Training at home gym is a great alternative to working out in a commercial one. Not only can it save you a lot of money from expensive membership fees but it also gives you more time, freedom, and motivation in achieving your fitness goal.
But even with a lot of advantages, there are also some things that you should always keep in mind when training at home. Always pay attention to these top five things and make the most out of your training.
Choose a Workout Plan
Unlike in a commercial gym where you will be provided with a variety of workout plans and will be guided throughout the course, you are on your own when training at your home gym. Start by setting your own goal. Are you training to improve strength or to condition your body for a particular sport? Are you working out to lose weight or to gain more muscle?
After setting your fitness goal, you may need to do some research on your regular routines. Just remember to be always aware of your limits. If you are a beginner, avoid doing intense workouts. If you are an advanced trainer, increase the difficulty of your training gradually. You may also tap the services of a professional fitness coach or personal trainer to prescribe you with the different exercises that you can work on.
Maximize a Limited Space
One important consideration when training at home is the limited space that most people have. Ideally, it is sufficient if you can fit the necessary training equipment and comfortably perform exercises while lying down. Of course, it is always better to have a larger room for your home gym. Also, if you want to install a TRX suspension system or perform exercises with a wide range of movement, you should consider a larger space to train on.
Spending Too Much on Equipment
As much as possible, avoid buying two or more equipment that workout the same areas of the body so you can save more money and space. Prefer gym equipment and accessories that train more than one part of your body. Typically, a dumbbell and barbell set, a bench, a pull-up bar, and a treadmill (see Ronnie’s tips on using the treadmill), are already good to start with.
Know How to Avoid Injuries
While working out on your own at home has a lot of benefits, it also has some disadvantages. You might not have a spotter or a training partner who can let you know if your techniques are not correct or the exercise posture needs to be changed. You have to be extra careful when doing weightlifting all alone. While there is a risk of sustaining injuries from accidents, you can lessen this by using suitable equipment like a weightlifting belt and a power rack for support. Whenever you are buying new equipment, always search for more information about the products you want to buy. We also recommend you to consult with your doctor before starting the training at home or at a gym, to be sure that you have no health conditions that impede you from training.
Discipline is the Key
Since you are on your own at home, you must learn how to discipline yourself. Enhance your training by eating healthy and on time. Getting enough sleep is important too. A couple of days ago we published a post on how to sleep better, so you are welcome to have a look! Set your target, work for it, and avoid any distractions. Follow your schedule and do not wait for yourself to ‘feel right’ before you start with your training. Also, do not forget to have rest days and reward yourself once in awhile.
Do you work out at home or in the gym?
* The unedited green image created by Valeria_aksakova – Freepik.com.
These are definitely good things to keep in mind! I am going to bookmark this for reference!
I have a sitting area in my large master bedroom where I have my weights and elliptical. I love being able to work out from home and not having to worry about child care to get a workout in or the cost of a gym membership. Exercise is my escape. It’s one way for me to have “ME” time.
I do a combination of workouts at home and in a gym. I have access to a gym at work, but we are also members of a different gym. When I don’t have time to go or if the weather is awful, I opt to workout at home.
Great pointers! I would have to say, discipline really is they key! Kind of like working from home. There are lots of distractions at home!
I work out at home by using my cable and youtube. I can get my workouts on demand through my cable company. I can also follow a fitness person that I enjoy and work out and it doesn’t cost me money as I am not at a gym.
I have used youtube videos too!
We have a treadmill at home and have considered adding more. Just wonder if we would get our money’s worth?
I work out at home, cardio mostly, and I have been totally lacking discipline lately. We’re so busy it is so hard to fit it in! And I’m a triathlete – I’m very active, but sticking with a routine is the hardest for me.
This is great. I don’t have a home gym but I recently bought a treadmill and have been using it often. I got it super cheap practically brand new and have been needing to do more!