by James on July 18, 2010
Have you ever caught yourself finding an excuse to stay home and not go to gym? Well, I used to do that after my long hours on business trips until I realized that it’ll be great if only I had gym….at HOME! That’s when I decided to build the best home gym. I am a busy executive and image is very important to me. But, I travel often and it just isn’t practical to keep multiple gym memberships. So what did I do? I terminated all but one of my gym memberships and created the best home gym.
Best decision ever!
Here are some tips and guide on how to create the best home gym:
1. Expect to create a small-medium space for the equipments
Of course, it’s best if you have a lot of space to spare or a designated workout room. But even with limited space, you’ll be able to find suitable equipments because there are a variety of compact, multitasking machines to choose from (read my product reviews to see suitable machines). Once you’ve identified the space, take down some measurements to help you choose equipments that’ll fit into the space.
2. Always look up the different choices available
You can either choose a combination of equipments or one that combines different workout functions. In my opinion, a multitasking machine works great because you get all that you need in a single machine. I also like the fact that it almost always takes up less space. If you prefer a combination of equipments, then look out for the best priced equipments because buying multiple workout machines can cost a fortune if you’re not mindful of the price.
3. Try out the equipments to determine their suitability
Similar to a typical gym setting, you’ll want to create an environment for balanced workout in your home gym. For that, you’ll need to have a upper and lower body workout function in the equipment(s) you choose. Besides that, you’ll probably want to consider machines that incorporate resistance training and is easy to use. As for me, I like to buy my equipments from Amazon because they arrive in great shape, almost always easy to assemble and comes with great discounts. What I’ll usually do is to try out the equipments in my local store before buying online. Maybe you can do the same.
4. Create a comfortable workout space
This is especially important because since you’ll be using the space pretty often, it’s important that you make it a place where you’ll want to visit again and again. Having a TV around helps keep you occupied while working out. Or, you can also load your MP3 player with some of your favorite songs and pick up a magazine while exercising. I’m sure you’ll grow to enjoy your workout sessions.
These are 4 of the simplest, most straightforward tips to help you kick start your home gym building plan. Read my blog to find more useful tips like 5 Gym Mistakes to Avoid and Quick Guide to Successful Home Gym Maintenance.
Related Posts:
by James on July 17, 2010
After you’ve created your home gym, you’ll want to keep you equipments in excellent condition. That’s really important because with frequent use, the equipments accumulate dirt and germ. With proper care, your machines will also last longer. No need to spend extra cash changing machines every year; mine lasted close to 5 years before I decided to change a new set. The old machine still works well and it’s in the good hands of my brother in-law now.
How to maintain your home gym equipments in great condition? Here are some quick guides:
1. Check your equipments for signs of wear and tear
A routine check helps you to pinpoint any signs of tear or damage so that you can fix them problem immediately. Machines also come with a lot of bolting and screws so be sure to check those out too. Regardless of your local gym or home gym, don’t work out on the machine knowing that it’s not well assembled and maintained. Always practice safety first.
2. Oil and grease your machine from time to time
Hearing creaky sounds or machines not functioning smoothly? It’s time to oil that machine. Before doing this, you should check the manual to see how frequent you should oil certain parts or if this is even necessary. Take note of parts where gears are located. Usually they tend to jam if not oiled properly.
3. Wipe the equipments with a mild cleaning solution
Sweat and grime on equipments trap bacteria and it’s not good to work out in a dirty machine. What you got to do is use a disinfectant or mild cleaning solution to wipe down the equipments. Don’t forget to clean the floor surface as well; sanitize the machine and its surrounding area to create a germ-free workout space.
4. If your machine has a belt, remember to check on it
Usually, belts are found in treadmills. If your exercise station has a treadmill, you got to check the belt for worn-out signs. The belt should always run in the center. If it’s not, then you got to make some alignment adjustments (refer to manual). Secondly, you risk tripping if the belt isn’t tight enough or if it’s too tight, it’ll wear out quickly. Check and see how well the belt fits in the machine.
5. Protect your machine with power surge protector
Some machines have to be plugged into a power supply. Like all other electrical equipments, you ought to prevent unnecessary power surge from damaging the machine. You can get power surge protectors from you local electrical or hardware store.
These quick guides are meant to help you create a lasting home gym. With simple routine checks and maintenance procedures, you can make your machine last a lot longer and save on repair costs. I make sure that these steps are covered in my personal home gym maintenance. If you’re keen to know more about home gyms, why not check out How to Create the Best Home Gym and 5 Gym Mistakes to Avoid.
Related Posts:
by James on July 16, 2010
Whether you’re just starting out in a fitness program or already a workout expert, you’d benefit from having a home gym. A home gym gives you the flexibility to work out any time of the day, without having to go all the way to the local gym. I keep my local gym membership just for days where I feel like hanging out at the gym to meet new people. Otherwise, my home gym does a great job at everything else.
Having the convenience of gym at home is great but do avoid making these common mistakes when creating your home gym:
Mistake 1: Skipping the planning process
You got to know for sure that you have enough room/space to fit your equipment(s) in. I once told a friend that he should never skip the planning and measuring. In haste he did and guess what; he bought costly gym equipment only having to sell it back at a reduced price, despite having never used it! There are many designs out there that will meet your workout needs so choose wisely.
Mistake 2: Buying equipment(s) offering limited workout
By this I mean equipment that only offers a particular workout (i.e. upper body muscles). Though the machine may seem like a great buy that time, you’ll eventually want to move on to tone other parts of your body. That is why I prefer a single station that offers multiple workouts. I know I can trust a good machine for a long time and that saves me the hassle of having to change equipments every time I’m bored of a workout.
Mistake 3: Choosing sophisticated but complicated machines
In designing your home gym, you should always choose easy to operate equipments. I personally enjoy sophisticated and classy designs in everything I buy. But when it comes to gym machines, I know that sophisticated machines are usually complicated. You got to press multiple buttons and settings before you can actually get the machine to run. To me, that’s just a waste of time. User-friendliness is important if you want to get up and get going in no time.
Mistake 4: Not trying out before you buy
Like I’ve said in my post How to Create the Best Home Gym, trying out the machine is important to see whether the weight and workout features work for you. Even if you decide to buy online, check out the equipment in your local store before confirming your purchase.
Mistake 5: Rushing into the process
I’ve seen people who rush into the whole home gym creation process. They basically do not do enough research and fail to note the important points to consider before buying any machine. You got to know that you are making an investment here. Like all other investments, having a good know-how of things can be very helpful in making good decision. If you are reading this, that means you are an exception; you care enough to do some serious research. And for that I say, congratulations!
If you want to know more about how to care for your gym equipments, read Quick Guide to Successful Home Gym Maintenance.
Related Posts:
by James on July 15, 2010
Hi, I’m James. This is my Best Home Gym blog and first post. I will be writing home gym reviews and articles for those who are looking for the best home gym to buy.
Statistics show that fitness gym fees are one of the highest fitness expenditure in the United State. During the 2008 economy crisis, most of the gyms had to offer lower fees and introduce credit systems to sustain their customers. Although fitness gyms are professional and effective, they are just beyond budget of most people.
Are you willing to pay few hundred dollars fees just to use the equipment there? How much time do you spend on each of the equipments? Plus, how many equipment do you actually use every time you visit?
Home gym is no longer a play toy for the rich. Today you can get one of them without having to work all year for it. Home gym features one concise and collective equipment of numerous equipments you can find in a fitness gym. Most models include pulleys, lat towers, curl attachments, aerobic rowing and etc. The weight and stress level of the equipments are variable to suit your work out.
The best home gym will help shape your body and build up body stamina based on your strength. A few advanced models even come with a treadmill and cycling wheel. You can always work out habitually and choose the time of your choice. You don’t have to drive or travel all the way to fitness gym just for a work out. Do it anytime you prefer with a home gym.
However resilience can be the most challenging task in work outs. A lot of people just buy a home gym and neglect any activity with it after using it for a couple of times. This is a waste of money and space. Make sure to follow your own workout schedule when you have a home gym.
On the other hand, be warned, because there isn’t any professional fitness instructor with you, you must read the manuals thoroughly before using it. And the manufacturers will not be responsible for any damage or harm caused by mishandling of their products!
All right, that’s all for now, and there will be home gym reviews to come soon. 
Related Posts:
