GET A GYM AT HOME! Here’s how to choose right the equipment for it

GET A GYM AT HOME!

Here’s how to choose right the equipment for it

    Hitting that gym, even if it is in your neighbourhood, is not an easy task thanks to long working hours, exhausting commute and family commitments. At the same time, there’s no way you can ignore that expanding waistline. Such a situation has only one solution — setting up a gym at home. But of course, buying even the basic gym equipment is not simple. From lack of space to budget constraints, there are many factors to be considered. So, how do you go about it? Here’s how... 

COMMON MISTAKES Setting up a gym at home doesn’t mean you go on an equipment-shopping spree. Says fitness expert Leena Mogre, “Allot space to your gym and shop accordingly. Sometimes, people end up buying too many workout machines and some of them are left unused due to lack of space.”
    Fitness trainer Parikshit Somani advises against paying heed to hearsay. “You need to analyse and decide your fitness goals first. Follow it up with research on what to buy. A trainer, apart from identifying your fitness goals and planning your workouts, will also help you purchase the right equipment. You don’t require expensive, fancy machines for a good workout. In fact, don’t be too dependent on machines. Instead, get your body movements right with the help of your trainer.” 

BASIC GEAR One is spoilt for choice when it comes to buying the right equipment. The trick is not getting swayed by the look of a machine or attractive discount offers. Here’s a list of the basic gym equipment one can buy: 

Treadmill
When buying, check its ability to bear a substantial amount of load, especially if you’re overweight. Also, look for smooth functioning, a wide belt and incline options settings. 

 
Cycle You can achieve a h i g h - i n t e n s i t y workout by increasing its re s i s t a n c e. Somani recommends a cycle for many reasons — it’s cheaper than a treadmill , occupies less space, doesn’t work on electricity and is low on maintenance. 

Elliptical or Cross Trainer B e s i d e s bu r n i n g calories (it around 650 calories per hour), it’s great for toning as well. The twisting action strengthens your
core. Some fitness experts even recommend this over the treadmill. 

Dumbbells
Plain cardio isn’t enough. One needs strength training too, for which dumbbells are great. It’s not feasible to store an entire dumbbell rack so, dumbbells with interchangeable plates are your best bet, advises Mogre.

Resistance bands Made of latex, they are light in weight and compact storage-wise. They can be used t o w o rk on various muscles, so they are as effective as we i g h t machines. Also, they are safer compared to we i g h t s, when it comes to the possibility of injuries. 

COST FACTOR A fairly decent collection of the above-mentioned equipment will cost around Rs 35,000. It can go upto Rs 2.5 lakh, as prices vary according to the model and brand. 

 
CHECKLIST Mogre lists things to keep in mind:
    While purchasing gym equipment, it’s important to check for its maintenance contract and the running costs.
    This purchase is an investment, so invest in a good brand.
    Hire a personal trainer for your workout at home. Unsupervised workouts can lead to injuries.
    Seek a doctor’s permission before starting a workout regimen.
    Visit a gym to familiarise yourself with various equipment and check your fitness levels before setting up one at home.
    Make sure to have exercise mats, air-conditioning and a good music system to make the environment conducive to working out.