Having a home gym can either make it easier to get more exercise, or make it even harder. If you’re used to going to a nice space with top-of-the-line equipment, decor, and music, and you have to switch to working out in a gray, cold garage, then you might not look forward to training as much. But, if you create a cozy space that represents you and has everything you need for a good workout, it could become a motivator and help you get more work done. Let’s take a look at a few things that you need to create the perfect space for exercise.
Soundproofing
If you don’t have the luxury of having an empty secluded space where you can work out without bothering everyone in the house, you will have to soundproof your space. This is especially true if you want to install a nice sound system and are going to do some heavy lifting. You will need to invest in shock-absorbing gym mats and think about getting some bumper plates and polyurethane-coated kettlebells and dumbbells.
You will also need to soundproof the walls. If you’re starting from an unfinished basement or garage, then you need to add as much insulation as you can and get some acoustic drywall. If you’re starting from a finished space and want to go for a cheap option, then you can carpet the walls. If you’re worried that it will affect the aesthetics, you can always build up a nice gym flag collection and cover the walls with them.
Add Mirrors
You need to have mirrors on at least one of the walls. You’ve probably noticed how gyms will usually have a mirrored wall. These aren’t only so that people can show off or admire their gains. They’re there for people to see how they’re performing their exercises so they can get the proper form. This is why mirrors are important. If you intend to install a squat rack, it should be facing this wall as squats are one of the most dangerous exercises to perform incorrectly.
Get a Sound System
Another thing that all gyms have is a powerful sound system, and pumping music can be a great motivator when exercising. You can go as big or as little as you want here. Some people will be satisfied with nothing but a good Bluetooth speaker while others may want something more sophisticated. If it’s for a small room, know that you don’t need more than a 3-speaker set with a nice subwoofer if you want to replicate the ambiance of a commercial gym without shaking the whole house down every time you train.
Get the Basics
Now comes the time to shop for equipment. You will first need to assess what type of training you want to focus on. If you want to mostly do bodyweight exercise and cardio, you could get away with a bike, rowing machine, or elliptical, a yoga mat, a physioball, a Bosu ball, and a few dumbbells. You could also consider adding some gymnastic rings for upper body exercises.
If you want to do some heavy lifting, you should first look for equipment you can use on multiple exercises. This is why spending on a bench and a set of barbells should be a priority. You can then consider investing in a squat rack and a few machines like a leg press and a cable machine later on.
This is all that you need to build the perfect exercise space in your home. A home gym can be a great place to escape and get some work done, as long as you build it properly.
