Keeping fit and active is a priority for more Americans than ever before, but with many folks being busier than ever before, too, finding the time to get to the gym can be tough. Not only is time an issue, but gym memberships can be costly, and if you lose motivation to go, your membership fees are wasted.
So, what’s the solution? Well, how about turning your garage space – or at least a section of it into a home gym? The cost of setting up some basic gym equipment is relatively minimal, and as for finding the time and motivation to travel to the gym; when it’s closer than your doorstep, there’s really no excuse!
Outfitting your gym:
As fact would have it, for just a few bucks more than you might spend on junk equipment at a chain sporting goods store, you can purchase some commercial-grade equipment that will be far sturdier and durable.
While what equipment you buy will naturally depend on what type of work-out you like to do, there are some essential pieces to consider that will suit most gym routines. Most varieties of weight training can be covered by equipment such as barbells, plates, a power rack, and a bench, but of course, if you want to specialize in Olympic weightlifting or CrossFit, then you may need to extend your equipment purchases.
Whichever way you look at it, you’ll need to spend some money to get your gym set up, but if used often (and the likelihood is far greater than if you had to travel to the gym and pay expensive membership fees), the cost will soon balance itself out, and you can even purchase some good quality used items. That said, be careful to do some research before you buy any used items of gym equipment, since they can sometimes cost just as much as if you’d bought them brand new. Talk to other gym aficionados or chat with the staff inside the sporting goods stores, who should be able to help you compare the prices.
Organizing your garage gym:
Space will likely be an important factor when thinking about setting up a gym in your garage, especially if you’re going to be storing vehicles and other large items in there, too. One effective way of getting organized is to buy some shelving units and hooks so that you can store things away and hang items up to give you more floor space. It’s even possible to hang plastic storage tubs from the ceiling of the garage, giving you even more ground space.
Security for your garage:
Keeping the items in your garage safe and secure is extremely important, especially if they are high value. Overall security is of course also important, as if a thief can access the items in your garage, then they may well be able to gain access to your home, too.
If your security systems are outdated or in need of a service, or even if your garage doors need upgrading, talk to your local garage door supplier and schedule an appointment to discuss safety aspects for your garage. What would be the point in spending money on gym equipment, only to leave it vulnerable to thieves and intruders?
