Interested in setting your own gym? Sounds like a plan. You can save money on the gym subscription – not too expensive on a monthly basis, but do the math for a couple of years. Sure, you will need to make an investment in all the fitness technology and fitness gadgets, but overall, it is more convenient, comfortable, and cost-efficient.
Now, setting up your own gym is a bit of a headache, so you need to do your homework. What do you need and where can you do it?
Home gym ideas
The first step implies deciding on the right location. At this point, there are a few good ideas most people can find.
- Basement – if you have a basement, go for it. It is a dark empty place. You might use it for storage, but you can find some other place for all those things that you never use. Do the walls, insulate them, and ensure you have good lighting. Electricity is a must, as well as heating.
- Attic – if the basement is not an option, how about the attic? It might be a bit challenging to take fitness gadgets up there, but it is totally worth it. However, make sure the floor is solid enough to take all kinds of machines – you do not want to jump around and end up going through the roof in one of the bedrooms.
- Garage – most people would rather store stuff in their garages than park their cars. How about setting a little gym instead? The garage is usually large enough for a few gadgets and a rack. Of course, you need to organize everything accordingly to ensure you make the most of that space.
- Hallway – use the hallway for a small gym. This space is usually unused, whether you use the one on the top floor or the one by the main door. You will not have too much room, but you can still fit in a rack and a fitness machine, such as a treadmill or a rowing machine.
- Bedroom or living room – if your space is limited, a bedroom or a living room will make a good gym too. You only need one corner – get a space-efficient rack and throw in a fitness machine, such as a treadmill.
Extras for your home gym
A small fridge is an excellent idea because you need some space to store your protein shakes and pH water nearby. Indeed, you can keep all these in the main fridge, but you would rather have everything by your side. Fill it up completely and top it up when it is about to run empty.
In terms of supplementation, it pays off having some pre-workout supplements too, not to mention beta-alanine. The supplement boosts the natural production of carnosine, which helps with muscular endurance over high-intensity workouts. If you don’t like beta-alanine though, there are a handful of options out there for you, using those alternatives will get you almost the same benefits, if not all of the benefits.
What are fitness gadgets?
Fitness gadgets are basically gym machines. A treadmill, for example, is a fitness gadget. A rowing machine is also a fitness gadget. Think about all the machines you see in a gym. Apart from the classic weights and tools with no digital connectivity, everything is a gadget.
You do not need too many fitness gadgets in your home gym, but it depends on what you normally do in a gym. For example, they are mostly used for cardio exercises. Treadmills, rowing machines, cross trainers, and different types of bikes are the most common options out there.
The treadmill is the staple of every gym and you will find plenty of them in there. With these thoughts in mind, this is the most popular option out there.
Which fitness gadgets are the best?
What works for some people will not work for everyone else. When deciding on fitness gadgets, opt for items that you normally rely on. If you run or walk a lot, a treadmill is a must. If you hate running, but you would rather take full-body workouts, a rowing machine is better.
The cross trainer has a similar profile – you will work on both your legs and upper body. Bikes also represent a classic and they come in more varieties. You can get a recumbent bike if you need a more relaxing experience, as well as an upright one – the classic profile.
Fitness technology to consider
In terms of more advanced fitness technology and gadgets, your options are countless. If you train for a marathon or a race, make sure your treadmill has a screen and various options to measure your performance. You can also get a fitness watch to keep an eye on your performance, burned calories, or perhaps your heart rate. Heart rate monitors are just as handy if you tend to push yourself – especially in cardio.
If you are serious about your diet and hydration levels, you can get different monitors to count yours.
Gym gadgets for guys
While not necessarily designed for guys, a smart kettlebell is an ultimate idea in a modern gym. This kettlebell can adjust its weight based on your settings. Instead of buying five or six differently weighed kettlebells, you can do with one only – how cool is that?
A modern steel mace is just as attractive. It has a medieval profile, but it provides access to all kinds of workouts – you can swing it or rely on it for an offset load. It is a completely different type of experience that most guys will appreciate.
How about a bow strap? The bow is similar to resistance bands. The good news is you can fit different resistance bands on it. It allows you to mimic any type of workout you would normally do in a gym. Since it has a solid piece – the actual bow, the bands will no longer slip out of your hands or cause any discomfort.
Gym gadgets for girls
A muscle release tool for ladies is a must if you are into intense workouts and weights. Practically, it perfectly mimics the experience you would get in a massage. It releases the tension and it helps in the recovery process – what else can you ask for?
An acupressure mat and pillow set will bring in excellent workouts while keeping the blood flowing throughout the body. Tingling sensations are fun and relaxing, but your muscles will also feel more relaxed after a workout.
Connected dumbbells represent another great innovation. You can adjust the weight with nothing but a few settings. If space is an issue, buying 20 different dumbbells is not going to work. Instead, a couple of them will get the job done because they are highly adjustable.
Cheap fitness gadgets to consider
Apart from a few innovative releases, there are other things you can consider for your home gym. Not only are they space-efficient, but they are just as handy if your budget is not too high.
Your home gym means you can turn the music up whenever you feel like it, but this idea works if you are home alone or you live by yourself. A headset would make a better choice – a more immersive experience. Get a wireless set of earbuds because they will not slip out of your ears and wires will not get in the way.
Finally, you do not need the most expensive heart rate, monitor, or fitness monitor. You can find less-known brands that give you a rough idea of the calories you burn, as well as your heart rate. It is more than enough for your fitness session and it will cost nothing.
Conclusion
As a short final conclusion, whether you need a large fitness gadget, some small gadgets to add convenience to your workout, or a regular fridge for your supplements and protein shakes, there are definitely a bunch of ideas for your home gym.
There are a few things you need to remember. Think about your workouts and the machines or weights you need, as well as the available space. Measure everything and make sure there is room to move around or you risk injuring yourself.
