11 Oct Are home gym workouts effective?
Yes, but follow these important tips
By AARON DORKSEN — 3G Cardio Fitness Editor
Setting up home gym workouts is a great way to get fit and stay that way. There are many advantages to having a home gym, but there can also be some pitfalls.
Here are the pros and cons:
The case for home workouts
Saves time – You can use your home gym whenever you want. It’s always open and there’s no reason to have to wait in line for a machine or bench to open up like at a club. You also save the time it takes to drive to and from the club.
Cuts expenses – Although it will cost you $500 at the minimum and up to $1,000 or more to get a decent set-up going at your home gym, you will make back your money over the cost of a gym membership (around $600 a year) in a matter of just a few years. It’s truly a life-time investment.
Freedom – Home gyms allow you to do things your way, with no club rules to follow. You are also spared having to lay on a bench, or sit on a leg extension machine, following “ultra sweaty man.” Or having to talk to someone whose only social life, other than living in his parent’s basement, seems to be talking to people at the health club.
You can also train the way you want to and not have people watching or coming up to you offer suggestions. The radio/CD player is yours, too, to control.
The case against home workouts
Self-discipline – There are many possible distractions at your home, like the TV, computer, chores that need done, tasty things to eat in the fridge, etc.
When you drive yourself to a fitness club, you’re almost certainly going to work out once you’re there. At home, even though it’s just a few short steps to the fitness room, you have to find even more self-discipline to go in that workout room instead of plopping in front of the TV or Internet, or finding other excuses not to work out.
No spotter – In a club, there’s usually always someone around to spot you on heavier lifts or watch your form if you ask for advice. At home, this can be a problem. Solutions at home might be to try to find a partner to lift with. Or, at the very least, someone who can be around on days you do heavier lifts. If you’re using a machine, instead of free weights, you won’t need a spotter as much.
Lack of space and/or money – The single biggest obstacles for many people who want to set up a home gym are space and/or money.
There are ways to compensate for both. As stated earlier, you’ll recoup your investment in a short time and can add on over the years as cash allows. Ask anyone who owns a good home gym and they’ll tell you it’s never quite complete – they’re always tweaking this or adding that.
As for space, even if you live in a broom closet there are always ways to ad lib. (OK, that’s an exaggeration. If you live in that small a space, then you need to a.) move when possible and b.) work out somewhere else. But there are ways to adjust even in tight quarters.
As this series goes on, I’ll offer tips for what the key pieces to add for a gym are, what expenses to expect and how to deal with issues such as a lack of money and space.
What equipment is needed?
You can start a home gym with an exercise mat and a few free weights.
If you’re looking to step up your fitness level, 3G Cardio offers award-winning treadmills, exercise bikes and vibration training machines.
3G Cardio is a must-try brand if you are considering buying a treadmill, exercise bike or vibration machine for your home, office, condo-association, hotel gym, etc.
I’ve tested most major brands on the market and no one combines quality and value quite like 3G Cardio. And, what I like most is that the Phoenix, Ariz., based company has equipment to fit all home gym and budget needs.
The designers at 3G Cardio build their treadmills the way most people would: They provide everything you need, and nothing you don’t.
The emphasis is on superior function of the treadmill, not on fancy electronic “extras” that drive up the price even though you can add them yourself for a lot less cost by hooking up an iPad or smart phone.
3G Cardio is a health and fitness equipment company led by co-owners with more than fifty years of experience in the specialty fitness industry.
They also produce award-winning vibration training machines and exercise bikes.
The 3G Cardio company states that their experience has helped them, “Design and manufacture fitness equipment that will always outperform our clients’ expectations, as well as a business model that delivers the best equipment, the best prices, and the best client service and support in the industry.”
3G Cardio treadmills have received numerous “best buy” awards for the treadmills and vibration machines.
The list of 3G Cardio awards includes being named “2018 Treadmill Brand of the Year” by The Fit Prof, five-star ratings from Amazon.com and many other honors.
3G Cardio fitness editor Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. Consult a doctor before making any significant changes in your exercise routine or diet. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@3Gcardio.com.
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