subject: How to Build a Practical Home Gym on a Budget [print this page] How to Build a Practical Home Gym on a Budget
Having a gym membership is a nice luxury, but not everyone can afford it. Not only do you usually need to pay for up front joining costs, but many gyms also charge expensive monthly fees. There can also be hidden expenses for classes and other services not covered in regular fees.
Instead of leaving home for your workout session you can easily build your own home gym on a much smaller budget. Not only will you save money, but you will also be able to work out from the comfort of your own home. Listed below are some inexpensive items that can help you to get started.
A padded mat is great for any exercises that require contact with the floor and can help prevent injuries. Padded or even yoga mats are perfect for stretching, sit-ups, pushups and more. If you plan to exercise in a carpet free area of the home then try for a thicker mat. Your back and tailbone will be grateful.
Weight or resistance training can be greatly enhanced with a set of dumbbells or resistance bands. You may want to consider a collapsible workout bench to compliment your weight training. If you plan on heavily incorporating weights into your routine, consider buying a set that allows you to add or remove weights as needed. This is a versatile option if you are just starting to exercise and you know you will want to increase the weight as you build your strength and stamina.
Possibly the most inexpensive fitness tool of all, the jump rope can provide an intense cardio workout in only a short amount of time. The average person can burn a hundred calories in as little as ten minutes. A jump rope also helps with coordination and reflexes.
Fitness videos offer a wide variety of in home training and exercising possibilities. There are tons of different fitness videos on the market that you can purchase for your home gym. In most cases, the instructors do a really good job of keeping participants motivated and inspired. Most videos offer a classification such as beginner or advanced to help consumers match up their fitness level. If you are just starting out, be sure to choose a classification in line with what your body can handle.
Although a home gym does require some initial investing of funds, the convenience and long term health benefits easily justify the cost.
