Setting up a home gym is a great way to stay fit, active and healthy. It allows for more privacy, workouts are available on-demand, and there’s no downtime waiting for equipment.
All it takes is some strategic planning and the smart use of available resources, and you can create an affordable, fully equipped workout space.
Define your fitness goals
Identify what you’re hoping to achieve. Is the goal to lose weight, strengthen the body and build muscle, increase flexibility or enhance general fitness levels?
Once you know, you’ll have a better idea of the type of exercises, space and equipment you’ll need to attain your goal.
There’s no point in allocating a large area for a gym and equipping it with expensive gear, when a yoga mat and balancing ball will suffice.
Determine your exercise routine
If weight loss is a goal, an exercise routine featuring strength training and cardio gets the best results. That’ll mean designing a workout that includes weight training and running or cycling.
Required equipment would include adjustable dumbbells and – if the budget can stretch that far – a treadmill or exercise bike.
Building muscle is all about lifting progressively heavier weights and maximising body strength. It requires weights, resistance bands, and a pull-up bar to start.
When flexibility and general fitness is the aim, Pilates, yoga or stretching exercises are ideal. All that’s needed are a few basic accessories like a mat, foam roller, skipping rope and resistance bands.
Identify space and plan the layout
Now that you know the types of exercises and equipment you need, identify a suitable space in the home.
A home gym can be built anywhere – the garage, spare bedroom, garden shed or a corner of an enclosed porch or patio.
To ensure you get the most out of the space, plan the layout. Sites like TechnoGym offer free room planners. Alternatively, get an expert to design and equip a home gym on your behalf.
Create a workout-friendly environment
Pushing weights or strengthening the core on a cement, brick or wooden floor is impractical. Even with the use of a yoga mat, or cladding like laminate or carpet, exercising on a hard surface can jar the joints and bruise the muscles, leading to injuries.
Wooden floors, in particular, can easily get damaged. If your gym is located close to neighbours, workout sessions can create a noise disturbance.
The most cost-effective solution for reducing the risk of injury and dampening noise is to install a rubber gym mat. Quality rubber gym flooring is available as long-lasting, impact-resistant, non-slip rubber tiling.
Tiles are easy to install, made from recycled rubber and come in a variety of colours. There’s even an exterior rubber mat tile suitable for those “undercover” home gyms.
Shop pre-owned gym equipment
When starting out, focus on the essential equipment you need for a proper workout. You can always add more gear when required.
Unless you are cash flush, there’s no need to buy new items. Many online sites sell pre-owned exercise and gym equipment.
Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and Cash Converters are ideal for dumbbells, weight plates, steppers and exercise trampolines.
Gym One sells professionally refurbished pre-owned machines and equipment, while Gym Experts has a range of good condition second-hand gear, available at discounted prices.
Use free training resources
Getting a gym routine together can be challenging. Fortunately, there are many free YouTube videos and apps around to help you get started.
Apps like Caliber Strength Training and Nike Training Club have free plans that can be used to motivate and inspire you.
Are you looking for affordable ways to set up a home gym in South Africa? Van Dyck offers a range of durable rubber gym mats for sale online. Browse your options now, and set up your home gym at a price you can afford.
