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Buying Guide: Building A Home Gym

By December 19, 2013No Comments

Exercise is an important part of our lives that often gets neglected. Unfortunately, many people can’t afford gym memberships or have the time to exercise. However, for a small investment you can not only set up your own home gym, but you’ll be able to work out at your own convenience and save thousands of dollars by doing so. Avoid the hassle of driving to the gym and save the money you’d spend on a gym membership by building your own gym with Newegg.

Location, Location, Location!

The first step in building your home gym is to determine where you’re going to put it. Do you want to work out indoors or outdoors? Do you want to use a spare bedroom? Is your equipment going to be covered if left outside? These are all important questions you need to ask yourself before setting up your gym. Don’t go out and buy all sorts of equipment without knowing where to put it. Pick a location first, then get to shopping.

Whether you want to work out inside or outside, your first investment should be in some quality gym mats. Weights will eventually get dropped and a good gym mat will not only protect your floor from getting dinged up, but they will keep you safe by absorbing shock. Gym mats will also keep equipment from sliding and keep your feet firmly in place when performing exercises. Don’t overlook this important part of your gym and cover your entire workout area in high-density foam.

If you plan on setting up your gym indoors, make sure you place your equipment in a location that is away from anything that could break – especially glass. You should also consider your neighbors if you live in an apartment. There is nothing worse than the sound of metal plates clanging when you’re trying to sleep. It’s best to use a spacious room like a basement or garage because they usually have plenty of headroom and concrete floors.

Setting up an indoor gym requires more strategy and improvisation than simply exercising outdoors. If you don’t have an extra room and don’t mind the fresh air, exercising outside has plenty of benefits. You won’t have to worry about damaging your house and your biggest concern will be keeping your equipment clean. By covering your gear with a large tarp when it’s not in use, you’ll be able to keep dust and debris at bay and focus on what’s important: exercising.

Exercise Equipment

Now that you have your gym location set and know what type of workouts you’ll be doing, it’s time to do some shopping. There are many different types of fitness equipment available on the Newegg.com website for all kinds of workouts. Whether you want to lift weights, run on a treadmill, or simply do pullups; the Newegg marketplace has it all.

If you plan on lifting weights, one of the best pieces of equipment you can purchase for your home gym regardless of its location is a power rack. A power rack takes up minimal space and is designed to be used for all major weightlifting movements. With this ingenious piece of equipment you’ll be able to lift heavy weights while being safe because the power rack conveniently has a built-in spotter system.

If cardio is what you’re after, Newegg has treadmills, elliptical machines, cycles and even jump ropes to help you accomplish your goals. If you want to go primal, pickup a set of premium vinyl kettlebells and release your inner cave man. And if you’re still standing after a brutal workout session, max out some reps on your very own dipping station.

Safety First

Once you have your home gym set up it’s important to observe some very simple and effective workout rules.

  • Always consult your doctor before embarking on an exercise program and let them know about any medical conditions you may have.
  • Drink plenty of water before, during and after your workouts.
  • Wear a weightlifting belt if you plan on lifting heavy weights.
  • If at any time you feel fatigued, stop working out and rest.
  • Don’t do anything you wouldn’t do in a commercial gym.

Remember, since you’ll be working out on your own it’s going to be imperative that you are safe. There won’t be any personal trainers on hand to help you so know what you’re doing beforehand. Be safe, have fun, and thanks for shopping at Newegg!

Author Ivan Barajas

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