Exercising regularly can-do wonders for your body and mind, but the idea of walking up to a gym full of bodybuilders can be intimidating. Traveling to your local gym several times a week can also cause inconvenience and become the reason why you lose interest in working out.

Fortunately, you can avoid these potential pitfalls by creating your own home gym. This can be very beneficial as you no longer have to commute, and you’ll have access to the area 24/7. Having this space at home also means no waiting lines and distractions, making it easier for you to focus on working out.

If the idea of using a home gym interests you, don’t forget to consider the following before you start creating one:

1. Choose The Right Space

Your workouts won’t be that effective if you’re doing it in a space full of distractions. How can you focus on your routine if you’re preoccupied with the activities of your children? Do you think you can spend at least thirty minutes working out if your pets are bothering you?

The space where you’re going to build your home gym is an important consideration. Ideally, you should choose a location that’s somewhat separated from the rest of your home. A basement or unused garage are usually great options.

Just make sure that you lock the doors and inform your family the moment you start working out. Doing this will lessen distractions, allowing you to completely focus on your workouts.

2. Think About Gym Equipment

Your home gym won’t be complete without the right workout equipment. It’ll be challenging for you to target specific areas of your body or workout comfortably if you don’t have the right equipment for it.

When investing in equipment for your home gym, consider the space you have. Buying too much equipment can make the space cramped and prevent you from moving around. Buying too little, on the other hand, won’t allow you to maximize your home gym.

If you’re having a hard time deciding what gym equipment to buy, take note of these tips:

  • Start with the basics: Regardless if you’re a novice or an expert, your home gym should have yoga mats, resistance bands, dumbbells, medicine balls, and foam rollers.
  • Find a bargain: The equipment in your home gym doesn’t have to be branded, so consider looking at cheap yet functional equipment. If you’re looking forward to buying a portable dip bar, for example, take some time to visit discount stores in your area.
  • Think about buying second hand: For bigger gym equipment, like leg press machines and multifunctional trainers, go secondhand. You can find many online and offline marketplaces that sell used gym equipment that is still in very good condition.

3. Add Mirrors

The mirrors you see in your local gyms are actually there for a reason – they help you to perfect your technique and form, as you can easily see if you’re doing routines correctly. Mirrors also prevent injuries and accidents when working out. These are just some of the reasons why you should also add some mirrors in your home gym.

Aside from helping you maintain your form and keeping you safe whenever you’re working out, mirrors also improve the appearance and ambiance of the space, opening it up and creating an illusion of extra room.

Ideally, your mirrors should be placed in areas that have access to natural light. In addition, choose mirrors that are big enough for you to see your whole body in one glance.

4. Set The Right Temperature

Even with the most advanced gym equipment, you’ll likely find it hard to work out if your home gym is too cold or too warm. A home gym that’s too cold can cause you to shiver and prevent your muscles from warming up. A home gym that’s too hot, on the other hand, can cause discomfort, overheating, and even dizziness.

Before creating your home gym, think about how you’re going to manage the temperature, which should ideally be around 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. You can adjust your thermostat hours before working out, and if the space doesn’t have air conditioning and heating, consider investing in the right equipment for your climate.

Your body’s temperature naturally increases when you work out, so always maintain airflow in and out of your home gym by opening windows or turning on fans.

Start Working Out

Since your home gym now has the right ambiance and equipment, you can finally work out to your heart’s content. Just make sure to follow a workout plan approved by your doctor, so all of the sessions you’ll have are safe and directed towards your fitness goals!