In most parts of the world, people are accepting the new normal. After taking the necessary precautions, shops and offices are opening up. But, still gyms and schools remain shut. Whenever, the gyms open up it will be a slow transition to a new normal. Strange enough, currently the awareness about health and fitness has increased a lot during the lockdown and people are a lot more conscious about nutrition, immunity and exercise.
In the absence of gyms and fitness studios many options have emerged. There are many online personal training classes available either through social media or other platforms. But for many regular gym goers, setting up a home gym has also emerged as a solution. Even if you hire a trainer online you need some equipment at home for the workouts.
Vandana Malike, who have been working out at a gym for a decade now says, “even if they open up gyms and allow 30 people at a time, I’m not sure how many will actually follow the rules. In a gym, most of the equipments are in close proximity and everybody sweats it out. Since, using the same equipment can be a little risky I am working at home with my dumbbells, stretch bands and ropes.”
Not many of us can have the luxury of setting up a full fledged gym at home; but we can at least create a simple home gym. Those who can afford it and have the space can invest in full range professional gym equipments. There are many home gym equipment manufacturers in the market.
Live Fitness, Acme Fitness, Technogym, Precor, Cybex, Lifeline are some of the known brands in the business. There has been an uptake in the sale of gym gear and equipments.
There’s definitely a difference in the professional gear and home-gym rubber type quality stuff. But, remember, in a gym hundreds of people use the equipment and at home only a few people will use it.
Vasu Swami, who stays at a plush apartment in Juhu says, “I am missing the vibe at the gym. The loud music, the adrenaline rush, intense competition to lift weights and sweating it out at the treadmill. Now we do not know when we will actually hit the gym, I have put up a professional gym at home. It cost me around 4 lakhs.”
There are others who are just buying the basic mats, weights, dumbbells, skipping ropes, stretch bands and a Swiss ball. You could just spend a basic Rs 5000 or Rs 50000. It depends on your needs, requirement, passion, space and your ability to spend. There are different sets of dumbbells, Treadmills, resistance bands, rods, boxing gear, Cross trainers and stationary bikes and belts. Depending on the brand the cost would differ. For eg you can buy treadmill for as low as Rs 40000 or 4 lakh.
Vandana Malik, a fitness trainer says, “Even before the lockdown, the fitness industry was booming. But for six months there was no revenue at all. In fact, many studios and gyms reached a zero revenue stage. But, it can’t go on for ever, so we need to find some alternatives. Home gyms are one option fitness lovers are exploring.”
Even before the Coronavirus Pandemic, there are many fitness lovers who believed in setting up home gyms. Many who like to workout at home and do not like crowded, sweaty and noisy. Let’s accept it, for many going to a gym is more of a social exercise where you chat and make friends.
How should you set up a Home Gym ?
There are a few things to keep in mind before you start investing in any type of equipment.
*Identify your fitness goals. What is it that you hope to achieve. Is it to lose weight, gain weight, to build muscle or just to stay active? If you want muscle and size then you probably need better equipment. Different sets of dumbbells and a power rack of 150 kg of weights and rods.
*Mark out the space in your home. Is there enough room in your house to accommodate a gym. Depending on the space, length and width, mark out the equipments you can invest in. Most multi-station gyms are almost 10 feet in length and width.
*Just a good set of dumbbells can help you work on your triceps, biceps, chest, shoulders and back. You can club dumbbells with Lunges, Squats for a power packed full body workout.