Written by Menswear Style in Health & Fitness on the 16th October 2015

Setting up a home gym is an exciting process. You can save money from avoiding monthly gym fees and you can work out at any hour of the day or night. Before you get started, there are a few things to consider to make sure your personal gym will effectively help you in your fitness journey. Read on for five things you’ll need as you’re setting up.

1. An Appropriate Space 

There’s nothing worse than knocking vases off tables as you’re bench-pressing – unless you’re feeling dizzy from a lack of fresh air. Before you assemble any equipment, make sure you’re setting up in an open, well-lit and ventilated space. Avoid overheating by choosing a room that has windows and a fan, and don’t squint through the dark in a space that has poor lighting. It’s also important that you look out for your guests and other family members. If your gym area is located in a popular spot within your home, make sure all free-weights are stored away in sturdy racks. No one likes a stubbed toe.

2. Quality Equipment and Workout Gear 

There’s no point in having a home gym if your equipment doesn’t do its job properly and poses a threat to your safety. Do some research and visit specialist sporting retailers like HART Sport to find a range of quality workout equipment that will help you achieve your desired fitness goals. By purchasing the right equipment on the first go, you’ll save money and avoid injury. 

3. Exercise and Equipment Mats 

When it comes to yoga, Pilates, sit-ups and planks, it’s much more comfortable resting on a foam exercise mat instead of rough carpet or concrete. Mats will also take the impact off your ankles and knees if you’re skipping, jumping or running on the spot. To stop your floor from getting any dents or scratches, you should also place protective mats under heavy equipment like treadmills, weight stands, kettlebells, and weight machines.

4. A Treadmill 

A treadmill could be a great addition to your personal gym if you prefer doing cardio at home. Look for machines that can measure your heart rate and the amount of burnt calories. It can be easy to simply jump on the treadmill and become complacent, but if you can measure your progress through timing and various intensity levels, you’ll be kept accountable to your goals. 

5. Determination 

When it comes to working out at home, it’s extremely tempting to procrastinate. Stay determined and keep motivated by hanging inspirational posters around your workout space. These could include images of the physique you’re working towards, as well as realistic and motivational quotes. Sometimes your brain can be the biggest enemy when it comes to staying focused on what you want to achieve. If you’ve gone to the effort of putting together a home gym, make sure you use it. Setting up a home gym is an exciting and rewarding process.

What’s your workout area must-have? Share your thoughts and any advice in the comments section below.

A checklist of essentials for a gym at home, featuring a 5 Step guide to Setting up a Home Gym for men.