Was your New Year’s resolution losing weight and getting fit? If so, you will need to start fulfilling your goal with a new home gym. Regardless of where you live, it is possible to create a gym with all the necessities. Space doesn’t really matter, since there are a variety of different pieces of exercise equipment that is ideal for compact spaces. Fill your apartment with the appropriate gym equipment and meet your goals quicker, easier and more efficiently.
Here’s What To Get!
The first step to creating a home gym is finding the right exercise equipment. Since you are living in an apartment, you will have limited options. Fortunately, many manufacturers have taken the step to design their exercise equipment in a diverse manner. This basically means that the equipment can be utilized in commercial and residential settings.
Punching Bag
Punching bags are available in an array of designs. You can choose from small to extra-large and between hanging heavy bags, free-standing punching bags, or doorway punching bags for apartments. Not to worry though, any of these here are good choices for your apartment.
Although, our best recommendation for apartments, is going to be free-standing. This punching bag is self-standing and allows the bag to stand up freely. Since most management companies do not allow their tenants to make holes in ceilings or walls, this will be your best and only option.
Another excellent benefit is that free standing punching bags are very versatile and will allow you to save as much space in your apartment as possible.
Free-standing punching bags offer the same workout benefits. In fact, you will be able to utilize to build your upper body, core and stamina. These bags are very affordable, so anyone living on a strict budget can afford one.
Dumbbells
Dumbbells are a must for home gyms. The great benefit of dumbbells is they can be utilized alone or in combination with workouts. And, they can be purchased in single units or kits. Utilizing dumbbells also does not require a lot of space, making them ideal for gyms in small apartments. They help burn calories, prevent diseases, increase flexibility, improve balance, build muscle and protect the bones.
Kettlebell
Kettlebells also make a great addition to home gyms. When utilized correctly, you can burn more calories, increase muscle strength and size, increase flexibility and turn a boring exercise into an enjoyable one. Kettlebells can be utilized in combination with strength training workouts. Like dumbbells, kettlebells are available in an array of sizes.
Jump Rope
A jump rope will prove to be a good addition to your workout routine. With a jump rope, you’ll be able to perform a great cardio exercise in the comfort of your own home. In fact, you could easily replace a treadmill or elliptical with a jump rope. The good news is that the jump rope is going to be so much less expensive. The only downside is that it is going to take time to get used to using the jump rope. You’ll need to get the technique and rhythm down. Until you do that, you’re probably going to have trouble. Nevertheless, the challenge is half of the fun!
Bench Press
Bench presses are a necessity for home gyms. This equipment is designed to allow people to lie down when exercising. Depending on how much you plan on bench pressing, you will need to a unit that can support the weight of the barbell and dumbbells, as well as your weight. To ensure maximum functionality, it is crucial to only consider benches that are adjustable. These units come with backrests that lay flat, incline and decline, so you can target all your important muscle groups. The seat is also adjustable to offer the most ergonomic support and comfort.
Since you are living in an apartment, it is recommended to buy a bench with a wheel and front handle. These components will allow you to move the bench from one place to another with ease. Also, consider the thickness of the seat and backrest. The thicker the materials, the more comfort and support the bench will offer.
Ab Roller
Ab rollers offer more than traditional crunches, even though they are difficult to master. Once you learn how to utilize the ab roller correctly, you will be able to capitalize on your workouts. Strengthen your core, improve your balance and build your upper body all at the same time with an ab roller.
Compact & Portable Vertical Climber
Most home gyms do not have vertical climbers, which is truly a shame. This equipment is designed to allow people of all skill levels to tone their upper and lower muscle groups. It is ideal for people with arthritis and a history of impact injuries, such as tendon damage, dislocated joints, fractures and spinal problems because it offers low impact workouts. It is very easy on the joints, especially the knees and ankles.
A lightweight, foldable design is more suitable for apartments. So, you can store it away in a small cubby hole or closet. And, it sets up in minutes.
Compact Elliptical
Ellipticals are machines designed to offer low impact workouts. Each brand is unique, but they mostly operate in the same manner. For apartments, there is the foldable, lightweight design with a weight capacity of at least 250 pounds. Larger sizes are necessary for people who weigh between 300 and 350 pounds, making them less suitable for apartments.
When investing in an elliptical for a home gym, you will definitely need to only consider units that are foldable and lightweight with transport wheels. This design offers compact storage, which is a necessity for home gyms with limited space.
Medicine Ball
Another piece of exercise equipment that will play a major role in your fitness is the medicine ball. You can utilize the medicine ball alone or with a partner to build muscle strength. People with a history of back pain, recovering from knee surgery and poor range of motion can benefit greatly from medicine ball workouts. For others, the ball will help improve your overall performance, hand and eye coordination and stamina.
Foldable Stationary Exercise Bike
For people who do not have adequate time for outdoor workouts, the stationary exercise bike is a necessity. The bike helps strengthen the important muscle groups. It also aids in weight loss and improves cardiovascular fitness and respiratory function. It provides gentle, low impact workouts, so you can exercise longer without damaging your joints. Most top brands come with arms that are adjustable to ensure comfort and the perfect angles for various types of resistance exercises.
Exercise Ball
The exercise ball has become a popular tool in home gyms and workplaces. Depending on the brand, the ball can support weight up to 750 pounds. It is textured to prevent slippage during workouts. Utilize the exercise to improve your posture, build core strength and reduce back and joint pain. Some balls come with a base that adds stability when sitting. This component basically prevents the ball from rolling during exercises.
To get the most out of your exercise ball, be sure to only consider brands that come with a foot pump. The pump is made to specifically fit the exercise ball. Utilizing it to inflate the ball as needed will ensure the maximum performance all the time.
Resistance Band
Do you want a great workout for your legs and arms? If the answer is yes, you should definitely buy a good resistance band. These products work exceptionally well for enhance the muscles in your legs and arms. In fact, you can use this type of band for an abundance of purposes. Just use your imagination and you’ll have little trouble finding a way to use the band to your benefit. On top of that, they’re not going to cost you too much. You really have nothing to so. Everyone should be working out with a resistance band.
Gym Mat
You will definitely need an exercise mat for your home gym. The mat will support your weight, while protecting your bony prominences from injury during workouts. Utilize the mat to do push ups, planks, crunches and bear crawls.
Final Thoughts On Building Your Apartment Home Gym
When trying to design a home gym for your apartment, it can prove to be a bit of a challenge and will require you to think a bit outside the box and to get creative. You will have to keep in mind that your apartment has limited space and that you will need to be careful of the issue with noise.
But in the end once you finish your build, you will reap the benefits of having a gym in your apartment. Did you enjoy our article? Please share with your friends or leave any comments below!