Hello Everyone. Today’s article is a guest post from Aimee Claire.
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Creating That Perfect Home Gym
It is coming up to that time of year when many of us begin to make resolutions, and invariably, top of the list is to get fit, either in a bid simply to become healthier or help us shift those pounds that have been added over the course of a year. Many people will sign up for an expensive gym membership: a home gym is a far more economical choice.
The Benefits Of A Home Gym
There are a few very good reasons why a home gym beats a public one. The first is cost. Gym memberships can easily run into hundreds of dollars, and if attendance slackens off after the first few months, which commonly happens, people could be paying out for a service they are not using. A home gym involves an initial cost outlay only.
Then there is the convenience factor. Fancy a quick jog, but the weather outside is a little too fierce? No problem if there is a treadmill in the house. A home gym cuts down on gas costs and travel time, as well as fitting easily into individual lifestyles.
Privacy is another key factor. Many people either dislike their body and are wary of putting it on display, or think perhaps they look foolish or cannot keep up with others when they exercise. A home gym removes those concerns, providing a safe and emotionally secure environment.
Lastly, there is the health factor. Having spent money on exercise equipment and making it available at any time of the day, only a few steps away, means that it is far more likely to be used. Regular exercise of various types will help to tone and condition the body, improving the cardiovascular system, core strength and musculature. It will also have knock-on benefits of improving the body’s appearance, resulting in higher self-esteem and confidence.
Designing A Home Gym
A home gym needs to be both functional and motivating. Use calming colors on the walls, such as blues and greens, and try to make good use of the available natural light. Exercise can be tedious, so ensure there is a music center and television available to provide entertainment.
In regard to equipment, try and have a good mix to get all round body benefits. Equipment such as a cross trainer will provide excellent cardiovascular workouts, while dumbbells and other weights will help to tone and strengthen. For flexibility and core strengthening exercise, such as yoga and Pilates, a non-slip map and perhaps a stability ball are all that is required.
Furniture For The Home Gym
Much of the available floor space will be taken up with the exercise equipment, but some furniture will still be required. A media unit for the music player and television, such as those found at Furniture Village are an excellent idea, as is some form of storage. A bookcase provides ample storage space for towels, bottles of water and resistance bands, as well as offering a shelf for some pot plants or flowers.