For homeowners who consider fitness to be a top priority, an at home gym is one of the best investments that can be made. Whether you are working out to keep weight off after a procedure at RCMC Medical Center or just like to go for the occasional run on the treadmill to clear your mind, exercising at home can save both time and money on trips to the gym.
If you’re considering putting a gym in your home, here are some tips.
1. Consider Your Space
The first thing you should do in the process of building your home gym is determine where it is going to be. Consider the space of your home and what factors are most important in your gym, such as windows, proximity to other areas of the house, etc. Common places for home gyms include basements, garages, or home offices. Make a list of equipment you want, and make sure your room is big enough to fit it all!
2. Make Safety Renovations
Unfortunately, having a home gym is oftentimes not as simple as just putting some workout gear or equipment in a room. In order to make your home gym as safe as possible, you will likely need to make some renovations to your home. If you have carpet or wood flooring, it is in your best interest to install a special rubber flooring, to protect your home from damage (and yourself from injury) should you drop a weight or heavy piece of equipment. Install a fan if the room does not already have one, to increase airflow and keep you from overheating (this is one of the most important aspects of a public gym that you might not even be aware of until you are suddenly working out in a tight space with restricted airflow).
You should also take the time to assess the storage space in the room, and consider using bare space such as the wall for storage. Install a floating shelf or two before putting bulky equipment in the room. Also, don’t forget to mount a mirror on the wall so you can keep an eye on your form while working out.
3. Add Extras
Now, the fun part! Once you’ve got your space ready to go and all of your equipment installed, it’s time to add some extras that will make your workout more fun and enhance the overall experience of your home workout. Consider installing a TV, high tech speaker system, or other media devices to pass time while exercising. Hang some artwork or quotes to keep you feeling inspired, and you’re ready to go!