Choosing the Best Home Gym

When your time is limited, or you have schedule conflicts throughout the day, you don’t want to forego the opportunites and benefits ofa great workout! Exercise and conditioning are key to your general health, mental well-being, and performance in other areas of your life. Invest some of your time to taking care of your health, and the benefits are very rewarding both in the short and long-term. Even if going to a gym or health club doesn’t work for you, there are many opportunities to choose from various equipment and machines for your own home gym. Creating an at-home experience for a workout and schedule is fun, exciting, and flexible; you can have workout equipment available whenever you want or need, and can customize your workouts to suit you best! The pressure and hassle of making a trip to the gym are completely negated; what better incentive to work out than knowing that now you really don’t have any excuses?

The best home gym for you can vary from a variety of machines, one or two key training pieces, or a complete home gym system. There are a variety of cross-training machines such as the Bowflex, Iso Flex system, and different models offered by companies such as Body Craft and Multi Sports. These are generally all-in-one machines that offer core training. Strength training, specific muscle group and target areas, and cardio workouts are often different components of these machines. These types of machines are stable, durable, and will last at least 2-3 years with average use. Cross-training machines like these are akin to those found in health clubs and gyms, but they are made for single, at-home usage. You will benefit most from these if you can combine your training with a cardio workout; these machines are great, but they are not effective without a sensible diet and overall body sculpting program.

One or two key training pieces are the ‘norm’ for independent bodybuilders and workout enthusiasts. These can range form dumbbell sets, barbells, benches, and single ab machines. These exercises are considered foundational exercises; they are the ‘raw’ exercises performed to train specific muscle groups. When combined, you can create your own cross-training regiment and get a complete and thorough workout. Remember to incorporate cardio training, even if it is only minimal.

Adjustable dumbbells are those that you usually see on racks; they are high on the list for versatility. Since the weights can be adjusted to your needs, you can vary the duration and challenge of each and every workout.

You may want to invest in an Olympic barbell as well; these are ideal for overall back, shoulder, and sides training, as well as squats and lunges. The weight on the Olympic barbell can vary, so do be sure to hcoose one that is comfortable, but still challenging.

The standing calf raise machine and ab machine are two vital pieces for overall conditioning. The standing calf raise machine will strengthen and tone your calf and lower leg muscle, and you can adjust the weight on these in most cases. Ab machines are terrific workouts when you have minimal time; these will help you strengthen your core, improve your posture, and create a nice sleek look. The ab machines can be floor-based (i.e. with rollers), or a complete machine with weights that require you to bend forward. Choose the machine or piece of equipment that you will be most comfortable using in the long-term; remember, you are creating your own unique home gym experience, and only want items that will motivate you!

High pulley rows can be used to strengthen shoulder and back muscles, and variations can enable you to strengthen biceps and lower arms as well. This is an addition to your home gym that can really target often-overlooked areas, so choose a piece that you know you will use on a consistent basis.

Home gyms will of course fluctuate in price depending on how extensive they are and what specific equipment you are looking for. Overall, complete home gym systems range from $500+, while individual equipment pieces can range from $300+. Today all workout and bodysculpting enthusiasts can enjoy from a variety of prices and manufacturers; do shop around, and try every piece at the store’s factory outlet or comparative shopping area to make sure you are comfortable. All equipment will be delivered to your home, so you can easily enjoy the benefits of your home gym experience!