Build a home gyms that's practical and simple and it will get more use than a workout stations that aren't part of a well thought out plan and get pushed under the bed, or used as a coat racks, never to be seen or used again! Here's how to build a home gym that will get used even when you're not motivated? Go through the quick 3 step guide below and get started.
Step 1: The Assessment
Just like you need an assessment of your body before starting an exercise program, you also need an assessment of your time, lifestyle, equipment and workout preferences. Ask yourself the following questions: When will you be exercising? Where in your home is your workout most convenient at this time? How much space do you have in that area and most importantly what kind of workout would you prefer to do in that area? Once you have answered those key questions you can figure out what your ideal workout will be like. Hint: Don't be afraid to reconfigure a room, i.e. the dinning room in my condo has a great mirrored wall and huge glass doors that lead to an upstairs balcony so it is now my office/home gym because it's the perfect space for jump rope, online strength workouts, and alignment focused yoga.
Step 2: The Perfect Workout
Now that you know time, location, and type of activities you'll be doing it's time to figure out how you're going to do it. Ask yourself how much time you will spend on warm-up, strength training, stretching, cardio cool-down. Grab a piece of paper and write down what you feel is ideal for you. For example. Somebody looking for general fitness or a maintenance program can get by with 10 min. warm-up, 15 min. strength, and 15 min. stretch vs. somebody looking to lose weight and build endurance who should do a minimum of 20 min. cardio, 20 min. strength, and 10 min. stretch. You want a balance between all three fitness components (cardio/strength/flexibility) while customizing it to your space, availability, goals, and preferences. Once your workout is planned you're ready to find the fitness equipment and tools to make it happen.
Step 3: The Fitness Equipment
Finally ask yourself where you will warm-up or do fat burning cardio? Outdoors or indoors? What type of strength training you prefer? Circuit or more targeted? Do you like to exercise solo or do you need fitness dvd motivation? What type of flexibility program do you prefer? Quick simple stretches, yoga, or a prop assisted routine? Be specific and think about what your body needs and what you like.
Example 1:
Say you answered indoors cardio, quick strength training dvd, and simple stretches. You can do it 30 min. 3 times a week and you have o.k. space in the t.v. room. Your best bet would be a fold up treadmill like the one below to save time and space, free weights along with basic dvd like: Quick Fix - Stability Ball Workout
, plus an easy to follow stretch routine for cardio only days: The Stretch Deck: 50 Stretches
.This affordable horizon treadmill is perfect for indoor cardio!
Example 2:
Say you answered outdoors cardio, simple strength, along with some yoga for flexibility and relaxation. You have 45 minutes 4 times a week but not much space. Your best bet would be ipod cardio workout for maximum fat burning, free weights with dumbbell training poster like the one below, and online yoga membership for lap top access routines that don't take up much space.
Awesome dumbbell training poster for quick workouts
You can come up with dozens of combinations like this. The goal is to find one that will work for you! It will probably take you about 10-20 minutes to go through the process to figure it out but it in the long run it will save you time, money, and get you moving on a regular basis. Check out the other great guides below and figure out everything from what type of cardio machine to buy, to what workout shoes to get, to what fitness dvd is best for you.
