Identifying your Exercise Goals Will Lead You to the Right Equipment
Depending on what your goal from exercising is can have a major impact on the equipment that you will need for your home gym. If your goal is to burn calories, the equipment may be somewhat different than someone who wants to pack on the muscle.
For those who are interested in burning calories and losing weight, aerobic exercises are generally your best bet. While many aerobic exercises can be performed outdoors, sometimes it is more convenient to have the ability to do exercises inside as well.
A good investment of aerobic trainers is a treadmill. You can use it for both running and walking depending on your workout level. A good treadmill will be solid, run smoothly and quietly, have a deck long enough to accommodate your stride, and have a heart rate monitor.
Another good investment is an “exercise” or stationary bike. Low impact and easy on the joints, it is a piece of equipment that nearly everyone can use. Once you have decided what style you want, either upright or recumbent, and then look for a bike that runs smoothly and quietly at all speeds and offers adequate resistance. It should also be adjustable to a height that will fit your particular body type.
Also in aerobics, it is important to protect yourself from impact. Use floor mats that absorb impact for exercises indoors. Always wear well-supporting shoes. Shoes should offer adequate cushion, fit properly, and be in good condition.
For aerobics, it is also fun to include a variety of workouts. Many people find instructional videos to be very helpful as well as fun to do. Choose a tape that is within your skill level, and make sure that you are comfortable with how exercises are performed to avoid injury.
If you are interested in packing on the muscle, weight training is probably more your style. This requires a whole different set of equipment.
One of the most crucial parts of weight training is the weights. These can come in a variety of styles and weights. You will want dumbbells in a variety of weights that will encompass your workout level and then some. These come in a variety of sizes and styles, from large metal ones to small rubber ones.
For the bigger weights, as well as certain types of exercises, you will also want a barbell with the accompanying plates. The weights vary in size from just over a pound to over 50 pounds, and again you could purchase the sizes that best fit your workout. It may be helpful to purchase a stand for it as well, especially if you plan on using heavier weights for bench pressing or squats. That way you have a place to set it if you get tired mid-workout, and it also works well for storage.
Another thing to consider is a weight bench. One that will recline will work for a larger variety of exercises than one that just lays flat. If you plan to combine your weights with aerobics or you are short on cash considering getting a large step with adjustable risers. The risers can be adjusted to make an incline bench, and you can use it for step-aerobic exercises.
If money is not so much of a problem, another option is to get a home gym. While these do come with a hefty price tag, they can be used for a variety of exercises. Some styles may eliminate the need for some or even all of your free weights.
If your workout goals are somewhere in between, for example, maybe you just want to trim and tone, your equipment needs may be somewhere in the middle. It is helpful to combine both the cardiovascular exercises with weight-training ones. You could alternate days for your workouts, or combine them. Or you could consider doing both at once - such as wearing wrist or ankle weights while walking for more resistance. Having a treadmill and/or a bike a small collection of free weights can allow you to do a variety of exercises.
Knowing what your workout goals are can help you decide what equipment is right for you. Once you are properly equipped, you can go on to achieve the exercise goals you have desired. No matter what equipment you get, always ensure that it is in good repair and that you know how to properly use it to avoid injuries.
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