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Are there days when you’re really on a tight budget for regular fitness classes and monthly gym memberships? Or are you too busy to go through Manila traffic for a gym session?
If you feel this way, it will be a good idea to invest in setting up your own exercise pad right in the comforts of your home.
Once you are able to get your home gym set up, it becomes an efficiency dream, as it only takes a few seconds to get your fitness routine going. You wouldn’t even have to deal with gym rats hoarding machines and equipment.
So here are some tips on how to set up your gym at home:
1. Find a space
Whether it’s in your bedroom or living room, make sure that you’re able to choose an area specifically for working out.
Ideally, the more room, the better. But if you’re tight on space, it will highly depend on the workout you do.
Me, for example, I made space for a width of at least 1.45 meters. This is enough for me to perform lateral exercises. The length would depend on the mat since I can jump and run in place on it anyway.
2. Choosing your mat
Depending on what type of workout you do, your choice of mat will also matter. (READ: Lockdown? No problem: These fitness studios offer free live classes)
For yoga enthusiasts, a simple yoga mat will do. But for those who want to make their daily routines more exciting, there are online stores that offer a variety of designs to choose from.
But for general workouts, a TPE yoga mat with a thickness of 6mm will be perfect. It is non-slip, easy to clean, and it will give you enough cushion when you go into those elbow planks.
Though TPE mats are pricier than the standard PVC type, they are more durable, and they don’t turn sticky in the long-run. Plus, they’re eco-friendly!
3. Getting your gym equipment
For those with bigger budgets, Decathlon offers a wide range of international-branded sports equipment, including machines and bodybuilding weights. They can also deliver these right onto your doorstep.
Ensayo Gym Equipment beat is a local manufacturing business that supplies commercial gyms and caters to those setting up a home gym.
Another local company Play Hard Fitness allows you to order equipment online for delivery or pick up at their warehouse.
But for those who just need small equipment, a sports store nearby will be able to provide you with simple dumbbells, medicine balls, jump ropes, resistance bands, yoga blocks and pilates balls.
For an easier shopping experience, BeautyMNL has a fitness section that also sells simple exercise gears.
As equipment may be expensive, it is also possible to get creative with the type of weights you need with household items. (READ: Need equipment? These fitness studios offer free alternatives to their classes)
4. Cleaning your home gym
There are many commercial sports equipment sanitizers out there, but disinfecting using isopropyl alcohol and wiping it with a damp cloth will do the trick.
If you’re running low on alcohol at home, a mixture of tide powder and water acts a great and low-maintenance substitute to the more expensive over-the-counter options.
5. Self-care in home workouts
When they say “engage your core,” live by this command.
The only thing that you have to watch out for when working out at home is injury.
Unlike the gym, there are no trainers and coaches to guide you throughout the whole duration of your workout, so you have to make sure to study how to do your exercises properly. (READ: Yes you can! Work out at home with these YouTube channels and apps)
For beginners, it would be better if you would try out some exercises in front of the mirror first to check your form.
For everyone else, looking up on some tips from fitness Youtubers is a good way to get reminders on how to look after yourself during a workout.
Warming up and cooling down properly also play a big part in preventing injuries as you don’t want cold muscles to get strained. Stretching aids in flexibility.
It will be great to have foam rollers and massage balls at home, as they help boost your performance for daily workouts.
You can also use a tennis ball as a substitute to recovery balls as they are small enough to reach target areas that are prone to muscle strain.
And lastly, don’t forget to constantly hydrate yourself! Whether that’s a jug of water or it’s an electrolyte drink, it is the best way to stay healthy in your home gym. – Rappler.com
Read more Hustle stories:
- Beyond canned goods: How to eat healthy during a quarantine
- Need equipment? These fitness studios offer free alternatives to their classes
- Lockdown? No problem: These fitness studios offer free live classes
- Keep calm and cope: How to stay mentally healthy during coronavirus crisis
- Yes you can! Work out at home with these YouTube channels and apps
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