Guest blog post by Sean Lynam
The initiative to prioritize your physical health is crucial in improving the overall quality of life.
A study published by Translational Behavioral Medicine demonstrates that greater physical activity and lower levels of sedentary time are associated with the improvement of several health conditions. Such evidence suggests that exercise is a miracle cure standing at the tip of your fingertips.
Often, exercise is associated with going to the gym, using sweaty machines, and trying to make do with a lack of space. Naturally, this can bring up feelings of anxiety and discomfort and prevent many from creating a stable fitness routine. For those of you who find themselves in such a predicament, the creation of a personal workout space is a game-changer.
There are many benefits to a fitness studio.
It offers the convenience of exercising on your terms,
saves you time from getting to the gym and waiting in between sets for machines to be free,
and provides a dedicated area for your self-care.
To help you get started, here are some of the most important tips to keep in mind when creating your very own workout space.
Picking the Right Room
Space makes all the difference when working out.
You want to feel comfortable and undistracted. Look for the kind of space in your home that is quiet, private, and has enough room for creative exercises.
An ideal pick is a spare room in a more secluded area of your home. Remember, you will be sweating out harmful toxins out of your body which is why it’d be a good practice to keep your personal workout space away from your bedroom or living room.
Ensure the area is safe by removing tripping hazards, securing cords, and keeping first-aid and safety equipment (like a fire extinguisher) accessible.
Including Natural Lightning
Another huge part of choosing the right room for your home gym involves natural lighting.
Exposure to the sun’s rays provides our bodies with an unlimited source of vitamin D production. Today’s modern era has confined us within four walls, leaving us dependent on artificial lightning.
A home gym presents an ideal opportunity to incorporate more of the healing powers of natural lightning into your self-care time of the day.
If you do not have such a space in your home, a small renovation with windows incorporation is highly recommended for effective exercises.
Investing in Long-lasting Equipment
Equipment will diversify your fitness routine. When determining the kind of fitness equipment you need to invest in, it is important to take your personal goals into account.
Ask yourself what you plan to gain out of your fitness journey.
If weight loss is a priority for you, inexpensive treadmills are a versatile choice, offering a viable option for a HIIT workout or aerobic training session.
Affordable and reliable equipment will make for a good investment and a tenacious home gym.
Personalizing
The mission of a home gym is to motivate you to get moving.
By adding small details and a touch of your style and personality, you create a warming atmosphere that will have you looking forward to the part of the day you spend in your workout space.
Not only will personalizing give your home gym spirit, but it will also expand its functionality.
For example, adding plants in a small corner will generate lots of oxygen for the whole room, making it a fresh and ideal space to wind off.
Additionally, motivational decor or posters of your favorite book or movie will inspire you to push further at that last rep when you feel like giving up.
Ultimately, those are the reps that get you the most gains.
Setting Up a Sound System
What would a gym be without music?
Upbeat workout music will always serve its purpose of providing a source of energy and rhythm to accompany workouts.
As an advantage, setting up a sound system in your personal workout space will allow you to blast your preferred tunes or your playlist without interruption.
The good thing is it doesn’t have to be just music! Motivational speeches, podcasts, or videos are all practical options to make your fitness routine unique.
Incorporating Mirrors
The form is an irreplaceable component of exercise.
A good form will guarantee an efficient workout routine, maximize your results, and help you avoid injuries.
According to Psychology Today, a simple mirror is the best tool to perfect your form.
Equipping your home gym with a mirror will allow you to visually confirm your stance and ensure that all the muscles you’re trying to target are being symmetrically worked.
But not just that!
Mirrors give the perception of a wider space, encouraging a bigger range of motion and movement. Such an addition contributes to the welcoming environment you want to create at your home gym, one that will reward you plenty in the long run.
Conclusion
The sedentary lifestyle that has encapsulated the globe nowadays makes it hard to focus on health.
Social media and the internet provide an eternal source of constant stimulation, where one does not have to move an inch to complete daily duties and be entertained.
In such an environment, the motivation to work out is easily non-existent, especially at home.
Adding some of the features elaborated above will make sure your personal workout space serves its purpose of making you healthier, all while making you feel more confident in your own body.
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Sean is a fitness enthusiast and personal trainer by profession, and a freelance writer by passion. Sean writes and shares his knowledge for a range of fitness publications and nutrition brands.