Getting a home gym in a garage that’s available for use anytime is the dream of a lot of athletes, and an increasing number are turning it into reality since the coronavirus lockdown.
Setting it up requires an investment of both time and money but it can be extremely rewarding when you get it right, so research is key.
Here, Built for Athletes discusses four tips for building a home gym in your garage.
Get Versatile Equipment
Inevitably, you’re not going to have as much equipment as there would be in a commercial gym, but that doesn’t mean you can’t fill it with almost everything you need. By picking, equipment that has multiple uses, you can ensure won’t feel like you’re missing out and do almost any exercise you want.
There’s a huge amount you can do with just a bench, a bar and a rack, so that’s a great place to start.
Look For Second Hand Equipment
Whether you are on a tight budget or just keen to get the best bang for your buck, looking on second-hand market places can be well worth it. You might get lucky and come across something that’s almost as good as new for a fraction of the retail price, but even equipment that’s had a few years of use can still do a perfectly adequate job.
The key is to shop around. If you do get something big and bulky that needs picking up from a second-hand vendor, be sure to think about how you’re going to transport it.
Buy Equipment That Will Last
While there’s some perfectly good equipment out there for all kinds of budgets, bear in mind that if you skimp on costs now you might end up paying more in the long run. It might be better to spend now on equipment that could last 10 or more years than to give yourself the hassle of having to replace it further down the line.
Avoid Overcrowding Your Gym
You’re going to want clear floor to move around in so you don’t feel trapped and claustrophobic. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you need almost everything you have at your regular gym and then creating a cluttered space that’s no fun to work out in. Spend time thinking about the area you have and how best to utilise it.
