“This year is going to be different. I’m going to get in shape. I will exercise more. I want to lose some weight!” How many times have you heard your friends make these promises as New Year’s resolutions? More importantly, how many times have you tried to do the same thing but did not follow through with it? With the New Year just around the corner and with exercising at home being a rising trend, this is the perfect time to actually go through with it.
While jogging, crowded gyms and professional sports might not appeal to everybody, a home fitness studio has nothing but advantages. Forget about driving to the running track, showering at the gym or having people make fun of you for not throwing a ball the right way. That’s not the point of exercising. Even with the tiniest home fitness studio, you can enjoy the benefits of exercising in the comfort of your own home, at your own pace and in the way you want.
Where do I start?
Easy, you start out by imagining where your private gym could go. Maybe the garage? The basement? The second bedroom or that home office that you don’t quite use? Even a corner of your living room can work! The second aspect that you must consider is your needs — are you looking to lose weight, build up some muscle or simply break a sweat every couple of days to get that dopamine going?
How and where you set up your home gym will determine, to a large extent, whether you will actually want to work out in it or just let it gather dust. Pick the space of your future gym by considering the type of surface you’ll need and the types of workouts you will be performing.
After you’ve decided on a spot, self storage can come in handy when vacating that certain space. This is especially the case for areas of your home that you were looking to declutter anyway — spots that will foster a treadmill or a multi-station in a bit. Putting your belongings away in a storage unit is a great option. You don’t have to throw anything away, and you’re not remodeling the house or doing spring cleaning. Get a 5’x10’ unit and put all your extra furniture and other belongings in there so you can make space for your new fitness studio.
Your goals and the necessary equipment depend on each other
Different needs require different equipment, and while some people might need dumbbells, treadmills and multi-stations, others are fine with yoga mats and foam rollers. Bottom line is that you have to clearly establish your goals. If losing weight is your purpose, then you’ll probably need enough space for a treadmill or stationary bicycle. On the other hand, if you’re trying to add muscle, free weights are a must, while resistance bands, jump ropes and foam rollers are necessary if you are more into tightening your core and improving your flexibility.
Storage becomes an essential aspect when you want to pack a ton of gear in a smaller space. Storage containers can keep discs and dumbbells and can easily slide under your bed. Check out these smart storage ideas for your house and see how you can even store a weight rack in a space that is under-used. Finally, don’t overlook the importance of natural light, mirrors and gym flooring, as well as putting away the distractions that might ruin your workouts.
Self storage is also a good option to consider also buying your home gym equipment. If your space is not ready yet, then store away your gear in a unit until everything is in order. Similarly, you’ll find that after a month or two of exercising with light dumbbells, you’ll be ready to move on to heavier ones. This goes to show that you’ll need quite a bit of equipment, and you can always put the unused items in your storage unit.
Staying in shape, losing weight and belly fat or building muscle
If your aim is simply keeping in shape and improving your physical condition in general, it’s a good idea to focus on bodyweight exercises. Plus, you won’t need much special gear, since push-ups, planks, lunges or squats don’t require more than an exercise mat and a relaxed space. Also, don’t forget to do a bit of everything — some cardio, a bit of resistance and flexibility exercises. The same bodyweight exercises can be extremely beneficial for somebody looking to build muscle. However, dumbbells, resistance bands and even large multi-functional gym machines (if you have the space) can help with muscle strengthening.
On the other hand, if you’re trying to lose those extra 10 pounds or get rid of your muffin top, you should focus most (but not all) of your workouts around cardio – cycling, running, interval training, HIIT. Get an elliptical and a stationary bike if you have the room, or just a folding treadmill if you’re low on space.
Home fitness options for a tight budget
You can design a home fitness studio that won’t break your budget. Most big-box and off-price department stores sell fitness accessories for low prices — you’re almost sure to find a bargain. This will get you the basics, but what about bigger items? Well, many people have taken the route of home exercising in the last two years, so used equipment can also be a good option. Many people are looking to offload gym gear, so look for second-hand equipment online.
Likewise, you can also focus on bodyweight exercises, which will save you a lot of money. If you’re struggling to lose weight but don’t want to invest in a treadmill or an elliptical machine, jump rope is a great option — it will get you almost the same cardio workout. Other inexpensive alternatives include balance discs or kettlebells instead of pricey cable machines. Ultimately, there are endless workout videos on YouTube and other similar platforms, so you don’t have to invest in customized routines and programs, especially if you’re a beginner.
Break a sweat and achieve your goals!
Let StorageCafe help you find a home for your personal belongings until you make your dream fitness studio. Your unit will also come in handy afterward if you need to store extra gym gear.
Finally, we’re not saying that actually using the home gym is the easy part, but after all the work you put into designing the place, your workouts will feel even more rewarding. Visiting your home gym regularly will help you achieve your goals and live a healthier and happier life.
