Having your own home gym is a great way to pandemic-proof your fitness routine. With a usable space and the right equipment, you can set up a gym that meets all of your needs.Having your own home gym is a great way to pandemic-proof your fitness routine. With a usable space and the right equipment, you can set up a gym that meets all of your needs.

There have always been a number of good reasons to build a home gym, like greater convenience and saving money on a gym membership. The limitations and concerns caused by COVID-19 have given people even more motivation to set up their own private space to workout.

Investing in a home gym is certainly worth it, and it doesn’t require breaking the bank. Just follow this simple guide to get started.

Setting Aside a Space

If you have an extra bedroom, a basement, or a garage, then you’re all set. With some smart organization and space management, you can easily put together a fantastic home gym in even a smaller room.

If you don’t have a space to dedicate entirely to a gym, then a bit of creativity can still go a long way. Perhaps you can rearrange some furniture and clear up a corner of your living room or bedroom. When your equipment is not in use, simply tuck it away in some storage containers or underneath the sofa to help the space feel less cluttered.

During the warmer months, even a small outdoor area might be all you need to get in a good workout.

Essential Equipment to Start With

You don’t need bulky or expensive equipment for a functional home gym. Some of the best pieces of equipment are actually small, light, and inexpensive. Here is what you should focus on getting first:

• Exercise mat: A home gym must-have, a quality mat provides cushioning for any type of floor exercise, including yoga, pilates, crunches, or stretches. It is also a great way to delineate your workout area.

• Resistance bands: Small but mighty, resistance bands are an excellent piece of equipment for strength training. They can be used to increase the difficulty of your lower-body exercises.

• Jump rope: Jumping rope has come to be recognized as a stellar cardio exercise. It is an easy way to quickly increase your heart rate and it works out your legs, arms, shoulders, and core muscles as well.

• Kettlebells: Kettlebells are a highly versatile piece of equipment that can add an extra challenge to bodyweight workouts like the walking lunge or the goblet squat.

• Dumbbells: A good set of dumbbells makes it easy to do targeted upper body workouts. They can also be used in compound exercises, like simultaneous lunges and bicep curls.

• Full-length mirror: While not technically a piece of workout equipment, a mirror allows you to check that you have the correct form, which is particularly useful when working out alone.

Sourcing Larger Gym Equipment

Once you have the basics covered, you can start saving up for larger pieces of gym equipment like a treadmill or an exercise bike, if you desire. Best of all, you don’t have to break the bank on them either. It is possible to get quality gym equipment at a low price if you buy it used. Many people sell equipment that has only been used a few times and is still in fantastic condition. Check out places like Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace for some great deals.

Getting in a regular workout can help you stay grounded, even in uncertain times. Whether you are looking to continue or begin your fitness journey, a good home gym will keep you on track.