Working out regularly is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health. Millions of people make the resolution every new year to get in shape, but they’re often discouraged by a few obstacles. A gym membership can be expensive, and finding the motivation to drive to the gym adds an extra layer of difficulty. A home gym is the solution! With a home gym, you can work out when you want and save time, money, and frustration. If you’re looking to DIY your home gym and need some tips to get started, NSA Storage is here to help.

Where Should I Set Up My Home Gym?

You might think you don’t have the space to set up a home gym, but you might just need to do some organizing and rearranging. Some of the best home spaces for home gyms are:

• A spare bedroom- If you’ve got a spare bedroom, you have the perfect workout room. It’s convenient, quiet, private, and the temperature is easy to control. Move the bed out of the way and put it back when company comes over.
• A garage- Garages are great because they’re usually pretty big and have a concrete floor. That makes them a great spot to place heavy workout equipment without fear of damaging your house. You can also open the door to enjoy fresh air and sunshine when the weather’s nice.
• A basement- Although not always perfect due to humidity issues, a basement can make a good home gym. They’re usually quite large, very private, and stay cool even during summer heatwaves. Add a dehumidifier if needed.
• The dining room- For many, dining rooms are only used when guests are over. If that sounds like you, simply move your dining table to the side (or to a storage area) and use it for a workout space.
• An enclosed porch- Enclosed porches are great for people who have warm to mild weather year-round. Porches provide good airflow and a sunny environment to work out in.

Essential Workout Equipment for a Home Gym

The equipment you get for your home gym depends on your fitness goals, your age, and several other factors. Keep in mind that you do not need to get everything all at once. In fact, spreading out your workout equipment purchases will be easier on your budget.

Essential Home Gym Equipment:

• An exercise mat
• An adjustable, multi-use workout bench
• Resistance bands
• A medicine ball
• Free weights

With just these few items, you can do strength-training, weightlifting, HIIT exercises, or yoga. This is a great place to start if you’re at the beginning of your fitness journey.

If you’re looking to tone or grow specific muscle groups, you might want to invest in more weight-lifting equipment. When using these in your home, make sure to take precautions to protect your floors and walls from damage.

Cardio Workout Equipment:

• Stationary bike
• Treadmill
• Rowing machine
• Elliptical trainer
• Ski trainer
• Stair stepper 
• Jump rope
• Heavy bag

Jogging is great for cardio, but the weather doesn’t always cooperate. This equipment will elevate your heart rate and get your cardiovascular system in shape! If you’re not ready to commit to a treadmill or spin bike, a jump rope is a great place to start.

Best Accessories to Improve Safety 

Whenever you’re exercising, safety is important. When you’re at home alone, it’s even more crucial to plan ahead. After all, weights are heavy, floors are hard, and accidents happen. To stay safe while you work out, use these safety accessories:

• Rubber floor mats if the floor is concrete
• Fans to keep cool during hot weather
• Heaters to stay warm during cold weather
• Dumbbell stands
• Weight plate “trees”
• Adequate lighting
• Wall hooks for bands, jumpropes, etc.
• Tape to tape down chords
• Drink water throughout every workout

When lifting weights, it’s always a good idea to have a spotter to help you bail out if necessary.

Best Accessories for Comfort and Form

Working out is great for your health, but you also want to keep your spirit in mind when exercising. Being able to check your form and perform exercises correctly is equally important. To keep an eye on both, consider these accessories for your home gym:

Use a Self-Storage Unit to Free Up Space for a Home Gym

If you want a home gym but don’t have that space, a self-storage unit can be the perfect solution. Just clean out your spare room, garage, or porch and store the extra stuff in a storage unit until you need it and use that space to meet your goals this year. NSA Storage is here to help our customers make space for what matters in their home. You can reserve a storage unit online in minutes and it will be ready immediately.