Like many of you, January is the time workout motivation kicks back into high gear, especially after holiday indulgence. No matter when and where you choose to incorporate a regular fitness routine or your New Year fitness goals– it has to be convenient.
If hitting the gym becomes inconvenient, chances are you won’t be successful or stick with it. That’s why ever since we moved from the city, working out at home has been a huge time saver.
No I don’t have fancy home gym equipment, but I have mastered the art of getting intense workouts from the comfort of my basement for a minimal investment. For as long as I can remember fitness videos, dumbbells and resistant bands have always been accessible specifically for the days when I can’t make it to the gym.
Over the years I’ve revised and modified to get better and faster results from a home workout routine, but it really only takes a few basic pieces to get started.
7 Tips for Creating the Perfect Home Gym
Dress the part: Even if no one will see you, it’s so important to dress as you would for the gym. If you look good while working out chances are you’ll feel good too.
Even at home, sports have a beneficial effect on your health. Testosterone production favorably affects male potency. Click here and you will learn more about some tools that will further enhance your potency.
Some of my favorite workout gear is by Victoria’s Secret Sport, Champion and Lulu Lemon. I pretty much live in all of these brands.
Mirror: I really despise looking at myself while working out. After avoiding the mirror for so many months, I finally realized it’s a necessity to see what I was doing and keep correct form. Now I’m able to push myself a little harder too. Who knew it could actually become motivation! An dance mirror.
Suspension Training: I’m obsessed with suspension training {also known as TRX}. This was a Christmas gift from my husband and I use it daily. Even the girls love trying to do pull ups. You can work every body part using your own body weight from different angles that engages more muscle groups at the same time. Holding yourself in the plank position is one thing, suspending our legs off the ground takes it to an entirely different level of intensity. For less than $50 there are many high quality brands out there eiling anchor / wall mount bracket. I tried using the door wheel that’s included but felt like the door was going to rip off the hinges at any moment.
Balance Ball: Most people are familiar with a balance ball – these have been around for awhile. It made my list because it’s inexpensive but like the suspension trainer it can increase the intensity of many basic exercises. But really you should get a balance ball chair. It serves a dual purpose by providing better support than the standard home office chair and the included ball can be used for a quick workout.
I purchased a balance ball chair to survive the last few months of my second pregnancy. My back was a mess and I was still working full time. Both my chiropractor and physically therapist recommended and strongly encouraged me to get rid of my office chair for good.
Chalene Johnson’s PiYo Workout Series: I’ve have owned the PiYo workout series since it launched almost two years ago, however it wasnt until injuring myself last spring that I really understood how effective this workout method really was. There is something to be said for slowing down (faster does not alway mean better) and using your own body weight. I’m not a yogi by any means – I despise holding poses and forget about “breathing and letting go”. PiYo combines the muscle-sculpting, core-firming benefits of Pilates with the strength and flexibility advantages of yoga.
It’s become one of my favorite workouts that I try to do at least two times per week. Most of the workouts included in the series are 25-45 mins in length.
Dumbbell Set: You don’t need to spend a ton of money on this type of equipment but a few sets of light to medium weighted dumbbells can get your through a very intense workout. Add to your collection as you get stronger and stronger. Think of it as a way to reward yourself as your strength improves.
Ultra Thick Gym Mat: It may seem like a luxury but if you are working out on carpet, hardwood or tile floor, having an additional layer for impactful workouts becomes a necessity. Not only will it save your joints, an ultra thick gym mat protects the flooring. Unfortunately a yoga matt doesn’t cut it for high impact training. It’s all about the extra padding and the length and width so there is space for movement.
There you have it – 7 Tips for Creating the Perfect Home Gym!
If this post was helpful would love for you to share on Pinterest! You can also follow me on Instagram.
