Make your own dream gym.

Let’s face it, not everyone is racking in the kind of dough required to have a gym membership all year round. It’s an unfortunate truth that if you want to get into some great shape it’s not only going to cost you time, but money as well. If you can’t pay for a gym membership there’s no shame in your game. But you shouldn’t allow it to become an excuse for not training.

There’s a reason why the saying “there’s other ways to catch fish” rings so true, because there isn’t just one way to do things. Can’t afford to go to the gym? Fine. If you have the means and the space, then why not set up your own gym. It’ll be cost effective and become your sacred sanctuary for gains. Here are some of the essentials you’ll need to have a great yet simple home gym.
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Setting

When it comes to setting up your home gym you’ll obviously need the space to fit the equipment. We understand that not everyone has a mansion to place a ton of equipment in, but if you do have the space then you’ve got to utilize it well. Mirrors are a great addition to any gym paid for or not. The mirror allows you to actively critique your physique before, during, and after a training session. It’s not a must, but it’s certainly a nice touch that can fuel your workout. What is a must is some good sturdy flooring. You’re gym isn’t going to be like Planet Fitness. There’s going to be times when you drop a barbell or dumbbells on the ground simply because you can hold it anymore and for that you’ll need the proper flooring to take the impact. Invest in some interlocking foam mat squares for some great flooring for your gym.

Barbell

This is pretty self explanatory, but if you don’t have a barbell in your gym then we just don’t know what the hell you’re doing. The barbell is essential for a number of different reasons. So many of the essential exercises rely on the barbell. Sure, it’s possible to modify your deadlifts, squats, and bench press, but the barbell is a tool that allows you to push more weight with a far simpler application. Don’t for get the plates either. A barbell alone isn’t going to bring you the pump you need.

Power Rack

A barbell rack is definitely a must for your home gym. Seeing as how you’re going to want the king of all exercises, the squat, in your routine then chances are you’re going to need a rack to put your barbell on when the exercise is complete. That being said, chances are you won’t have a spotter there for you all the time so you’re definitely going to want some safety arms to ensure that you don’t hurt yourself during a lift. The rack should be tall enough to perform a military press and a squat comfortably as well as being able to hold a large amount of weight, ideally upwards of 500 lbs.

Bench

This one seems like another no brainer for your home gym. The bench is such a multipurpose apparatus that allows you to perform a number of different exercises. Want to make some chest gains? Need somewhere sturdy to sit while doing concentration curls? Then you better have a bench press in your gym. It can also be used in tandem with the power rack where you can perform an incline press or military press while having somewhere to put you barbell once the exercise is complete.

Dumbbells

You didn’t think we’d forget about this hallmark did you? Well if you want to have your own home gym then it’s probably best that you have some dumbbells on the menu. More than any other tool on this list dumbbells are important pieces of equipment that are great because of the diversity of movements that can be utilized. You can supplement barbell movements with dumbbells and though you won’t be hauling as much weight, you’ll still be able to get the pump you need. Dumbbells are versatile and are great for exercises that require compound movements such as flyes and side laterals. If you can get nothing else, make sure you have some dumbbells at home.
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What would your dream gym look like? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.