Originally published on healthian.com
It seems like everyone’s got some kind of home gym these days or a device that can stream coaching content or virtual roads that you can “ride” on your exercise bike.
You can spend large amounts of money on this kind of equipment, but before you do, Eugene Pallisco wants you to consider a few critical details.
Are You Doing It Already?
The first question you must ask yourself is whether you’re already working out at home. In other words, how bad do you really want to work out? Is your desire for home workout equipment coming from a place of genuine necessity or more from a consumer mindset that responds to the latest tech gadgetry?
Do any of these describe you?
- You already work out at home without equipment (with your own body weight or perhaps resistance bands)
- When you think about buying equipment, it wouldn’t be an impulse buy but a genuine need that you’ve considered over time
- You have a definite spot in your home dedicated to your home gym
The last thing you want to do is invest in what will only amount to something that’s either in your way all the time or slowly becomes a towel rack.
Don’t Spend Too Much
If you do opt for a home gym, don’t act like a kid on a shopping spree. Start small. Consider perhaps a set of three kettlebells or a set of resistance bands. A yoga mat is a great piece to start with, and if you want to go the extra mile, look online for used dumbbells. You can often get a complete set with the rack for about a hundred bucks.
There really is no reason to spend thousands on home exercise equipment or rack up four figures on a credit card. You will likely regret that. Instead, make yourself earn it. Prove to yourself that you will use the equipment by putting it to work regularly.
If six months go by and you find it’s a good fit, consider adding more equipment. But don’t just head out on a whim and bring home something large and impractical that takes up the whole garage.
Proceed with Caution
As mentioned earlier, a great way to know if this purchase will be wise is to think back and calculate how long you’ve been considering it. If it’s only been a couple of days, maybe wait a while.
If you’ve never worked out at home, simply installing gym equipment will not magically enable your best workouts. In fact, if you’ve never had the discipline to work out at home, the effect will most likely be the opposite. It is possible to be shamed by the presence of a machine. Don’t let that happen to you.
About Eugene Pallisco
Eugene Pallisco serves clients in the greater Dallas area, specializing in strength and power development with a CrossFit mentality, high-intensity cardio (swimming, cycling), agility and stabilization techniques, and so much more. Eugene’s lifelong commitment is to empower his clients with the knowledge, confidence, and technique they need to cultivate the will and seize every opportunity to achieve their goals in fitness. He enjoys staying active outside with his friends, family, and dog Leeroy in his free time.