After the pandemic hit, millions of people who love to work out were either forced to set aside their original goals, or they brought all of their goals at home. It’s not too late to create a home gym, and if that’s what you’re looking for, this is the perfect place for you. Home gyms are great for stay-at-home moms, people that work from home, and those who just don’t have enough time to go to the gym. It also gives a lot of privacy, which is great for women to feel safe within the confines of their home. Here are some things you need to know about creating a home gym, from the exercises you can perform in it, to the materials that are best needed to create one.
What do you have?
First, you should decide what space you’re going to use, be it a garage, living room, or a backyard. It goes without saying that if you have a spare, empty room getting no use that works as well. You can also take advantage of your stairs, if your house allows you to. Next, you need to find what equipment you currently own. It helps to have a water bottle on hand, stay hydrated! Wear clothing that you would normally take to the gym, such as activewear. Plan out what type of exercises you like to do and can practically do that you don’t plan on spending any money on. You could already own some items, like a yoga mat, but if you can’t afford a machine, you might be better off focusing on exercises that are as practical to use with your yoga mat (or anything you may already own).
What do you need?
Some people do have the luxury of buying equipment in-store, such as treadmills or exercise bikes. If you don’t think this is an affordable option for you, buy smaller exercise items first. Jump ropes, hand weights, or elastic bands. Other popular options include yoga balls, pull up bars, and gliding wheels. It also helps to have a fan, or move an air conditioner into your room. You’ll want to be able to have room to breathe and not overheat while you exercise. These are some basic things that can help get you started, but if you are able to afford a machine, then make sure you’re buying a machine that you will frequently use or benefit the most from.
Setting up your space
It’s important to note that not everyone has enough space for a home gym. You might think you need to clear out an entire room in order to make space, but it turns out you can repurpose rooms to your own liking. Using your yoga mat in your living room is a great way to avoid carpet burns, and most living rooms have curtains to help keep strangers from noticing you. You might also want to consider doing this in a garage, where you can have a solid surface if you’re jumping or lifting. You don’t want to damage your flooring. Just make sure your garage is properly heated and ventilated. Lastly, you might need to get creative with how you move about the room. This can cause you to be more cautious around your valuables, so put away any breakable items in your room, and then begin your exercise when you’re ready. Lastly, personalize your room, put up something motivational and find some way to play some energizing music!
Popular Exercises for Women
Here are a few exercise moves that are great for women that require no equipment: - Planks
-Burpees
- Squats
- Push-ups
- The imaginary chair (You will need a wall to perform this)
- Lunges
- Jumping jacks
- Various yoga poses: downward dog, tree, bridge, and bow.
Here are a few exercises that may require some equipment:
- Pull-ups
- Bicep and tricep Curls
- Deadlifts
- Weight Press (be it with hand weights, or on a bench)
- Row
- Yoga Ball crunches and lifts
- Jump rope
We hope that when you build your home gym, there is no pressure towards getting it to be perfect. Give yourself the time you need to get used to your space, and exercise mindfully one day at a time. Enjoy exercising at home and getting the energy you deserve!
Photo Credit: Max Vakhtbovycn/Pexels.com
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