The environment in which you exercise matters as much as the type
and frequency of exercises you do. This explains why fitness gyms
continue to enjoy a strong following. However, with the cost and
inconvenience often associated with gym memberships, more and more
people are opting to use a home gym. It's not only cheaper in the long
run but also offers the kind of privacy not readily available at public
gyms. Ready to create your own physical fitness space? Here are some of
the most important considerations you should put into your home gym
design:
Your fitness goals
The kind of fitness objectives you have in using a home gym will impact its design. Do you want to build cardiovascular resistance, increase muscle mass or just simply lose weight? If your goal is to increase cardio strength, for example, a bigger gym with options for weight training will not only eat up a lot of space in your home but also remain unmaximized. Equipment that matches your fitness goals is the right choice.
You should also consider your fitness level, age, weight and height. These factors will affect the type of gym machine you should use AND the design of your home gym.
Number of individuals who will use the home gym
If you live alone, the space and type of machine should not be much of a concern. But if you live with someone who also exercises or with a family, you probably will need a bigger machine, such as a total gym or multigym that allows at least two people to exercise at the same time.
Space and location
Other than safety and physical fitness features of the gym machine, you will also have to consider the size and weight of the unit. When designing your home gym, consider the available space carefully. Is there enough room for the equipment to fit comfortably? If you stretch any part of the gym machine, for example, the equipment or any part of your body shouldn't touch the wall, ceiling or any other objects in the room.
The weight of the machine will also figure heavily in the design of your home gym. If you look at some of the houses that have home gyms, you'll find that the most common location is the basement. Not only is the basement out of the way and private, the flooring is also the strongest in the house. The foundation and area are often enough to support the heavy weight and size of the equipment.
If you don't have a basement, just make sure to place your fitness equipment in the area of the house that can support its weight. Consider using mats to protect the floor as well.
Here are some minimum space recommendations for the type of gym machine you might use:
Stationary bike - 10 sq.ft.
Treadmill - 30 sq.ft.
Stair climber - 10 to 25 sq.ft.
Rowing machine - 15 to 20 sq.ft.
Ski machines - 25 to 30 sq.ft
Single-station gyms - 35 sq.ft.
Multi-station gyms - 50 to 150 sq.ft., more if the equipment is larger.
Multiple machines
If you have several exercise machines, consider their arrangement carefully. Cardio equipment, for example, are best placed near windows while multigyms are more convenient stationed away from windows.
Larger equipment are also best placed next to walls while smaller-sized machines should be placed in the middle part of the room. Make sure there is enough space between the machines so if several people are using them at the same time, no one gets hit in the process.
If you have a rack of free weights, a bench and an exercise mat, keep these within reach but tucked next to a wall. It's also a good idea to group these together so they are easy to find and use.
Accessories
Why do you need accessories when designing a home gym? They make exercising that much more fun and appealing. A good choice on top of the basic cardio equipment you already have is a set of free weights. Graduated weights help build strength and muscles and as you progress, you can switch to a heavier set.
There are also other accessories you might want to consider when designing a home gym. Mirrors, for example, are not vanity accessories. They actually help you check out your posture during exercising to see whether you're doing the workouts right. Gloves protect your hands during exercising and prevent slippage.
And what would a good home gym design be without incorporating video and audio equipment? People like to exercise to music and a TV or LCD screen would be a good addition so you can catch up on your favorite programs even while exercising. If you vary your routine with Pilates and/or a yoga routine, the TV and DVD player will come in handy.
Read More:
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The kind of fitness objectives you have in using a home gym will impact its design. Do you want to build cardiovascular resistance, increase muscle mass or just simply lose weight? If your goal is to increase cardio strength, for example, a bigger gym with options for weight training will not only eat up a lot of space in your home but also remain unmaximized. Equipment that matches your fitness goals is the right choice.
You should also consider your fitness level, age, weight and height. These factors will affect the type of gym machine you should use AND the design of your home gym.
Number of individuals who will use the home gym
If you live alone, the space and type of machine should not be much of a concern. But if you live with someone who also exercises or with a family, you probably will need a bigger machine, such as a total gym or multigym that allows at least two people to exercise at the same time.
Space and location
Other than safety and physical fitness features of the gym machine, you will also have to consider the size and weight of the unit. When designing your home gym, consider the available space carefully. Is there enough room for the equipment to fit comfortably? If you stretch any part of the gym machine, for example, the equipment or any part of your body shouldn't touch the wall, ceiling or any other objects in the room.
The weight of the machine will also figure heavily in the design of your home gym. If you look at some of the houses that have home gyms, you'll find that the most common location is the basement. Not only is the basement out of the way and private, the flooring is also the strongest in the house. The foundation and area are often enough to support the heavy weight and size of the equipment.
If you don't have a basement, just make sure to place your fitness equipment in the area of the house that can support its weight. Consider using mats to protect the floor as well.
Here are some minimum space recommendations for the type of gym machine you might use:
Stationary bike - 10 sq.ft.
Treadmill - 30 sq.ft.
Stair climber - 10 to 25 sq.ft.
Rowing machine - 15 to 20 sq.ft.
Ski machines - 25 to 30 sq.ft
Single-station gyms - 35 sq.ft.
Multi-station gyms - 50 to 150 sq.ft., more if the equipment is larger.
Multiple machines
If you have several exercise machines, consider their arrangement carefully. Cardio equipment, for example, are best placed near windows while multigyms are more convenient stationed away from windows.
Larger equipment are also best placed next to walls while smaller-sized machines should be placed in the middle part of the room. Make sure there is enough space between the machines so if several people are using them at the same time, no one gets hit in the process.
If you have a rack of free weights, a bench and an exercise mat, keep these within reach but tucked next to a wall. It's also a good idea to group these together so they are easy to find and use.
Accessories
Why do you need accessories when designing a home gym? They make exercising that much more fun and appealing. A good choice on top of the basic cardio equipment you already have is a set of free weights. Graduated weights help build strength and muscles and as you progress, you can switch to a heavier set.
There are also other accessories you might want to consider when designing a home gym. Mirrors, for example, are not vanity accessories. They actually help you check out your posture during exercising to see whether you're doing the workouts right. Gloves protect your hands during exercising and prevent slippage.
And what would a good home gym design be without incorporating video and audio equipment? People like to exercise to music and a TV or LCD screen would be a good addition so you can catch up on your favorite programs even while exercising. If you vary your routine with Pilates and/or a yoga routine, the TV and DVD player will come in handy.
Read More:
♦ 7 Homemade Detox Drinks for... ♦ 16 Simple Tweaks To Help You Lose Weight