Home Gym Exercises
Home gyms include exercises for different body parts. You will usually be able to do a seated bench press and, often, flies, a pulldown or row, and leg extension and curl. Some have a leg press. Some have pulley systems that allow a variety of exercises. Often there is a biceps attachment and you can do pushdowns for your triceps. You may be surprised at how many exercises you can do on a home gym. And, if necessary, you can get some dumbbells to supplement your equipment.
Home Gym Users
Consider setting up a home fitness system if one of these applies to you. You just don't like health clubs. Your schedule doesn't allow you to plan ahead for working out. You live more than 20 minutes from a health club. You can save money with a home gym that all your family members use, rather than buying everyone a health club membership. You like setting up your own workout space and playing your own music. Remember, you can also do some workouts at home and some at a commercial facility.
What Is a Home Gym?
Home gyms combine a number of pieces of equipment for various strength training exercises. They have different configurations but will offer exercises for legs, arms, chest, and back. A home gym designed for the middle of a room will have exercise stations on all four sides, and one designed to fit in a corner will be arranged for that. More expensive models typically have more exercise options. Many people think this is the ultimate piece of home exercise equipment.
Home Gym Benefits
Most people can benefit from a home gym. You don't have to have prior knowledge or experience. Home gyms provide light resistance for those who want or need it and heavier resistances on the same exercise for people who are stronger or want to work out harder. Home gyms are easy to use and come with good instructions. You can always have a trainer set up a program for you or help you with exercise technique.
Evaluating Home Gyms
When considering home gyms, think about who is going to use it and how often. It's best to get one with more options so you can enlarge your workout later. However, if you are primarily, say, a runner and want the home gym as a lesser part of your workout regimen, a simpler design may do. Consider the size and weight of the equipment versus where you want to put it. Some home fitness gyms use separate weights for resistance, which require more storage space, while others use weight stacks or other built-in features.
Gyms and Kids
Can children use home gyms? That depends. Of course, older teenagers, especially if they have done weight lifting at school, can use them. Younger teenagers and preadolescents can use them under supervision, if they are big enough that the machines can be adjusted to fit. Young children should be kept away from the machine while it is in use. Some kids who want to lift weights can start, under supervision, with light dumbbells. Most youngsters are satisfied with just active games and sports.
Home Gym Maintenance
Your home gym is a piece of fine equipment, so keep it in good repair. Don't put it where it will get wet or pick up a lot of grime. Wipe it down from time to time, and check the cables often. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for upkeep. Be good to your home gym and it will do good things for you.