With the cost of living rising, many of us are creating home gyms to avoid expensive membership fees. Some items such as a rubber mat can be picked up at very reasonable prices, giving you the basic starting point from which to build. A good rubber mat allows for a wide variety of floor activities such as yoga, Pilates and weights to be easily performed in any area of the home.
Using rubber mats in your home gym
Rubber mats are essential when planning and developing your home gym. Not only do they allow you to create a dedicated wellness activity area in your gym, but they are also an excellent way to protect your flooring. It is important to place rubber mats under any of the machines that you choose. If your home gym is located in a garage or out-building, you may even consider completely covering the floor area with protective mats. This will ensure longevity and safety for your workouts and beyond. Once you have your exercise mat, you may wish to expand your home gym further with more advanced pieces of equipment.
Choosing a treadmill for your home gym
When setting up their home gym, most people will choose a treadmill as their first big purchase. This is a great home gym essential due to the flexibility they provide. Choosing the correct treadmill is actually based on a number of different factors. Firstly, how much space do you have in your chosen gym area? Treadmills come in various shapes and sizes so you should take measurements before purchasing.
Secondly, how often do you intend to use the treadmill? If you are looking to simply walk or jog occasionally then you may only need a basic model. However, if you intend to run, sprint or train at home then it is worth investing in a high-end machine that will stand the test of time.
It is a good idea to check your flooring stability before installing a treadmill. Rubber mats can be placed underneath the machine to create a non-slip area and help prevent floor damage.
Finding the perfect exercise bike for home gyms
If you are short on space you may opt for a small, foldable exercise bike that can be stored away whilst not in use. However, these generally won’t come with some of the features you can find on commercial ‘gym style’ exercise bikes. Plan your usage carefully to decide whether you need an entry level option or perhaps even a state-of-the-art bike such as a Peloton or Nordictrack. These are growing in popularity in home gyms thanks to their instructor-led classes, in-depth stats and modern music.
The advantages of elliptical trainers for at-home use
Elliptical trainers make a great home gym essential as they help push your cardio to the next level. Working your arms, legs and stomach. On-par with a rowing machine, these are absolute gym essentials for both beginners and trained athletes alike.
All of these suggestions and more should help you to create the perfect space to exercise in the comfort of your own home!
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