This blog post was written by Trevor Conrod, Fitness Coach at Nivati. You can see more of their content on the Nivati platform and on the Nivati blog. If you want to learn more about Nivati, click here.
Fitting some solid exercise into your daily routine doesn't require you to leave the house. And there is no denying that working out at home has many benefits. From overall convenience to travel savings, home workouts are becoming increasingly popular. That being said, similar to gyms, your home workout space needs to be a carefully planned, functional, and motivational area. In this blog post, we look at some of the most practical equipment for your space and a great way to set the tone for the results you are looking for.
Creating A Space Where Happiness Happens
Massive floor plans, high ceilings, the whole works. Sounds ideal, right? Many believe the more extensive the space, the better it is for an at-home workout space. However, when it comes to function and purpose, the size of the room may be a minor factor in creating a great workout space. Building a home gym that brings joy and comfort is essential for staying motivated and committed to a fitness routine.
For those with limited space at home, here are two ways you can get more out of your workout area.
Clear the Clutter
Keep your space dedicated to exercise. Clearing out unnecessary clutter in your space can greatly optimize your workouts and help you achieve your fitness goals. A neat and organized exercise area promotes focus and motivation and helps prevent injuries, allowing you to train at your highest potential.
Storage Options
With home fitness being more prominent than ever, companies have begun creating new and innovative storage solutions to maximize your workout space, while still utilizing the equipment you love. Take wall mounted storage solutions, for example. For my fitness business, we hang as much equipment as possible on the four walls around us to prevent tripping hazards, keep the studio neat and tidy, and make it easier for clients to access the gear they need quickly.
What To Keep in Mind
One critical factor to consider when designing a workout area is lighting. When envisioning an environment that inspires enthusiasm and commitment, a dim and gloomy basement may not be the first place that comes to mind. Instead, bright and vibrant lighting can help create an energizing atmosphere that gets you excited about exercise. Lighting plays a significant factor in our everyday life. For example, yellow lights are used in living rooms and bedrooms. Yellow light contains less blue light and creates more of a relaxing effect. In contrast, using more blue light for your gym can aid in energizing and pumping you up for your session.
Along with the ideal room and lighting, ensuring the space is visually appealing is crucial. Personal touches like pictures, motivational quotes, and artwork can make the area feel like your own and elicit a sense of being where hard work gets done. Adding mirrors to reflect natural light and fill empty walls can also make the space feel larger and more open, while plants can add a touch of greenery that helps to create an inviting and refreshing atmosphere.
Functional Equipment to Consider
A stunning home workout space may seem lacking without gym equipment to complete the setup. However, given the escalating equipment prices and the overwhelming array of options, selecting only a few essentials could pose a challenge. Having had the chance to try out and test various types of gym equipment in the industry as a gym owner, I have compiled my top three essential fitness equipment picks that I depend on to run my business. And that I recommend for any at-home workout space.
1. Dumbbells
They are simple. They may even be boring. But dumbbells are an excellent addition to any home gym setup. From traditional strength training to muscle endurance work, hand weights can check the box of many fitness needs and improve your overall fitness level. And unlike bulky commercial machines, dumbbells are easy to store and can be used in even the smallest spaces. Additionally, those who opt for adjustable dumbbells will find it simpler than ever to adjust the weight to suit your specific workout needs.
2. Resistance Bands
Resistance and PT bands are one piece of equipment I use on a near-daily basis. From strength and flexibility training to injury rehabilitation, resistance training covers many needs for any fitness enthusiast. With just one set of resistance bands, you can perform various exercises targeting all muscle groups. Plus, resistance bands provide constant tension throughout each movement, unlike traditional weights, putting a unique strain on the muscles and increasing overall muscle endurance. Resistance bands are a cost-effective, lightweight option that complements any at-home workout space.
Limited Mobility Considerations
Resistance bands are an excellent option for people with limited mobility. This is because resistance and physical therapy bands provide a low impact, yet effective workout. Resistance bands allow for various exercises to be performed in a seated or lying position, making them suitable for individuals who cannot stand or engage in high-impact activities due to conditions such as arthritis, joint pain, or injury. This is why physical therapists and coaches rely on resistance bands to help their clients build strength, improve flexibility, and enhance overall fitness levels without putting undue stress on their bodies.
3. Bodyweight Training
Bodyweight training is one of the most common forms of home gym training as it doesn't cost anything to get started, and one can use nothing more but their own body to build strength, endurance, and agility. Bodyweight training can be completed in various forms of styles, from actual body weight to utilizing your weight with equipment tools like TRX suspension trainers and stability balls.
TRX suspension trainers, for example, provide a great way to perform bodyweight exercises while adding an additional element of instability, increasing the workout's difficulty and effectiveness. At the same time, stability balls add resistance to traditional bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, and planks. In addition, the unstable surface of the stability ball helps to engage core muscles, making the workout more challenging.
4. Bonus Considerations
After building a solid foundation with some gym essentials and a motivational workout space, you may be looking for a little extra. Yoga mats, foam rollers, and jump ropes are all equipment that provide incredible value for any fitness enthusiast and often do so for under $20. Making these pieces of equipment a cost-effective and beneficial next addition.
Start Today
Creating an environment that energizes, excites, and motivates you to work out can make all the difference.
Staying consistent with your workout regimen can sometimes feel challenging, especially when life gets in the way. However, by creating an environment that energizes and excites you, you can drastically improve your chances of staying committed to your routines. Thinking of your workout space as your physical and mental health haven can be a great visual. Go there to recharge your energy and clear a cluttered mind.
Remember that more equipment does not equate to better or faster results. Ultimately, the key to achieving success is to focus on the fundamentals. Put in the time and effort to develop basic fitness skills, create a solid plan, and execute that plan. Investing in some basic equipment and setting up a designated area can create a convenient and effective workout routine that fits your lifestyle. With some effort and a positive mindset, you can start enjoying the many benefits of health and fitness right inside your own home today!
Disclaimer
By participating in/reading the service/website/blog/email series on this website, you acknowledge that this is a personal website/blog and is for informational purposes and should not be seen as mental health care advice. You should consult with a licensed professional before you rely on this website/blog’s information. All things written on this website should not be seen as therapy treatment and should not take the place of therapy or any other health care or mental health advice. Always seek the advice of a mental health care professional or physician. The content on this blog is not meant to and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
