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Exercise Equipment: What You Will Need for Your Home Workout Space
Everyone knows the benefits of frequent and consistent exercise, but not everyone has the time or resources to head out to the gym several times a week. Another problem that not only a great deal of people have, but I’m willing to bet most people have when it comes to exercise is not knowing how to start. When someone doesn’t know how to start doing something, chances are that person isn’t going to make it a priority to learn how or just throw themselves into it, regardless of the fact that they know it is good for them.
Luckily, the folks over at Sears Blue Crew HQ have put together an extremely simple exercise guide full of basic, but sometimes overlooked tips on how to create a dedicated, motivating and inspiring workout space in your own home.
Let’s face it, not everyone has the time to drive to the gym, work out and then drive home (or wherever they may need to go) afterward. After all that driving, the time really adds up and it can become more of a commitment than you were hoping for. Furthermore, a lot of people simply have no interest in joining a gym, regardless of how accepting, accommodating, or convenient that gym may be. By creating a home workout space, you have a dedicated space you can work out freely in, without having to take more time out of your day than you need to. You also have the freedom to decorate your space to match your taste and add little things that will make your workout experience more enjoyable. Your surroundings have a lot to do with your mood and by adding small, personal touches to your decor, you’re guaranteed to walk into that space whenever you want and immediately feel refreshed, at ease and ready to begin your workout. According to the Sears Blue Crew HQ, you want to make sure your space is safe, pleasant, roomy and entertaining.
But all of the decorating, accommodating and endless music selections mean nothing without the right equipment. The Sears Blue Crew HQ has also laid out what equipment is used most often in workout spaces and what you’ll need to exercise. Of course, the best equipment for you is the equipment you wil use, so think about what you like doing and also be sure to have some variety in routine–and the equipment to make it possible.
- Floor mats are perfect for stretching, yoga, Pilates, or old-fashioned push-ups and sit-ups. Look for non-slip, easily washable surfaces.
- Free weights are dumbbells and barbells for strength training. They are excellent because they allow a full range of notion, but get some training so you use them correctly. Also, they tend to be quite loud when dropped on the floor, so purchase proper weight-lifting mats to protect your floor and lower the noise level.
- Weight systems sometimes called home gyms, provide a variety of strengthening exercises without the noise of dropping heavy weights. They can take up a fair bit of space, so be sure to measure your area before you buy. They also greatly increase the load on your floor system, so be sure you have the structural support for it.
- Punching bags offer a great combination of aerobic workout, upper body strength building and stress relief. Get some training if you’ve never done bag work before, to avoid hurting your hands. Hang your bag securely in a way that won’t send vibrations through the whole house. Freestanding bags are also available, and you can set them up in an out-of-the-way corner of your home.
- Treadmills are a long-standing favorite. Good models have a variety of programmable workouts and an incline feature for added exertion. Look for higher horsepower in the motor and a sturdy frame. Treadmills need 6 feet of clearance behind them, in case of unexpected dismounts.
- Ellipticals give a good cardio workout with less impact on your knees – and your home. Most have reversible direction, and the better models offer an incline feature to maximize your workout. Like the treadmill, you need clearance around them for safety.
- Exercise bikes are no-impact and take up the least space of the cardio machines, because you don’t need safety space behind them. Like the others machine styles, they have a variety of programmable workouts. They also don’t cause much vibration and so can be put on almost any surface.
- Rowing machines give great low-impact, full-body and cardio workout. Proper technique is important, so read the manual or get some help before you start. Foldaway models make this an ideal machine for multi-purpose spaces.
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About the Author: Holly Ord
In addition to being the Founder and Editor of Woman Tribune, Holly Ord is a freelance writer, web designer and developer, feminist activist and blogger, and hopeless video game addict. She lives in Northeastern Pennsylvania and has been blogging on liberal politics and gender equality on her personal website, Menstrual Poetry since 2007.
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11 Comments on Exercise Equipment: What You Will Need for Your Home Workout Space / Add Your Comment
Have you ever used a pilates ring in your home workout. They are cheap, take up little room and are very versatile perfect to add to the home gym! Combine them with a treadmill or exercise bike like you mentioned above for a full body workout.
I don’t have so much time for gym, so I’ve got a little home gym for myself in my storage room. Because there’s a little room, so I had to choose carefully what equipment to put in. I’ve got an elliptical cross trainer, punching bag and few dumbbells. I think elliptical trainer is the best option if you have to choose treadmill, exercise bike or elliptical. The punching bag for me is a life saver! While workingout on punching bag I can release all my anger. I don’t use dumbbells so often, but it’s good to have them just in case if I want to excersice a bit harder.
Maybe someone has any more suggestions what would be good for a small home gym like mine?
Adjustable dumbbells, medicine balls, bands, stability ball, bosu ball and your own bodyweight. That’s what I advise my clients to use.
Great blog. I can identify with all of the obstacles of losing weight. As a 50+ woman I have tried every diet and don’t want to think about the money I threw out on gym memberships. I finally found this total body gym which is easy to use. I made up my own diet of foods I like and watch portions and the best thing is that my husband and 15 year old son have noticed the difference it made for me and are also using my gym with even better results
Have you tried rebounder to your home exercise equipments? I tell you, its an important part of home exercise equipment. Many people use it as an alternative. its very effective tool of exercise. A rebounder is a mini trampoline. All you need to do is to jump on it several times. By doing so, you will effectively lose unwanted fats, boost your metabolism and improves you immune and lymphatic system. Lastly, its simple and fun.
Good stuff. I really have to say I’ve gotten the best results from elliptical machines. They give you the same great cardio as jogging without the impact. Doesn’t get any better than that.
I’m a big advocate of rowing machines for fitness/cardio workouts. Like you say technique is extremely important, but get it right and the rewards are really worth it. You can make the workout as easy or as hard as you want and pretty much every muscle in your body will get a thorough workout.
This is so true. Having the right space and feeling of comfort around you when you exercise can make such a difference to your motivation. It is hard to achieve when you have little space though. I find a good solution for me has been to have a fold up treadmill or elliptical trainer for cardio and then use a yoga mat and punching bag for toning. At least that way, I can re-use my workout space if I need to for guests etc.
If you’re considering obtaining any kind of fitness at home gear, you should consider a good elliptical exercise trainer as your very best wager. Consumer Reports journal is actually 1 excellent spot to evaluate the actual functions as well as expenses associated with elliptical machines. You also can get great information and tips about elliptical training and fitness exercises at Elliptical Trainer Reviews
i workout with free weights but have found a plan that target the lowerbody with the use of weights
Regarding purchasing a treadmill. I’ve been reviewing treadmills for the last 8 years, and was formerly the V.P. of marketing for a fitness equipment firm. I recommend you avoid cheap treadmills in the sub $500 range. They are typically not very durable, and they do not provide adequate shock absorption. A couple of brands to consider our Sole Fitness, which is known to have some of the most durable running machines in their price range. The majority of their treadmills come with a lifetime motor, 5-year parts and 2-year labor warranty. Also NordicTrack, which offers some of the most innovative features in the industry. Features design to motivate you and overcome the boredom of running in place. For example, you can map out a route on Google Maps and the treadmill will simulate the terrain with the incline. You can also visualize the route with your laptop.