Many people think, "I want to turn my home into a gym so I can do weight training at home!", but at the same time, you don't want to regret it.
Some of you may have the following questions when building a home gym.
- Why do you regret building a home gym?
- What can you do to avoid regrets?
- Are you ready to create a home gym?
In order to solve the above problems, we will explain why you may regret building a home gym and how to avoid mistakes.
Understand the causes of regret and create a home gym where you can improve your muscle training!
7 reasons why you regret using your home gym and what to do about it
Let's take a look at some real-life examples to see why you might regret building a home gym. Once you understand the cause of your regret, you can take action. We will explain countermeasures for each reason for regret, so please read to the end.
Reason #1: I'm concerned about noise and vibration
The most common reason people regret building a home gym is noise and vibration. Training equipment that makes noise, such as power racks and stationary bikes, can be more of a nuisance to neighbors and family members than you might imagine.
What you need to be careful about is not only the sound the machine makes when it is in operation, but also the possibility of it being accidentally dropped or hit. Even if you're just training normally, there's no problem, but there's always the risk of giving yourself a shock.
There are many cases where people end up regretting going to a home gym because they are afraid of trouble and can't concentrate on their training.
To prevent noise and vibration, set up your home gym in an isolated space such as the first floor or garage. If you set up your home gym in a room on the second floor or above, you'll have to be mindful of whether or not there are any noises or vibrations coming from the floor below.
If you are on the first floor, you won't need to use stairs to bring equipment in and out, so you can build a training room smoothly.
If you don't have a single-family home, or if you have to build a home gym on the second floor or higher of a single-family home, reinforcing the walls and floor will improve the soundproofing of the room and reduce the possibility of noise and vibration problems. .
By pasting sound-absorbing material on the walls, you can prevent the sounds and voices of your training from echoing into the next room. A more important measure than walls is reinforcing the floor. Simple reinforcement is possible even in a rental property, so be sure to reinforce it if you want to create an environment where you can concentrate.
Reason 2: The floor fell out/damaged the floor.
The biggest problem that can occur in a home gym is the floor falling out or damaging the floor. According to building standards, the floor is unlikely to come off under the weight of a home gym, but the floor can easily get damaged due to things like dropping dumbbells or putting a power rack on it.
If you rent, you may be required to pay for the restoration of your home to its original condition when you move out, and even if you own a home, it can be a shock if your precious home gets damaged. Restoration will take time, so you don't want to damage the floor.
One measure that anyone can take is to reinforce the floor with a three-layer structure. By combining rubber mats, plywood control panels, and joint mats, you can improve the training environment while dispersing the impact on the floor.
There are also articles that introduce effective floor reinforcement with images, so please refer to them.
Reason #3: There is no place to place the equipment.
The reason you end up feeling helpless with your home gym is because you don't have enough space. You've secured a training room and bought the training equipment with great enthusiasm, but when you bring it into the room and it doesn't fit, you won't be able to do any muscle training. I don't want to end up crying and giving up on my equipment, thinking, ``If this was going to happen, I shouldn't have tried to build a home gym.''
If you want to create a home gym, make sure you have a space of about 6 tatami mats. If you want to move around while arranging a power rack or bench and other small items, you will need a certain amount of space.
Before purchasing training equipment, consider the layout, taking into account the space you can move around in. If you are unable to secure enough space due to your floor plan, you may want to start training using small equipment that is available in your current room.
If you first consider what you can and cannot do in your room, you will naturally narrow down the equipment you should buy.
Reason #4: It costs money
Setting up a home gym will cost some money. You won't regret it if you get more results than you spent on training, but if you stop training, you'll regret it because all the money you spent was wasted.
When I no longer train, my house is lined with training equipment that I once bought with my own money. Every time I look at it, it's hard to imagine what I could have bought with that money or the places I could have gone.
In order to avoid regrets in terms of cost, it is a good idea to get the bare minimum of equipment first. Training is possible with only floor reinforcement and dumbbells. By identifying the minimum necessary equipment for the area you want to train now, you can keep expenses to a minimum.
When you start to enjoy training and the current equipment is not enough, it's time to buy the next equipment. Remember, the purpose of a home gym is training, not equipment.
Reason #5: Managing training equipment is difficult
Training equipment requires regular maintenance. For example, a power rack is an industrial product like a car or bicycle, so once you buy it, you won't be able to use it forever. As you use the product, there will be times when it is necessary to inspect or repair it, such as when bolts become loose or cables become worn.
It would be best if you only regret it, saying, ``It's such a hassle,'' but in the worst case scenario, damage could result in serious injury. Appropriate management is essential to avoid regretting training in the hospital room.
Consider using a maintenance company to reduce management effort. In the home gym industry, there are companies that handle equipment maintenance. If you don't feel comfortable handling the equipment yourself, or if you're not confident in the work, hiring a contractor is one option.
With equipment that has been inspected and maintained by professionals, you can train to your heart's content with peace of mind.
Reason 6: Unused equipment cannot be disposed of.
If you no longer need the equipment, you may have trouble disposing of it and regret it. If you've been running a home gym for a while, you'll probably come across some equipment that you don't use. There are various reasons why people stop using the product, such as it being unsatisfactory or not suitable for their physique.
Because training equipment places stress on the body, it tends to be large and heavy, so it cannot be disposed of as easily as combustible garbage.
You don't want to be unable to install new equipment because unused equipment gets in the way.
If you want a new appliance, sell it while you can, so you don't have to worry about disposing of it. Home gym supplies are actively traded on used goods trading markets such as flea market apps and thrift shops.
You may have the impression that shipping is difficult, but many apps offer one-stop services from packaging to shipping. It's easy because you can list it, and if it sells, you can leave it to the delivery company.
Additionally, there are many thrift shops that accept on-site purchases.
Reason #7: I've lost motivation
If you lose motivation, you'll regret the home gym itself. Even if you look at all the training equipment in your room and regret it, ``I wonder why I bought this,'' it's already too late.
To stay motivated, it's a good idea to combine your home gym with going to the gym. Once you've set up a home gym, there's no rule that says you have to train at home. Before going to the home gym, the purpose of training is to build the ideal body and continue exercising.
If you've been training at home and have lost motivation, you may be able to regain your motivation by using it in conjunction with the gym. When you go to the gym, there are many trainers around you, and you can use equipment that you don't normally have access to, which is very stimulating. Changing your environment is also effective in maintaining your exercise habits.
4 characteristics of people who don't need a home gym or who shouldn't create one
What are the characteristics of people who tend to regret building a home gym? Below, we will introduce the tendencies of people who are not suitable for home gyms.
Characteristic #1: I get bored easily
If you tend to get bored easily with anything, it may be best not to set up a home gym. Home gym equipment costs some money and time. If you start something on a whim and quickly get bored with it, you are likely to regret it in the near future.
If you're someone who gets bored easily but would like to set up a home gym, start by creating an exercise habit. As an easy way to get serious muscle training, we recommend laying out just a gym mat in your room and doing bodyweight training without using any equipment at first.
Feature #2: I want to do training that I can’t do at home.
If most of the workouts you want to do can't be done at home, it may be best not to create a home gym. When creating a home gym, be sure to check whether the training you want to do can be done at home.
Even if you have a space of about 6 tatami mats, if you want to use multiple aerobic exercise machines, you should consider separating the menus for the gym and home.
Feature #3: There is a good gym nearby
If you have a convenient gym near your home, reconsider whether you really need a home gym. No matter how hard you try, a home gym can never surpass a store in terms of equipment.
Let's consider the advantages of home gyms and store-based gyms. A home gym allows you to stay out of the public eye and save you the hassle of commuting. The gym is fully equipped and you can get inspired by your surroundings. It would be a good idea to think about which one can train more efficiently based on your own personality.
Feature #4: Unable to secure a training room
If you don't have space in your room or can't secure a training room, consider giving up on a home gym. It may be frowned upon if you train every day in the living room with your family, and if you force the equipment into the room, you run the risk of damaging the furniture.
Make sure you have at least 6 tatami mats of space in your training room.
3 characteristics of people who should create a home gym
In contrast to those who are better off not building a home gym, we will introduce the characteristics of people who build a home gym and are unlikely to regret it. If you fit into the three characteristics I'm going to introduce below, start building your home gym right away.
Characteristic #1: Difficult to go to the gym
If you don't have an easy-to-go gym near your home, you may want to consider a home gym. For example, your local gym may be crowded, you may be concerned about other people's eyes, or the price may be high.
Going to the gym is just a means of exercise. If you can't go to the gym, it's often easier to build an exercise habit by remodeling your home than continuing to look for a gym.
Feature 2: The room is spacious
If you have ample room or floor plan, you can make effective use of dead space by creating a home gym. If you organize a 6-tatami room that is used as a storage room and set up a home gym, you can clean it up and create a training room, so you can kill two birds with one stone.
It's difficult to work out if your training room isn't tidy, so it's a great way to utilize an unused, spacious room.
Characteristic #3: High motivation to exercise
If you already have an exercise habit, you won't regret building a home gym. If you are already highly motivated to move your body, we can assume that you are looking for an environment where you can exercise more efficiently.
If the training you're looking for can be done comfortably in your home space, a home gym is the ideal environment because it's not affected by the weather or your schedule.
3 things you need to have in your home gym so you don't regret it
Reasons for regrets about using a home gym can be divided into financial burden, interpersonal problems, and physical damage. Here's what you need to do to avoid each.
Exercise habits that don't waste equipment
In order to avoid financial regrets, it is essential to have an exercise habit that allows you to utilize training equipment. Even if you have a lot of equipment in your home, if you don't use it anymore, it will just become an ornament and you will regret it.
Before you start stocking up on home gym equipment all at once, it's time to get into a good exercise routine. It's a good idea to develop exercise habits that will form the basis for working out at your home gym before you set up your home gym, such as being able to continue bodyweight training or having a running habit.
Permission from family or landlord
Even if you live in your own room, if you live with your family or in a rented property, you will need permission from the relevant person. Even if you take measures, some noise and vibration will still occur. To avoid any trouble, get permission from your family or landlord in advance.
If you build a home gym and your family disapproves of it, or if you damage the floor and get in trouble with your landlord, you will have a lot of regrets.
Reinforced mats and control panels to prevent floor damage
When building a home gym, one thing you should definitely do is reinforce the floor. Even in rooms that cannot be renovated, there is a 3-layer reinforced structure that prevents floor problems.
The combination of joint mats, plywood control panels, and gym mats distributes pressure on the floor, protecting the floor and creating the basis for a comfortable training environment.
For more information on floor reinforcement, please refer to the article below.
How to choose home gym equipment without regrets
Once you're confident that you won't regret building a home gym, it's time to choose the equipment. Follow the steps and create a home gym you won't regret.
How to choose #1: Does it have good floor protection and soundproofing effects?
The first piece of equipment you should choose is a gym mat that protects the floor and is in direct contact with your body. Building a home gym won't cause the floor to fall out, but it may damage the floorboards and make noise. Install mats or protective layers between the floor and equipment to provide soundproofing and protection.
We also have an article that explains in detail how to choose a mat, so please take a look.
≫A thorough explanation of how to choose the floor and mat for your home gym
How to choose 2: Is the size suitable for the installation space?
Choose equipment that is a reasonable size for the space you have. It's easy to have fun building a home gym and add more equipment, but don't overcrowd your room with equipment.
The purpose of a home gym is to increase training efficiency. Always imagine yourself moving around the room when laying out the layout.
How to choose #3: Does it fit your budget and the training you want to do?
Expand the equipment while considering the menu and budget you want to do at your home gym. If most of your training requires extensive equipment, you may end up needing to go to the gym even if you set up a home gym.
It is important to plan your menu keeping in mind what you can do at your home gym, such as, ``On what days of the week will I do this and that at home, and on what days will I do this and this at the gym?''
How to choose #4: Can you manage it safely yourself?
A home gym is not a piece of equipment you just build, so you need to keep it safe. If the bolts become loose, they must be tightened and consumables replaced.
The following article introduces representative equipment that GYMMAT can responsibly recommend, so please refer to it and consider whether you can maintain it.
≫Recommended training equipment for home gyms
However, if you have a little extra budget, there is a way to avoid the hassle of managing it yourself by hiring a professional.
To avoid regrets when using your home gym, start by creating an environment that won't damage your home!
In order to avoid regrets at your home gym, it is essential to develop exercise habits that you will not regret and to prepare in advance. Creating the environment includes securing a room, obtaining consent from all involved parties, and deciding on a budget.
Once you have decided to build a home gym, the first thing you should start doing is reinforcing the floor. Whether you rent or own your home, you want to avoid damaging your floors with heavy equipment.
Before you bring in your equipment, consider protecting and reinforcing your floors with GYMMAT products, which will protect your floors and increase your training efficiency.
