Things to Consider When Building a Home Gym

When purchasing fitness equipment, it is important that you keep your personal fitness goals and preferences the priority and then choose the solutions best matched to achieve your goals. Too often, people prioritize space or price when researching free weight options. In reality, the most important factor is your experience when working out with your chosen free weights. Free weights are a very personal fitness tool, so every time you pick up the weight, you are instantly reminded of if you bought the right quality, design, and construction for you.

Weights are the most valuable piece of strength training equipment you can have if you want to build muscle and strength. They’re easy to use, you can perform a wide range of exercises with them, and they’re much cheaper compared to home gym machines. Not only do they promote functional fitness, but they allow for a full range of motion increasing balance, stability, and strength simultaneously. 

Understanding your space is key, so you can maximize your square footage. A common misconception is that free weights are a one size fits all solution. However, there are a variety of options that take up a variety of different spaces. Having a layout of what additional products you want in your home gym and what space will be designated for free weights is a good first step.

Will it just be you utilizing your fitness space or will you be sharing with family members or roommates? If you’ll be sharing the equipment with others, then it’s a good idea to touch and try the equipment together to ensure you’re all on the same page with your free weight desires. It’s important to find the right solutions that not only feel comfortable for everyone using the equipment, but also support individual workout goals.

Handheld free weights consisting of a handle and matching weights attached on both ends. Can be used in pairs or solo. These are great for those who are new at lifting because they require more individual muscles to fire in your arms and core to keep the weights balanced as you move them up and down. Your hands are not in a fixed position as they are when using a barbell, so there’s less rigid stress on your tendons. There are dumbbells of different shapes and materials. Personally, I prefer the rubber hex dumbbells since the edges are flat and material soft enough to be placed on the ground while performing exercises in a high plank position, such as a renegade row or man makers. 

The weight can be adjusted as needed to be heavier or lighter. This one piece of equipment can replace numerous pairs of dumbbells while allowing you to utilize a variety of weight sets. It is cost efficient and space conscious. 

A free weight consisting of a long bar with weights attached on both ends. They require both hands and less work from the smaller stabilizer muscles than dumbbells, making it easier for users to focus on larger muscle groups. They’re often the free weight of choice for more experienced weightlifters, primarily because they make it possible to work with greater weight. 

Steel ball weight with a handle attached to the top. Can be used in pairs or solo. Great for strength training, but even better when it comes to explosive, physical movement. Kettlebells can be used for a lot of the same strength movements as dumbbells, but will add an extra challenge. Kettlebells take the center of gravity about 6-8 inches away from your hand, whereas dumbbells provide more stability. 

A great tool to consider adding to your workout space for both safety and convenience. Keeping your free weights organized is a great way to ensure you can easily transition from one movement to the next. 

Hopefully, now you can decide what sort of weight you need to start building muscles at home. The best workout is the one you actually do, so it’s important to choose the right fitness equipment for your goals and preferences. Training with weights is an excellent way to boost your fitness and with your proper nutrition, you can get great results without having access to the JOHO facilities.