For many people, finding the extra push to motivate themselves to travel to the gym can often make way for an excuse not to go, especially if they're just a little bit more tired than usual. However, building a home gym can take that added step out of the equation. In fact, for many people who are short on time, simply walking a quick few steps to get that sweat in will be more conducive to frequent workouts than intermittent trips to the gym whenever one's schedule allows for longer periods of time to be blocked out.
Home gyms also allow for people with a physical disability to build a setup that allows them to cater to their injuries or disabilities in a way that may not be possible outside of the home.
In addition to the component of being able to hand-pick equipment itself, there is also more freedom to let loose while getting those reps in. That's right -- everything from full, deep breathing sounds to dancing between sets to full on screaming at the top of your lungs. Talk about therapeutic! You may also find that you quite like riding your Peloton in underwear -- who knows? The home gym is your oyster!
Now that the benefits are covered, let's discuss how to start building a gym at home. Before you start to order a bunch of yoga mats or weights online, you might want to assess your goals. For example, do you want to really home in on your flexibility? Are you looking to increase your cardio activity? Do you want to build muscle or lose weight? Once you have these goals identified, the next steps will fall much easier into place.
Of course, you will want to be realistic with your goals in order to keep your morale high. For example, if you're someone who doesn't have much experience lifting weights but decides to purchase an entire full set rather than starting small with one or two pairs of weights, you'll fill up the space with a reminder of what you're not good at yet.
It may be better to start small and gradually work your way up as you build your confidence. According to an article published by the American Psychology Association, "exercise may boost a depressed person's outlook by helping him return to meaningful activity and providing a sense of accomplishment." Sometimes it really is the little things that make a big impact.
Just like the example of the weights, you can always start with some key pieces of equipment and build as you go. This will also allow you to discover what you enjoy and what you don't before spending a lot of money to learn those lessons the hard way. Depending on your budget, you can find yourself (mentally) running a mile a minute going down the Google rabbit hole with this.
Shape Magazine also recommends creating a storage plan or concept for the equipment you'll be purchasing as well. "For minimalist workout routines, pick up a storage container that can slide under your bed or couch to hold your yoga mat, resistance bands, sliders, jump rope, and other small, portable pieces." This idea is one that is probably overlooked quite often, and by thinking of this before making any purchases, it may actually help you create a structure in which to base future decisions on.
But just as there are many benefits to having a home gym, there can also be downsides that you may want to seriously consider before taking the plunge and making that investment. Are you someone who gets enjoyment and motivation by working out around other people? Do you feed off of the energy of a trainer teaching a class? Or do you prefer certain facilities (like a swimming pool) because they're easier on your body than working out on dry land? Maybe the drive to the gym is actually something you look forward to for a little peace and quiet, or you just like being encouraged by the community you've built where you train.
If creating a home gym will actually take away from your excitement about working out, it might not be for you. That being said, you can always combine the two worlds and make it so you never have to miss a workout again in your life!
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