Setting up a home gym will provide the benefits of a commercial gym without the frustration typically associated with them. You pay only for what you want, and you can workout on your own terms. No more waiting in line for your favourite machine, no more rushing through your rest breaks because you are scared that guy in the singlet will steal your machine, and no more using equipment with other peoples sweat on it.
There are some important tips to consider before take the plunge into home-based workouts:
- Exercise history
- Safety
- Physical space
- Budget
- Type of resistance
- Difficulty of workout
- Variety of workout
What types of strength equipment exist?
There are three broad categories of strength training equipment:
- Free Weights
- Body Weight Machines
- Cable Gyms
What are Free weights?
As the name suggests, Free Weights are unrestricted weight plates, kettlebells and dumbbells. The use of them does not follow a particular path of motion, rather it is up to the individual lifting them to control the movement of the weights. This category of strength equipment is very broad, and has a lot of variety. If you choose free weights, you have the option of a different workout every time. Depending on the equipment that you purchase, free weights can provide a full body workout.
Examples of free weights include: weight plates, dumbbells, kettlebells, barbells, wrist and/or ankle weights, weight vests and slam balls.
What are the benefits of “Free Weights”?
Free weights are great because of following reasons:
- Highest weight capacity - Free weights can be altered to almost any weight. You are only limited by how much you can lift and the weight capacity of the equipment.
- Variety of workout – Free weight bars can be used for a large variety of exercises, and the racks and benches are becoming increasingly more adjustable to provide a greater variety of exercises
- Difficulty – Free weights are the most difficult because they require you to control the direction of the weight. The benefit of this is your body will work harder, helping you achieve your physical goals faster.
Important consideration before you purchase free weights:
- Safety – The freedom of movement that free weights provide can also be more dangerous. Many machine have added safety bars to reduce the risks, but this is something that must be considered before you purchase the equipment.
What are body weight Machines?
Body weight machines are a great way to get an intense workout in the smallest amount of space, as these machines usually have the smallest footprint, which will allow them to fit in most corners around the home. Because you are using your bodyweight for resistance, they are more economical as you don’t need to purchase additional weights, unless you want an even harder workout. If this is the case you can purchase gym accessories, such as a dip belt. Generally body weight machines have an upper body focus, specialising in chest, back, arms and shoulders.
Examples of body weight machines include: Chin Up/Dip Power Towers, Dip Stations, Wall or door mounted Chin-up Bars, Push up handles and some door gyms.
Reasons to buy a body weight machine include:
- Less Space - You want a difficult workout but you don’t have the space for a large cable gym or a lot of free weights.
- Low Price - You want to work out at home and you love a bargain
- Type of Resistance - You like resistance training but you don’t want to lift weights.
What are Cable Gyms (or "Home Gyms")?
Cable gyms or "Home Gyms" offer the best of both worlds where you can safely lift weights while getting an intense workout. These gyms are safer than free weights as they utilise a pulley system which controls the weight along a guided path. Cable gyms are incredibly versatile and offer many different exercises from chest press, cable fly’s, lat pull downs and leg press to name a few. This type of gym will cater to the largest variety of users needs ranging from beginners who are getting used to lifting weights, to advanced athletes who are looking for some variety in their workout.
Why would you buy a cable gym?
- Safety – you are not in a position where the weights can fall on you, making it safer to work out with by yourself.
- Versatility – Cable gyms will suit the requirements of a large range of individuals and their fitness needs.
- Variety of workout – Cable gyms offer a large variety of exercise options and provide whole body workouts depending on which machine you purchase.
Quality vs Price?
Generally with home gyms a higher price will indicate that the machine has more exercise features, a higher weight capacity and thicker support pads. So when deciding on which gym you will need it is important to ask yourself the following questions.
- How much weight can I currently lift, and how much do I want to lift in the future?
- What features do I want?
- What exercises do I want to do?
Once you answer these questions you should have a good idea about what equipment you should need, but if you need some extra assistance come by one of our stores to talk to our friendly and helpful staff, or contact us.
Remember, price is not always the best indicator of quality. In particular Aquila Fitness offers high quality home gym equipment at competitive prices. You should look at the products and compare the features.
Are there other Related Products?
The following products and accessories will complete your home gym and help your workouts.
Gym accessories such as dip and lifting belts, lifting straps and workout gloves will help you to get the most out of your work out while being as comfortable as possible. HINT: gloves will reduce the blisters and callouses on your hands when you work out.
Once you are in the routine and you want to take your training to the next level, it will be time to consider attachments for your gym. Buying some machine attachments will add some much needed variety to your workout. If you are feeling really strong try our resistance bands, they are tough!
Expert Advice
We hope this information has been helpful. If you have further questions, we are happy to help you answer them. Come visit us at Fitness Market stores to setup your own home gym. Call us on 1300 557 773
