As the old saying goes “There’s no place like home”. For many, this also applies to weight training. With technological advances, a wide variety of equipment choices and easy access to information on the internet (shameless plug), having a well equipped home gym and workout routine is easier and more affordable than ever. While training at home is not for everyone, there are many benefits to weight training at home. Read on to get a better understanding of both the pros and cons to training at home. While only you will know if home fitness program is right for you, it is our hope that this information will help you make that decision.
Benefits
Convenience
Are you a night owl…a morning person? Do you like to get a quick workout in at lunchtime? Having a home gym will allow you the flexibility to workout when it’s convenient for you. Having a home gym provides you 24 hour access to your equipment 7 days a week. This way you can workout on your own time, which for some of us eliminates the “I don’t have enough time” excuse. While working out in a home gym may provide greater flexibility with regards to scheduling, if time is a factor (which it pretty much is for everyone these days) a home gym allows you to get your workout in without having to commute to a local facility which saves on time. Or what about when you wake up at 6 AM on a February morning to find it dark, cold, raining (or even snowing)…? A home fitness center might just be your answer.
Privacy
If you are apprehensive about working out in a public gym, having a fitness center in the comfort of your own home may be the answer for you. A home gym definitely provides more privacy than a fitness club if you are at all self conscious about training in front of others. In addition to that, you will also have the luxury of using training videos, exercise books and be able to use your own shower and supplies by working out at home, all of which may enhance your experience.
No Waiting
Have you ever gone to your local fitness club only to find that it is very busy? It seems that this always happens when you are pressed for time and just wanting to squeeze a quick workout in. When you get into the gym, it seems as if every other member had the same idea and there are line-ups at every machine which not only adds time to your workout, but can also be a de-motivating factor. With a home gym, there is no waiting in line which speeds up your workout, increases intensity and improves the overall experience.
Cost
Yes, believe it or not the cost for many multi-function home gyms has decreased in recent years. There are many excellent quality multi-gyms available at an affordable price. At the outset, creating a functional home fitness center can put a drain on your cash flow. However, in the long run, equipping and maintaining a home gym is often no more expensive (and perhaps less expensive) than perpetual monthly gym membership fees.
Negatives
Safety
Have you seen the YouTube video of the weightlifting accident where the poor guy drops a barbell on his chest and is rescued by his buddy? Now imagine yourself lifting weights with no spotter or workout partner. By training at home, you don’t have access to “spotters” to assist you in pushing your body to lift heavier weights. Unless you a hire a personal trainer, you will not have any access to professionals like fitness club staff to ensure safety and proper technique.
Equipment Choices
Unless you have unlimited financial resources and available space in your home you will not be able to equip your home gym like a fitness club. Therefore, you will not have access to the variety and quality of weight training equipment that is offered at most health clubs. However, with proper planning it is possible to adequately outfit your home gym to meet all of your needs.
Loss of Living Space
Weight training equipment such as mutli-gyms, smith machines, squat racks, and free weights can take up quite a bit of space. While there are many new products popping up that boast space saving qualities it is first essential to clearly understand your goals along with your resources prior to choosing a piece of equipment for your home gym. Because if an apparatus fits well into your dedicated space, but does not help you achieve your fitness goals, it really won’t help you at all. While it is possible to get a great workout with a simple weight bench and set of dumbbells, at the end of the day if you are limited on space, joining a gym may be the best option for you.
Isolation
Weight training or any fitness program requires a lot of will power and motivation to stick with at the best of times. Now combine that with having your bed, couch, recliner and refrigerator within reach of your fitness center and it can get even tougher to stick to a weight training routine. Also, by deciding to work out at home as opposed to a fitness club, you don’t have any interaction with other fitness enthusiasts and will miss out on the social aspect of belonging to a gym. Depending on your personality this could either be a good thing or a bad thing.
For more information on working out at home including tips on designing your own home gym visit:
www.gameday-weight-training-equipment.com/designing-a-home-gym.htmlrn