Keeping fit without the extra expense of a gym-club membership is a cinch these days, especially if you have an extra room at home that can be converted into your very own home-gym where your fitness equipment stands ready for use whenever you need it. With so much choice on fitness equipment designed for home gym use, there's basically no excuse not to start training right away to stay healthy and fit.Budgeting For Your New Fitness Training Home GymThe equipment for your new home gym doesn't have to have a high price-tag attached to it. Fitness equipment although it can be expensive, is getting cheaper and there's always the opportunity of picking up bargains at auctions like eBay for example. An important part of building your own home gym is the budget, so calculate how much do you have to spend on your fitness equipment and designing your training room? Find out what equipment you need and then work on the overall budget.With so many various types of fitness equipment available, you're sure to find one that will suit your training goals and budget perfectly. Having said that - shop for bargains, but shop for a better quality bargains. Generally speaking, you get what you pay for, but it is possible to find good quality bargains where the price is right.Before Planning And BuyingIf you've been or are ill or are recuperating from an injury or surgery, it's advisable to consult with your doctor and let them know of your intention to start fitness training and your home gym. Ask the doctors advice on what you may or may not do as far as training and workouts are concerned. A doctor will be able to point you in the right direction or refer you to an expert that can. At least you will then have peace of mind knowing that there are possibly certain things you can or can't do. Your health is so important to you and your family, that it's advisable not to go against the doctors advice.Consulting A Fitness TrainerTo research more visit your local gym, if necessary make an appointment for a consultation with a trainer. A trainer will be able to tell you what parts of your body need training and what type of fitness equipment would be used for training that part of your body. Search the internet about what part of your body you want to train, this will invariably give results on the type of equipment needed for the job.Making space for your home-gym projectOnce you've found out what type of fitness equipment is needed for the type of training you're going to do, find out the price, size and weight of the equipment so you'll be able to plan and design your room accordingly to suit your needs. Depending on the size of the fitness equipment you're going to purchase, make sure there's enough room for you to move around while you're exercising as you may be planning to do floor exercises as well using fitness equipment.Finding just the right room with adequate space is essential. Some fitness equipment is heavy, so a groundfloor room is ideal. Perhaps you have a spare room, family den or basement either of these can be converted nicely and used for your daily workouts. Attics are generally a little dark with not much natural light and can be depressing and are not well suited for heavy equipment.To give some idea of the approximate space needed for fitness equipment:
Stationary bicycle - approx. 3 m2 weight approximately 15 to 30 kilograms depending on model.
Treadmill - and Rowing machine - approx. 8 m2 each and each weigh approximately 110 to 121 kilograms.
Skiing machine - approx. 6 m2. Stair climbers - approx. 3 to 4 m2 and weigh about 70 kilograms.
Single-station gym equipment - around 9 m2 weighing about 60 to 70 kilograms.
Multi-station gym equipment - 15 m2 approximately and can weigh, depending on model anything from 60 to 150 kilograms or more.
The size and weight of the equipment will depend on the model you choose.Make Your Workout Space A Place To Be Energized And Inspired
Design the room so that it makes you feel energized and inspired. Perhaps a fresh lick of paint on the walls, or a change of wallpaper and if you can stretch the budget to get a big mirror so you can watch your training progress as you go this will also give your workout room a more spacious look, that can be a plus although not a necessity. Get some inspiration from your local gym or fitness equipment showroom, where you can go and look for ideas that could be converted to suit your home gym plans.Music and Entertainment While You WorkSome people like to have music playing while they're training, if you're one of those people and have a spare radio or CD player, make room for this where it's easy to get to - it's better to be free of things on your body for example earphones, cellphones etc., as they may distract you while exercising i.e. worrying about dropping and breaking them and a stationary, ordinary radio or CD player works just as well. Perhaps a TV and video player for training video's or just to watch while you're training is a must for you. Consider where to place them. Of course if the TV makes you drowsy - then don't put one in your home gym, but if it keeps you entertained while training it can be a good idea to integrate one into your fitness room.Sharing Your Workout SpaceAre you going to be sharing the home gym and fitness equipment with other members of your household? The you'll want to consider accommodating their fitness goals as well as your own into your design, planning and purchase.
Planning Fitness Training And Tracking ProgressHome workouts don't need to be difficult when you plan ahead and keep track of your progress. Write down specifics on what you want to accomplish. Make the goals not only specific, but realistic. Having a clear cut, specific plan makes things easier with your home workouts. Track your progress so you know what you're doing is leading you in the right direction. Get into the habit of weighing and measuring each time before and after your workout and write the results down so you can follow your day-to-day progress.A home gym offers a lot of great benefits that health clubs don't have the capacity for such as easy access, privacy, convenience, stability in your daily workouts and a comfortable place that has far less distractions. When designing a home gym for your fitness routine, keep your needs and goals in mind, if your home gym is a great place to be, it will inspire you to workout and ultimately live a healthier life.
