If you’ve been putting off setting up a home gym because you “have too much other work to do,” I have great news for you – you’re probably under shelter-in-place orders somewhere in the country, and now you have all the time in the world to do it!
Installing a home gym is a daunting task in the best of times; in the worst of times, it’s an almost unspeakable consideration. However, now might be the perfect time to set up your own home gym. It’s a long process but the rewards are satisfying and, ultimately, will save you tons of money in the long run. Consider this: future pandemics, zombie apocalypse, civil war, etc. –– you will never be separated from the gym again if you make the decision to simply build one inside your home. Here are 5 steps to help you get started with the process.
1. Figure out your budget before you do anything.
Budgeting is the first step to any major home renovation project. It’s important to have an idea of what your overall fund is, because that will help you decide down the line how much you can allocate to costs like room renovations vs. equipment. Installing a home gym is a process that could be done very cheaply or very expensively depending on a number of factors, including how much equipment you plan to buy and whether or not your house has an existing room fit to house a gym.
2. Plan out your space.
You should have an idea in your head of what the space is going to look like before you make any major investments like expensive equipment or knocking down walls. Be realistic about what you can achieve within your price range and the given size of a room. Don’t try and copy a home gym you see on Instagram that probably has tens of thousands of dollars in equipment in it – you can get the same great workout at a fraction of the price.
3. Take advantage of deals wherever possible.
Gym equipment can get very expensive. This is definitely a huge obstacle for people who are already looking at costs if they’re planning on expanding or reflooring certain rooms to turn them into gyms. Local online resources are a great way to find used gym equipment that works like it’s new. Craigslist, Facebook, and even Amazon are great places you can look for deals on used equipment.
4. Think about all the money you’ll save.
Over time, your home gym will come to replace whatever money you used to spend on personal trainers and gym memberships. Consider that whatever costs you have relating to these expenses now, they’ll be gone once you have your own gym. So, it might be worth it to invest more money than you think.
5. Build around your existing fitness routine.
Remember, it’s not about buying the fanciest or the nicest equipment. Buy the right equipment that is going to help you work out the way you always have, not cool, exciting equipment that you think is going to change your life or motivate you. The best home gym is a practical one that can really be used to advance your fitness.
Well, now you have all the tips you need to get started on a home gym of your very own. You’ll probably be needing it for a little while longer!
