Setting up a home gym is a great option for those who struggle to find the time to get out regularly. If you are able to motivate yourself to use the equipment alone, this might be a way to exercise more frequently.
The following guidelines will help you choose home gym equipment.
Identify your fitness requirements:
Home gym equipment frequently winds up as nothing more than an expensive place to hang clothes. To avoid this you need to be sure that you'll actually use whatever you buy. The first key to that is that it is something that you enjoy using.
Think of equipment you've used at the gym - what do you prefer using? You will also want something that will continue to challenge you as your fitness increase. Be sure, therefore, that anything you buy has the option to increase the resistance, incline etc.
You should also consider what type of workouts you want to perform - cardio, resistance, or both. Both aerobic and strength training are necessary to achieve all round fitness. The best option for both cardio and strength training is an indoor rower, such as the Concept II.
For cardio workouts, options include treadmills, exercise bikes, cross trainers, and steppers.
Cardio machines should allow you to work steadily for at least 20 minutes - this will build your aerobic fitness and burn calories.
For strength training, multi-gyms can offer a good range of exercises, but do take up quite a bit of space. Alternatively, dumbbells and resistance bands are easy to store away and will provide a vast range of exercises.
The following page will help you look at the cost and size of the gym equipment your looking at buying.
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