Home Gym Equipment
Has Advantages

So training at home has definite advantages. But it would be unfair not to also mention some of the advantages of a modern health club. At a health club, you have 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. He's not alone. In fact, several big name bodybuilders, power lifters, and fitness buffs have been products of garage gyms.

If you decide to train at home, you'll need some basic home gym 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 sound, 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 on training equipment for a home fitness room, click on the following . . .

• Barbells

• Resistance Band

• Stability Ball

• Kettlebells

• Fitness Machines (multi-exercise gyms)

• Sandbags

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

So 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.

You might 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 and a practical plan that leads to success. For some, it is best achieved in a home gym; for others, a commercial health club is better. Know thyself.

Do you already have a home gym? Other seniors would like to see it and learn how and why you chose your home gym equipment. We make it easy to do. Just click here.

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