(SPONSORED BY SPARTAN FITNESS)

Building a home gym can mean different things to different people. For some, having the latest and greatest fitness equipment is top on their list, but for others, simple and effective fitness accessories are all that’s needed.

Before building your home gym, consider these points:

1. Where will it go?

Deciding on a space that you will be dedicating time to exercising in is one of the most important factors to consider. It should be in an area that is comfortable, safe, and a place you enjoy being in daily. If it is dark, too hot/cold, piled with household junk, or unsafe in any way, the likelihood of you bringing yourself to train in that space will be diminished. There's nothing worse than lacking motivation to exercise because you hate the space you do it in.

2. Do I have space restrictions?

Determining the size of space you have to work with is important in determining what type of home gym will work best for you and your family. If your space is limited, creating a workout area that incorporates fitness accessories or smaller fitness equipment may be a better fit. If you have a dedicated room or large space, your options are far greater when creating the type of space that would make friends envious.

3. What do I really need?

One thing to keep in mind is that purchasing fitness equipment is not always about getting the latest and greatest, but rather, selecting what is best suited for you. Making informed decisions is necessary to avoid purchasing equipment you don’t really need. Speaking with an experienced and well-informed fitness advisor from Spartan Fitness can be helpful in explaining the differences between fitness equipment and what would work best for you. Selecting the right fitness gear based on your goals, what you enjoy doing, limitations (meaning injuries or medical conditions), and number of users at any given time are all aspects a Spartan Fitness staff member can assist you with.

4. What is my budget?

Although we may all want the machine that does it all, the reality is that sometimes it is not within our budget. Determine what your health and well-being is worth to you, and what you can comfortably manage to spend before heading out to shop. Devise a game plan beforehand based on the knowledge you have. Prepare questions, determine what budget you would like to stay within, and suit up in comfortable workout attire because the luxury of shopping at Spartan Fitness is the benefit of trying out the machines before you buy. From that point, along with the assistance of an experienced fitness advisor, determine what will work for you and your family within your budget.

Here are a few home gym examples to consider:

1. (KISS) Keep It Simple Silly

Ultimate Stability Ball
Vo3 Resistance Band
Skipping Rope
Ultimate Foam Roller

2. The Accessorizer

TRX Suspension Trainer
BOSU Balance Trainer
Powerblock U-90 Adjustable Dumbbell Set
Vo3 F.I.D. Adjustable Bench
Travel Roller

3. Pumping Iron

Hoist Squat Rack
Olympic Bar with Vo3 Rubber Weight Plates
Hoist 4145 Adjustable Bench
Life Fitness T3 Treadmill
Vo3 Kettlebell

4. The Real Deal

Helix Lateral Trainer
Hoist Mi6 Functional Trainer
Waterrower
Ultimate Stability Ball
Ultimate Yoga Matt
Ultimate Foam Roller

5. The Total Package

Hoist Mi7 Functional Training System
Hoist 5165 F.I.D. Adjustable Bench
Precor Elliptical
Precor Upright Bike
Dumbbell Set with Hoist Rack
Variety of Fitness Accessories

With so many options for home gyms, you have the ability to customize to your preference. Select from cardio machines, strength equipment and fitness accessories, all while staying within a budget that works best for you. Stop by a Spartan Fitness location for brand name fitness equipment with professional advice. Each associate will provide a comfortable shopping environment and walk you through the process of selecting the right gear that fits your needs.

Carmen Deacetis is a certified Holistic Nutritionist, Personal Trainer, co-owner of FitFX and manager at Spartan Fitness Equipment. www.spartanfitness.ca