Working out at home? Here are two home gym alternatives

During the lockdown originated by COVID-19, the "desire" for exercising has potentially increased, and the need for an alternative workout space has risen. Even if many gyms and fitness centers have already reopened, some people might still be hesitant to leave their houses if there is a chance to avoid it, and that is completely ok! If you are someone who feels that way and have either just started your fitness journey or are currently unable to go to your gym of preference, keep reading because this article is perfect for you!

If you have close to cero space at home, at this point you might be thinking: 'Ok, now I can keep scrolling because there is no way that I can exercise in my tiny living room!' but hold on, because our first alternative is all about improvising in small spaces.

Turning your Living Room into a Secret Gym

If your goal is to do an at-home workout, close to cero space is more than enough! Whenever someone speaks about a home gym, we tend to imagine a vast room filled with all types of machines like the ones you would typically find in a traditional gym, but that's not necessarily the case. In reality, home gyms can take a minimal amount of room. The only thing you need is to find enough space for you to move comfortably without hurting yourself or breaking anything.

For instance, if you were to exercise in your living room, pushing your coffee table aside would suffice for you to set your yoga mat where the table used to be, and there you go, now you have your work out space.

Getting the basic equipment

Machines are not strictly necessary for an at-home workout. There are many different routines available, where you can use the essential equipment that can also be substituted creatively for everyday items. The best part? They can be easily concealed!

Our recommendations for you are the following:

• Yoga mat – It is perfect for you to lay down without hurting your knees and back.

• Foam roller – Relieves muscle tightness, soreness, and inflammation. It is the best tool for your warm-up and cool down.

• Dumbbells – Used for joint-isolation exercises, weight training as well as full-body fitness.

• Resistance bands – Incredibly effective and can be used for just about anything. They don't take up a lot of space, and sizes can be adjusted to your preference.

• Online workout plans – You can find several WOD's you can adjust to the equipment you have.

• Stepping stool – Many full-body workouts require a step to get some cardio. This alternative is something you probably already have at home!

If you do not feel like printed workouts are the best option for you, there's always YouTube, where you can find many free exercise videos from yoga to HIIT. Nowadays, most TV's have a Wi-Fi connection, and linking YouTube from your cellphone to your TV is just one click away. Don't hesitate to search for the routine you feel the most comfortable with.

Hiding at plain sight

Another of the advantages of the essential equipment is the l space that you need for storing it. There is no need for you to have a big rack since everything can be easily kept inside a cabinet. This way, you will also have easy access to whatever you need for doing your routine, and your decoration's harmony won't be disrupted.

Building out a Garage Gym

Now, if you are a homeowner and have an unused space in your garage, building a home gym might be the best option for you. It's not necessarily tricky or expensive, but it's important to take the following things into account:

• Do you practice any specialized workout, or do you follow a routine?

• Which equipment would you like to have in your garage gym? Are space and layout enough for it?

• Do you have a budget in mind? If regulating the temperature is necessary, don't forget to include the HVAC installation costs in it.

• Is there any cardio equipment you dislike? If so, don't waste money and space on it.

Essential equipment

You need to create a list of all the equipment you want to have in your home gym. Don't know where to start? The basics for garage gyms consist of at least one cardio equipment (this can be a treadmill, an elliptical, or an exercise bike), weights, a weight bench, and a squat rack. However, if you practice any specialized workout like spinning, Cross Fit, TRX, or Pilates, the equipment required is different. Make sure you set your objectives before purchasing anything.

When in a budget, sticking to the essential equipment is the best idea. You can also consider some alternatives, such as a stepping stool or some water-filled bottles. For cardio, a jumping rope or a running session can suffice. If you would like to create a gym-like atmosphere, getting some mirrors can do the job!

The Ideal Layout

It all depends on your garage's size (the average is 20' x 20') and the type of training you want. Leave enough space in the middle of the room for doing your warm-up plus cool down, set designated areas for heavy equipment, and leave a small corner for miscellaneous equipment like a yoga mat, a balance ball, and a heart rate monitor. If you have any space left, set the cardio area apart from the others, and leave room to access doors and windows to have enough airflow. This is usually the best layout for a garage gym, but stick to whatever makes you feel the most comfortable.

Whether you decide to implement the first or the second option, don't forget that the most crucial part of working out is enjoying what you are doing. If that's not happening, try a different routine or even another type of workout! Now, your fit life is just around the hallway.