Are you tired of crowded gyms, long commutes, and waiting for equipment? Maybe it’s time to build your home gym. Creating a personal workout space can be liberating and efficient, tailored to your needs and schedule. One piece of equipment stands out for its versatility and utility – home gym with squat rack. In this post, we’ll guide you through the essential equipment to include in your home gym, focusing on why a squat rack should be your centerpiece.
Squat Rack
In this post, we will discuss the best home gym equipment with squat rack and how to set it up at home. We will cover all essential equipment to build a fully-functional home gymnasium covering strength training to cardio workouts. So let’s jump in!
By the end of this article, you will learn how to set up a home gym that will help you in achieving all of your fitness goals.
Why You Should Build a Home Gym?
Before we set up the home gym with the perfect gear, it’s important to understand why you should build one. Let’s get into the major benefits of home gyms:
Convenience: This is the biggest reason people choose to set up a home gym. It’s right there in your house so you don’t have to drive or commute, and saves a lot of time. It’s also a great way to have a consistent fitness schedule because you can set your own hours.
Cost: While the upfront cost can be a little high, setting up a home gym will save you money in the long run. You don’t have to pay for a monthly membership fee. You also have more control over what type of equipment you use and how you use it.
Hygiene: You can also set your home gym exactly how you like it and maintain it the way you like it. If you have ever been to a public gym, you know they can be germ-infested with sweaty machines and mats, but at home, it is all up to you!
Space:
The most important thing to consider before setting up your home gym is space. Measure the area that you want to convert into a gym. Is it a spare bedroom, garage, basement or something else? Write down the dimensions and draw a rough sketch of what you have in terms of space. Think about how much space you need for your workout area as well, not just for your equipment.
Importance of Squat Rack in Home Gym
If you asked 10 people for their home gym essentials, you would probably find that at least five of them will mention a squat rack. Squat racks are considered one of the most important pieces of equipment that you can get for your home gym. The main reason is that there are so many things that you can do with a squat rack and they all offer unique benefits to your body. You can do bench press exercises, overhead presses and even pull ups with a squat rack.
Choosing the Right Squat Rack for Your Home Gym
So now that you know you need a squat rack, it’s time to figure out which one to get for your home gym. The main factors to consider when choosing the perfect squat rack are weight, versatility, adjustability, and attachments or extra features. There is a huge range when it comes to choosing a squat rack, starting from simple models to very advanced ones.
Make sure that you get a squat rack that is strong and stable to handle heavyweights. Also, you want the rack to be compatible with all the other accessories you will attach like pull up bars, dip stations, etc.
Home Gym Equipment to Invest in
Dumbbells
Dumbbells are an obvious essential for a home gym. They are so versatile and you can use them for almost every muscle group in your body. If you are short on space or just want to save some money, go for adjustable dumbbells instead of fixed ones. Adjustable dumbbells allow you to change the weight by adjusting the removable sleeves.
Barbells & Weight Plates
Barbells are an essential part of a home gym that goes hand in hand with a squat rack. The most common barbell is an Olympic barbell which is what you will see in most gyms. Weight plates are also necessary for progression. Make sure you get a variety of weight plates for different weights.
Bench
A good adjustable bench is an obvious addition to your squat rack. You can perform a lot of exercises on your squat rack with a bench like bench press, incline presses, decline press, and seated curls. Make sure the bench is sturdy and adjustable to different angles.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are another awesome addition to your home gym. They are great for mobility exercises, increasing the resistance of bodyweight exercises, or even as an assisted for pull ups. They are very affordable and portable.
Cardio Equipment
Treadmill
If you are a runner, you should consider getting a treadmill for your home gym. It is the best way to keep your cardio routine on point regardless of the weather. You can find some treadmills that are very affordable with a lot of nice features like adjustable inclines and pre-programmed workouts.
Stationary Bike
A stationary bike is another great addition for cardio that is very low-impact and great for all levels. It is perfect for interval training. When shopping for a stationary bike, look for one that has adjustable resistance and a comfortable seat.
Jump Rope
Jump ropes are an inexpensive way to get a great cardio workout in a very small space. They are excellent for warm-ups or high-intensity interval training.
Storage Solutions
Organization is key when it comes to keeping your home gym efficient and safe. Get some weight racks, shelves and bins to organize your weights and other equipment neatly and efficiently.
Safety Precautions
Safety is always important when it comes to lifting weights and working out at home. Make sure to invest in proper flooring to absorb some of the impact and prevent noises and damage. Get mats to protect your floors and provide a soft surface to work out on. Keep your equipment well maintained and make sure they are all secured.
Setting Goals
Having a home gym is a great way to stay fit but you need to set goals and a plan to make sure you keep up with your workouts. Outline your goals and a basic plan and you will be on your way to a healthy lifestyle.
Community and Support
Just because you are working out at home doesn’t mean you have to do it by yourself. Join some online communities or forums where you can share advice, ask questions, and get support and motivation. You can also find a lot of apps that offer virtual classes or personal training.
Cost of Setting Up a Home Gym
Building a home gym can be an investment depending on the equipment you are planning on purchasing. Remember that this is a great way to save money in the long run as you will no longer have to pay monthly membership fees or other expenses like parking. Start with the essential equipment first and keep adding more as your budget allows. You can always find second-hand equipment or sales to save some money.
Decorating Your Home Gym
Make sure you make your home gym a place that you will enjoy spending time in. Decorate it the way you like it and add some personal touches to keep you motivated. Consider installing a sound system so you can listen to your favorite workout tunes or have a TV so you can follow workout videos.