With the pandemic still going on, it’s getting more dangerous for us to step outside, and yet we still need to ensure that we develop a healthy body to build a stronger immune system. While a proper diet is important, we also need constant exercise to stay in good shape.
However, the risk of contracting the virus is higher if we hit the gym or jog around our local neighborhood. That’s why people are starting to build their gyms at home. If you’re also interested, you’ve come to the right place.
Where to Set Up
The first thing you need to worry about is where to set up our gyms. There are plenty of areas in your home that can be turned into a personal workout area. We’ve listed a few of them below to give you an idea.
Vacant Room
One of the most common options for setting up a gym at home is to find a vacant room. Whether it’s an old room that your brother or sister used to have or a room that has been turned into storage, turning an empty room into a personal workout space is relatively easy. There’s also the bonus of having some privacy while exercising.
Balcony
If you don’t worry too much about privacy or you can’t find a vacant room, your balcony is always an option. It’s got more than enough space for all your workout equipment, and you will also get a decent amount of sunlight while you exercise. Just make sure that you install an awning to provide some shade to your workout space. Too much sunlight can be harmful to your skin, and leaving your equipment exposed to changing temperatures can damage it.
Garage
Turning your garage into a gym is also relatively easy. It combines the space that a balcony provides and the privacy that you get from a vacant room. However, if you use the garage to store your vehicle, make sure that it has enough space for these two purposes and that you keep your gym equipment away from the driveway or automotive tools to avoid damages.
Rooftop
Lastly, if your home has a rooftop, it can also function as a personal gym. Just make sure that you have enough shade to prevent excessive sunlight from damaging your skin. You may also need to build a storage room or cabinet to keep your gym equipment. Rainwater exposure and sunlight can quickly compromise its integrity.
What You Need
Once you’ve chosen an area in your home to set up your gym, it’s time to bring in the big guns. You don’t really need every heavy equipment you often see in gyms, but that’s also not a green light to downgrade your home gym. That is, of course, if you want to maximize the results. Finding the right balance between practicality and functionality is important. That being said, below are some of the essential gym equipment you need at home.
Dumbbells
You can do many home workouts with dumbbells, which is probably why this equipment is almost always present in every gym, both professional and at home. Dumbbells ranging from five to 15 lbs. should do just fine, but if you have the budget, go for those dumbbells that have adjustable weights. They’re more expensive, but they also have a wider range from five to 55 lbs.
Barbells
If you want to focus on building your chest and butt area, you need to invest in barbells. These are the bigger cousins of dumbbells, and they require you to use both hands for heavy training. Knowing what exercises you can do with barbells is also important for building your whole-body strength.
Gym Bench
Some types of exercises must be done while sitting or lying down. That’s why it’s also important to have a gym bench. The old bench you have at home may not be as comfortable and can cause injuries if it suddenly breaks. Gym benches are equipped with heavy-duty materials and adequate cushion for comfort and stability.
Treadmill
Having one of the best treadmills for home gyms will also be beneficial. Since most of us can’t go outside for our daily jog, a treadmill with various functions such as speed adjustment and heart rate monitor will help maintain a fit body.
The fact that we all have to stay at home is not an excuse to stop developing your body. Now more than ever, we need a stronger immune system and whole-body strength to ensure that we are healthy enough to fight off the different chronic diseases and physical challenges of life. Setting up your personal gym at home is important.