Will you be back at the gym any time soon? If you are unsure about renewing your gym membership in the near future, you are not on your own. Most people are concerned about fitness environments and how they could contribute to spreading germs. Ultimately, in the pre-covid days, not everyone would bring a towel to wipe gym equipment after working out. A typical dashboard on a treadmill would contain anything from used tissues to sweety headbands and old water bottles. In the old days, we were happy to ignore those. In the wake of the coronavirus, we realise the risk of sharing a fitness studio with other people. Airborne viruses are quick to travel, and just because you can’t see germs, it doesn’t mean the equipment is safe to use.
Even though there are positive talks about covid vaccines, it’s fair to say that health risks are here to stay at least another year. Ultimately, even if the latest vaccine gets the green light, it will take a long time before your local gym becomes a safe place again. In the meantime, you need to consider safe alternatives. Running may have been compelling during the summer months, but it’s hard to get motivated in the November rain. So, there’s only one option left to train indoors, and that’s to set up your home gym.
Repurpose the unused nook in your home
The hoe has become a hard-working space during the pandemic. It accumulates roles to meet our needs. The dining table acts as a home office during working hours. The bedroom becomes a classroom for classes on Zoom. The conservatory sets the mood when you Facetime friends and relatives. Therefore, it makes sense to create a permanent spot for your workouts.
Every home has awkward nooks that are too small for furniture but just right for a small workout zone. Whether it’s the space underneath the stairs or the cosy alcove in the entryway, you can create a self-contained gym area with strategic decluttering tips. Declutter the whole room as a priority, so you can easily create a cosy spot for your workouts.
Make the most of online resources
There’s been a huge choice of online workouts and fitness plans during the pandemic. PE with Joe on YouTube has been one of the most popular choices for children. But for a lot of adults, Joe Wicks is a name that is typically associated with healthy weight loss plans. There’s nothing wrong with following some of the workout tips shared by Joe and his team. But if you’re looking for a variety of workouts to keep yourself motivated and excited, you may want to investigate additional options. Thankfully, YouTube has plenty of fitness channels you can save for the days when you fancy bodyweight, dance, or yoga exercises. The bottom line is that now is the best time to utilise free online resources.
Are there alternatives that give you a full workout plan while monitoring your journey? A fitness mirror has hit the US market to provide interactive gym classes. While the mirror isn’t yet available in the UK, we’re sure it’s only a matter of time. The famous peloton bike is also a great place to start for workout classes and workouts that follow your progress.
Have a plan
There’s a reason why most people prefer to pay for online workouts: We need a professional eye. Joe Wicks 90 Day plans, for instance, are successful among adults who want to get fit and lose excess weight because they provide a tailor followup service. A plan, ultimately, takes you on a journey to improve your health. While you can notice improvements when you train alone, working with a professional trainer or coach can keep you focused.
You may find it easier to start your home-based gym journey with the help of a coach. Fitness trainers can provide the knowledge and expertise you need to progress. Even during the pandemic, you can establish a partnership with a coach, using FaceTime or Zoom to work out and learn together.
Convert the garage
If you are comfortable with simple workouts that don’t involve any equipment, the nook in the living room is the perfect spot to start. However, if you prefer gym equipment, you’ll need to look for a dedicated area to store your kit. Unless you live in a large house, you’re unlikely to get a spare bedroom you can turn into your home gym. However, you can convert an unused area. Most British homes have a garage that serves as a storage of random clutter. The garage is often unused as a result of excessive clutter. Yet, if you are willing to empty and convert the room, you could use it as a gym studio. To make the most of the garage, you’ll need to consider finishing the space. The garage needs waterproofing – you can learn more here on what this means – and insulating because you can use it. Typically, it’s a good idea to add a ventilation system to avoid mould formation as you exercise, as well as a small heating system too.
Pick up the best home gym equipment
What gym equipment do you need to buy? There is no strict answer to the question. It depends on your workout preferences. A set of dumbbells and kettlebells is also an excellent addition as you can use them for a variety of weight exercises. Resistance bands can also be a part of your gym routine.
When it comes to machines, most home gyms include a treadmill or an indoor exercise bike. If you are going to join the Peloton family, you’re going to need the bike, anyway. However, you can also get full-body cardio with a rowing machine or a cross-trainer.
Update your sportswear
Last but not least, every home gym needs appropriate gym wear. Working out is part of a healthy lifestyle, so you need to invest in clothes that don’t contrive your movements. A stylish pair of leggings with a cool sports bra and an oversize top can be all the motivation you need to exercise. After all, why shouldn’t you feel pretty while you’re working out?
Home gyms are certainly becoming more popular in the wake of covid. But, what most of us don’t realise is that creating your own gym at home is a lot more accessible and affordable than you think. Besides, it’s the perfect way to stay fit and get back in control.
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