Designing Your Ideal Home Gym - Tips & Ideas

Designing The Perfect Home Gym from Gym Staples to Killer Accessories

Designing the perfect home gym is a dream come true for many fitness enthusiasts because it means never having to miss a workout or waiting for a piece of equipment to be available at the gym. The convenience of working out at home can’t be beat. With years of experience under our belt here at Valor Fitness, we’ve gathered everything you need to know to set up the perfect home gym with all the gym staples and killer accessories that make it possible to crush your fitness goals at home.

The Perfect Gym Set Up Takes Some Careful Thought & Planning

Begin by determining where in your home you will set up your new gym, figuring out its square footage, and thinking about your fitness goals – this is unique for each person and will determine many of your choices. Ask yourself these 10 questions:

1. What is my budget?
2. Will anyone else be working out in your home gym?
3. Does the space need to be updated in terms of any basics like adding electrical outlets, lighting, fans, etc.?
4. Does the space need to be soundproofed? If you’re going to be working out right next to a child’s room, for example, you might need to soundproof it.
5. Should air conditioning or heating be added to the space?
6. Is it in the budget to have speakers installed or will I use a portable system?
7. What are the room’s dimensions? Height will be particularly important for some equipment.
8. What are my fitness goals?
9. Do I have any existing equipment that I will be incorporating into my set up or will everything be new?
10. Does the space already have mirrors and equipment mats or will those need to be added? These are important for safety. The mirrors help you monitor your form and address poor posture while the equipment mats prevent slippage and protect your floor.

In addition to these basic questions, many home gym enthusiasts make the extra effort to ensure their space has all the comforts including a small refrigerator for water and sports drinks, workout towels and cleaning supplies conveniently stored in the room, a TV, a sink, etc. You may also want to add motivational images or quotes to the walls in your home gym.

Getting To Work

Selecting your home gym equipment will be primarily based on your fitness goals. Are you aiming to build muscle, lose weight, improve your endurance, or just stay generally healthy? If you are focusing on improving your cardiovascular health, you may not invest in a barbell and bench set but rather prefer to use a weight vest and a rowing machine. Consider your previous experience with fitness equipment and what you prefer to use in addition to your fitness goals.

Generally speaking, here are some gym staples every home gym should include.

• Kettlebells – Kettlebells are one staple of the home gym that are thought to be a must-have especially when it comes to building core and strength. They can be incorporated into many exercise routines. No matter what your square footage is or what your goals are, having 2 kettlebells on hand is key.

• Resistance Bands – Versatile and highly portable, resistance bands tied to a sturdy post can provide an excellent full-body workout. Investing in various sizes/thicknesses will allow you to adjust the intensity over time.

• Dumbbells – A basic dumbbell set is more comfortable for certain exercises than a set of kettlebells. We recommend investing in a pair of medium-weight dumbbells to suit many exercises.

• Adjustable Bench – With an adjustable bench, you will be able to perform a wide array of workouts whether flat, on an incline, or a decline. This is a solid investment you will likely have for years.

• Exercise Bike or Rowing Machine – Intended to build endurance for all levels of fitness, riding a well-designed exercise bike or using a quality rowing machine is great for cross training as they provide a full-body workout.

• Boxing Bags – For many, a boxing bag is indispensable because it provides a great workout. Proper installation is critical to prevent injury.

Having the essential equipment is important but the accessories can take a basic workout to the next level.

• Jump Rope – As basic as it comes, a durable jump rope with comfortable handles is always good to have on hand. A good jump rope session will get your heart pumping in no time.

• Aerobic Step or Plyometric Box – A quality step platform or plyometric box will do wonders for your body and your mood. These will also help you improve your balance, coordination, and agility. There are several options available to suit every budget.

• Timer – It’s important to be able to track your workout time and intervals. A large timer installed on the wall is usually your best bet.

• Gloves – Investing in a comfortable pair of gloves made of the best materials that fit well is important. Gloves will protect your hands from blisters and calluses as well as prevent injury because of grip pads.

• Storage/Shelving – Properly storing your kettlebells, barbells, and dumbbells is important to prevent injury and damage to the equipment you have invested in.

Designing your perfect home gym has never been easier – contact the fitness pros at Valor Fitness to discuss the gym staples and accessories you should invest in.