Home Gym Equipment
Has Advantages

Home gym equipment is convenient. It means there is no driving to the gym. It is never overcrowded. You can workout any time, day or night. And the equipment needed does not have to be expensive (though it can be, depending on the type of equipment).

Yes, training at home has its advantages, but so does a modern health club. At a health club, you get a wide selection of free weights, exercise machines, and group fitness classes. Most are friendly places with members of all ages and fitness levels, from out-of-shape beginners to high-level athletes.

Former Mr. Universe, Bill Pearl, began as a teenager exercising with home gym equipment. He later went on to own several commercial gyms around the state of California. Now in his late seventies, he is back working out at home. Several Mr. Americas have been products of garage gyms.

If you decide to train at home, you'll need some basic equipment such as a barbell, dumbbells and an adjustable angle bench. Even routines with limited equipment, plus some body weight calisthenics, and walking or running for cardio can form a good, well balanced program.

Some multi-station exercise machines are excellent, but of course they are much more expensive than a set of free weights. And beware of cheap models. A close look will probably reveal poor construction and they are not likely to hold up. Also be skeptical of a lot of the exercise gadgets seen on TV. Not all, but much of it is useless.

To start with, you really can’t go wrong with the basic, field-tested and proven barbell, dumbbells, and an adjustable bench. You can always add to those over time. For more information, click on the following . . .

• Barbells

• Resistance Band

• Stability Ball

• Kettlebells

• Fitness Machines (multi-exercise gyms)

When it comes to the cardiovascular part of your fitness plan, hiking, walking, running, cycling, and swimming are all good choices. If you want something that works well inside your home gym, consider the following . . .

• Treadmill

• Exercise Bikes

• Elliptical Machines

• Recumbent Bike

• Steppers

• Rowers

Training at home can be convenient and efficient. But like working at home, it requires self-discipline. There can be interruptions, and the potential for procrastination is always there. Know thyself.

Consider a training partner. It creates an obligation and you keep each other’s spirits up. Be sure to pick someone with similar goals. It could be your spouse, other family member, or a friend.

In the end, it is self-discipline that means success, whether it is with home gym equipment or in a commercial health club.


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