Our top 4 tips for success when setting up your home gym!
Choose a Space
Whether you have the room in your home for a permanent “gym” or you push aside the coffee table and use your living room, having a planned space will instill a sense of routine from the beginning.
This space may vary depending on the type of workout (strength training vs yoga) or if you have family at home with you. Either way, try to avoid small, stuffy places with minimal natural light. When possible, choose a space apart from noise, people and other distractions (eg. the fridge).
Set Up Your Essentials
Decide what you need to start and complete your workout without having to leave the room. If you don’t have a permanent set up or dedicated room, sort out which items can be stored in/near your workout space and not be in the way when it’s not workout time.
Examples: Bluetooth speaker on the counter, yoga mat tucked under the couch, laptop on the bookshelf
Create a list of one-time use items needed for your workout so that you don’t get part way through and realize you forgot something: full water bottle, sweat towel. This list may evolve as you go, so try to be open to change.
Create the Right Atmosphere
Workouts are inherently work, but they should be enjoyable too. Try to keep your space tidy and consider setting up motivational pictures or quotes, hanging or leaning a mirror on the wall and adding candles or an essential oil diffuser.
You can also boost your mood by choosing inspiring music and wearing your favourite workout clothes. This is your time and your private space, so feel free to bust out the neon sweat band and leg warmers!
Equipment
The most useful tools that you need come included for free: your body, and gravity. There are endless workouts that can be done using your own bodyweight. You can supplement and modify bodyweight exercises using a sturdy chair, coffee table or countertop, stairs, a flat wall, broom stick and towel.
For the budget-minded person, household items such as soup cans, books, water/milk jugs filled with water, sand or pebbles, and various other items can be used to add resistance.
If you’ve got a little bit of cash, a single dumbbell and a resistance band are simple tools to add variety to an already large assortment of exercises you can do at home.
If you need assistance in space planning your designated area, the experts at LIV North Athletics division can provide you with a sample room layout and recommendations.