7 essentials for creating the perfect home gym

As Autumn kicks in and the mornings and evenings start to get darker, the idea of lacing up the trainers and getting out for a run becomes less appealing. Shorter days, combined with wet and windy weather, mean the lure of the sofa can be hard to resist. Weekends are great for getting out running in the daytime, but our busy lifestyles often leave us time poor. Exercise can lose out to family and work commitments.

This is where equipping your home with some domestic gym equipment can really help. You can choose when to exercise and you don’t need to worry about failing light or the inclement British weather.

Some people worry about cost and space believing that gym equipment is expensive and will take up loads of space in the home. But the reality is, that’s not always the case and there are plenty of budget options available. And they don’t necessarily need to take up lots of space either.

Larkfleet Homes are generously proportioned and, depending on your family’s needs, have space to install a home gym.

You can kit out a spare room, garage or shed with a few key pieces of essential equipment for around £1,000 - £2,000. There are plenty of places to pick up used gear at a fraction of the cost of new equipment like online auction sites and classified ads.

When you’re looking for gear, go for versatility. This means you’ll need to buy less stuff, saving on
space and your pocket.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Flooring – There are plenty of options for proper rubber flooring, either in tiles or on the roll. It will save your joints and help you to look after your equipment. It will also protect the floor.
• Kettlebells – These are versatile and can be used for a variety of exercises.You will only need a couple. Ensure you choose a weight that is going to push you, but not cause injury or strain.
• Spin bike – A spin bike will help you with your cardio and get you in the fat burning zone. It’s a great way to multi-task too. While you’re gently spinning away, catch up on some telly or make those phone calls that you have been putting off. 
• Treadmill – This is a great addition to a home gym and will help you stick to your running programmes, even in the depths of winter. Don’t completely substitute the outdoors though and make sure you get outside to pound the pavements and suck in some fresh air when you can.
• Bar bells – A bar and barbells are part of the ‘essentials kit’ and will form the basis of your cardio and conditioning exercises such as squats, bench presses, behind the neck Military Press, arm curls – the list goes on.
• Rack – Essential for placing your weights when you bench press, etc.
• Bench – Obviously, you can’t do bench presses without a bench.

Whether you’re fully equipped, or choose a few essential pieces, having access to some gym equipment at home can mean you are able to keep you exercising through the worst that the British weather has to throw at you.

For more ideas on home gyms visit Houzz or Pinterest.