If you’re like my wife and me, you work a full-time job, you cook, you clean, you care for your kids, you have shopping and laundry to do, the list goes on. You don’t have much time for yourself. There isn’t much you can cut out of your daily routine, and the busyness can cause you to overlook your own mental and physical health.
The only alternative is better management of the time you do have. Going to the gym is a process! You have to get dressed, drive there, wait for the equipment you want to use, waste time chit chatting with other members, drive home and then shower. This usually takes an hour or three, depending on your workout and the distance to and from the gym.
How can you improve your usage of time? Build your very own home gym!
Time and Flexibility
There is not much you need to get started. You can buy a jump rope and be good to go. Now instead of the hours-long process of going to the gym, it looks more like this: Throw on something comfortable (no need to impress the kids), get your 30- to 45-minute workout in and then hop in the shower. DONE!! And in one hour, tops.
Let’s face it, when you have kids, it’s hard to stay consistent with the time of day you work out. Sometimes we have to attend open houses at school, doctor appointments, sport practices, etc. We are quick to dismiss our workout for the day. With a home gym, it is a lot easier to wake up 30 minutes earlier or hit that late night workout. Consistency is one of the most important keys to staying in shape.
Easily Customizable
As I mentioned above, you can start off small and build slowly over time. Think about how much you spend a month on a gym membership – $25, $40, sometimes $100+. Instead of making that payment, use it to purchase gym equipment. After one year of using your would-be gym membership dues, you will have accumulated $300 to $1200 worth of equipment. This is more than enough to help you reach your fitness goals.
You can also build your home gym in accordance with your workout style. If you are into weight lifting, purchase a squat rack, a barbell and weighted plates. If you're into yoga, spend your money on a nice mat, yoga blocks and stretching bands. I personally like a variety of equipment depending on what I’m into at the moment. Most of the time, I like to do HIIT workouts with med balls, a heavy bag, jump rope, etc. and other times, I like more of a calm weightlifting session. Giving myself these options tends to improve my desire to get out in the garage.
It’s Your Gym
It should go without saying that there are no rules or limitations to your gym! Feel free to listen to your music as loud as you want. Don’t want to wear a shirt? No problem! Not having rules helps you get in your zone. This ultimately helps improve the atmosphere and thus, the intensity of your workout – it helps make it into what you are going for. Sometimes I want the music blaring while I pump out weights and other times, I want something mellow while I do a deep stretch. It’s important to get your mind right for the workout you’re about to begin.
Another great perk is cleanliness. You don’t have to worry about someone not wiping their sweat off of the machine or someone who looks sick spreading their germs. This goes a long way during flu and cold season. There is nothing I hate more than being sidelined for a week or two while I get over an illness. When I’m making progress and I’m on a roll, I do not like being slowed down.
Lead By Example
Probably my favorite benefit of having a home gym is that my kids can watch me work out, or even join in. This is so very important to me. I believe in the saying “teach them young” when it comes to health and fitness. There are key lessons that should be taught at a young age and personal health is one of them. This will shape the quality of life your kids will have throughout their lifetimes.
Have them do simple exercises with you and make it fun! Teach them that working out does not have to be seen as a chore.
In conclusion, a personal gym is a must-have. Our bodies are the temples to our souls. They have a huge impact on our quality of life. Other than work, we spend the majority of our lives in our homes. Why not set up our homes to better both our mental and physical health? Start building your gym today, even if it’s as small as a single jump rope. Your future self will thank you for it!
Comments