym set to play an integral role this year in making this a reality.
Holly Harper, Head of Inspiration at notonthehighstreet said: “Our research has shown that Brits are prioritising their health and wellbeing over everything else this year and it’s clear that our homes will continue to play an important role in our lives, as we look to spend time on the things that we love the most.”
Creating an at-home gym, yoga room or meditation room isn’t flashy or self-indulgent, it can help you claim a “creative space” where you can “devote time to your hobbies or self-care”.
Here are four things you should consider when building a home gym.
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Find the right space
Everyone works out differently and everyone has different priorities and space at home.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to finding the right space to convert into a gym.
Some might have a spare room to use. If you’re into yoga, you might only put mats and a locker in that room.
Others might convert the garage and fill it with machines, or you might simply use a space in a corner of a room for a running machine or bike.
If you have a lot of space in the garden, could you consider building a gym cabin or shed at the bottom of your garden?
Slow and steady wins the race
Don’t spend all your money on top-of-the-range equipment all in one go.
Buy your gym gear bit by bit, starting with the basics and building up to fancy add-ons/
The same applies with weights - start with the weights you can currently use and purchase heavier weights when you actually need them.
Really think about the kinds of exercises you plan to do and only buy equipment that you will use.
In general, though, it’s wise to invest in an exercise or yoga mat, resistance bands, a stability ball, a bench, a box, and some weights (e.g. dumbbells, kettlebells, barbells).
Remember, cardio can be done with star jumps, walking, skipping and more and you can do bodyweight exercises instead of using weights.
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Storage
If you’re going to be using a lot of different weights and other tools, think about storage.
Items that can be packed away quickly or stored naturally to fit in with the overall ambience will keep things organised, which is especially important if you don’t have a large space to work with.
Consider purchasing a locker, boxes, putting up some shelves, or even just an old wardrobe.
Decorate the walls
You don’t need anything fancy to make the space more attractive, but there’s no harm in sprucing your workout space up with some lights and artwork.
Neon LED signs can be hugely motivating and create great lighting for your gym selfies.
You can also use prints to add colour and emotion to a space. Do you want to feel relaxed, energised, happy or something else? Use artwork to convey that message and help you on your journey to being super fit.
Ms Harper said: “Decorating the walls can be a kick-starter, and a visual reminder to move your body and clear your mind.
“Think about the lighting or add inspiring artwork to help create a motivating and welcoming self-space that is conducive to being active.”
