It’s 2020 and we’re all wondering, should I just put some time, effort, and cash into a home gym? Many people are reluctant to go to the gym these days…for that reason that I will not mention! Maybe we’re fortunate that we can realize it’s time to start saving money on memberships. You can build your very own gym using minimal space and money with some home gym tips and suggestions.
If you want an amazing body while saving your hard-earned money avoiding gym memberships, then a home gym set-up is definitely something to consider. But where do you start? To get the most out of your own personal gym, you should follow a few simple guidelines, so you aren’t buying unnecessary items. Here are a few rules to follow that I tell most of the people I’m helping.
Choose your equipment wisely: Home Gym Tips and Suggestions
Where do you plan to work out? If you have already decided on your home gym location, then you know how much space you’ll have. If you only have one small room, you may want to start out with a bodyweight routine. This will save you some cash in the beginning! But if you have your heart set on getting some workout gear, check out this guide on home gym essentials. Here are some other helpful articles to get you going:
- Best Adjustable Dumbbells 2020: Buy Dumbbells Online
- The Best Resistance Bands: Amazon Top 6 Review 2020
- Best Overall Exercise Equipment for Home: Amazon 2020
Your main goal with this tip is to make sure you can work most of your major muscle groups (legs, chest, back, shoulders, arms, etc.).
Watch out for unsafe/novelty products
We’ve all seen those commercials that say you’ll be in the best shape of your life in one month if you buy their product. Yeah. If that were true, we’d all look like Greek Gods/Goddesses. But…we don’t. If you’re unsure of what to start out with, stick to the basics.
You can never go wrong by simply using a pull-up bar and some dumbbells. This will get you on track to start a great routine that will enhance your fitness, get you looking great, and improve your overall health. If you are going with something inexpensive, make sure the dimensions, user reviews, and product safety are all up to par.
Location. Location. Location. – Home Gym Tips and Suggestions
If you have trouble getting motivated to work out, then this one is important. Is your plan to put your home gym in the garage that’s kind of far from the house? If so, you may want to avoid going out there if it’s raining (or come up with some other colorful excuses). You definitely want to station yourself if a room or location that you’re sure to utilize.
The closer the better. This means less distance traveled to reach your destination and increased chance you’ll do your workout! Once you have an awesome location, make the room look nice. Put up some motivational posters or whatever works for you. One of the goals is to actually get use out of your home gym!
Develop a plan that works for you
A lot of people want to start as hard as they can go. Oftentimes, this is a recipe for disaster/failure. If you are a beginner, it’s probably a good idea to start small and work your way up. Here are a few ideas:
Set your plan to about 30 minutes when you’re starting. This will certainly increase the probability of getting your workout completed. If your initial plan has your working out for over an hour, you may have trouble staying motivated. Although if you’re already a fitness aficionado, then, of course, you can work out for as long as you like.
The important thing is starting a workout that you will consistently stick with. It’s okay to miss a day or two, but make sure you get back on track asap! I recommend beginners starting at 3 days a week for about 30 minutes per session. When you do the right exercises, this is definitely plenty. You will get stronger and in great shape. When you start hitting some plateaus, you will know it’s time to increase your intensity. Your body will be turning heads by then!
Use a calendar – and put it in your home gym
Having a visual aid enhances your likelihood of sticking to your plan. I recommend scheduling your workout for a specific time (like in your phone calendar) then reiterating that time on your big calendar. Place the big calendar in your home gym. When you have a reminder on your phone and a big visual aid, you will definitely feel good about working out.
You could even have a big dry erase board with your workout routine. It’s nice to have something to look at while you’re working out. This way you’ll know your next move without being distracted by your phone or wherever your routine is located. These are great items to help you stay motivated, and they’re not that expensive!
Get a partner – if you can
Workout partners are great. It’s a nice feeling to get in shape with someone else. You’re both improving each other and staying motivated together. Having a partner is one of the best ways to stay on track. You are both held accountable in staying in shape and forcing the other person to work out if they come up with an excuse!
If you don’t have the ability to get a partner, that’s okay. It’s not like you’ll instantaneously fail without one. But it’s getting easier by the second to find someone to share this journey. You could even find a virtual partner to work out simultaneously! Sure, it’s not the same, but it could be better than no one if this sounds helpful to you.
Final: Home Gym Tips and Suggestions
If you are on a home gym journey, it’s quite possible you are considering some of the things on this list. Always remember what your overall goals are. Are you just getting healthier? Do you want an incredible body? Are you just bored? No matter what your reasons, a home gym will ultimately save you time and money in the long run! Thanks so much for reading, and good luck!