Make your own home gym

Geschatte leestijd: 5 minuten Having your own home gym. What strength athlete doesn’t dream of it? Creating your own gym is a topic that is increasingly gaining interest and attention nowadays. There are more and more, and increasingly diverse, target groups interested in this. For example, people who have to work more and therefore have less time to exercise. The back and forth travel to the gym takes too much time and money. Or consider people who work night shifts. Sleeping during the day and working at night. They may struggle to find time to exercise. And then there are, of course, just strength athletes or recreational athletes who prefer to be their own boss and find it more comfortable to train undisturbed in their own environment. Not all gyms are open 24/7. That’s quickly a problem for many people. A home gym is then a good option. So, for everyone who has ever thought about it, here are the pros and cons. Let’s start with the advantages.

Advantages of creating your own home gym

1. Are you also tired of being nagged everywhere you go with stupid rules about what you can and cannot do? In your own gym, you are the boss. If you want to throw and toss weights, barbells, dumbbells, and so on, you just do it. There’s no one bothered by it. Except maybe the neighbors. You’re not obligated to handle the equipment as carefully as possible, after all, they’re yours.
2. Do you also get annoyed by the so-called ‘beach boys’ who are curling in the squat rack, or having a tea party at the bench press while you’re trying to train seriously? Or the housewives who do endless repetitions on the lat pulldown while chatting with others and unnecessarily occupying the machine? In your gym, you are the only customer (or with a possible training buddy), so you never have to wait for anyone. You can always squat, bench press, whatever you want.
3. Something that people apparently often find important… namely, the choice of music. This is entirely up to you. Whether it’s opera, death metal, pop music, or hardcore, it doesn’t matter. You decide. You also don’t have to bother with earphones to meet your own music needs because you can just connect a music player and hang up or place speakers.
4. One of the biggest advantages: the gym is always open whenever you want to train. Whether it’s nice weather, thundering, freezing, or during holidays like Christmas, if you want to train, you can. Opening and closing times no longer exist.
5. Hygiene is quite important in a gym where many people come, practical, and actually no more than logical. But in a gym where only you train, many of these rules automatically lapse. There is no one else who can be bothered by your sweat. And if you prefer to train in your underwear, for example, there is no reason why you can’t. Or if you want to train fully bundled up, you can. You’re not bound by clothing requirements, mandatory towels, whether or not to shower, and other rules.
6. There are always people who think they know it all. Or at least better than you. Or people who unnecessarily occupy machines (see point 2). Or maybe people who come to chat with you, while you just want to train hard and don’t want to talk in between. In your gym, you no longer have to be bothered by these people. If you do, by the way, because not everyone sees this as a big problem.

Disadvantages of creating your own home gym

1. You don’t have a spotter. Especially when you’re moving heavier weights, and especially with bench presses, a good spotter is very useful. But fortunately, there are alternatives for that. If, for example, you still live at home or have a training buddy, you can use them as a spotter. Even if you live alone, there are solutions like safety bars.
2. Some people love it, others hate it. You always train alone. You can’t cheer each other on, discuss techniques or sets. The so-called social aspect of fitness is therefore completely absent. Whether that’s an advantage or disadvantage, everyone should judge for themselves.
3. Another disadvantage is the available space. A home gym is not something you just put down in a room. You need quite a lot of space for it. A room in the attic, in the garden, a basement, a garage, or maybe even a room in the house, but space is required. You can’t just put everything down in a small corner.
4. The investment is also not nothing. Even though it’s a one-time thing, a home gym is not cheap. For example, a good power rack costs you quite a bit of money. And that’s just one part of your gym.
5. One more thing that may be a problem for some people is the temptation of other things that can be done at home. Cooking, cleaning, and other household tasks. Or maybe you also have to take care of children. And then there’s the chance you’ll be interrupted during your training.
6. Finally, if you’re not careful, your home can quickly become a mess. An empty bottle here, a weight there, and before you know it, your home is a mess. You have to clean up after every workout.

Getting started with your own home gym

Before you get started, it’s important to determine your budget, available space, and your personal preferences. Make a list of what equipment you need and what you want. A power rack, barbells, dumbbells, bench, and a cable station are often found in home gyms. You can gradually expand with other equipment. Also, consider the flooring in your home gym. Laying down gym mats or rubber tiles can protect your floor and equipment and provide a better surface for lifting weights. If you’re unsure about what equipment to buy, seek advice from experienced strength trainers or fitness professionals. They can help you choose the right equipment based on your goals and budget.

What else to consider

When setting up your home gym, think about ventilation and lighting. Good ventilation is essential for comfort during workouts, especially if you’re training in a confined space. Adequate lighting is also important for safety and visibility. Organize your equipment and space efficiently to make the most of your home gym. Keep frequently used items easily accessible and ensure there’s enough space for exercises that require movement.

Where to buy equipment for my own home gym

You can buy home gym equipment from various sources, including sports equipment stores, online retailers, and second-hand markets. Compare prices and read reviews to find the best deals and quality equipment. Consider factors like warranty, delivery options, and customer service when choosing where to buy your equipment. Look for reputable brands known for their durability and performance. With careful planning and investment, you can create a home gym that meets your fitness needs and preferences, allowing you to train effectively and conveniently without leaving home.