The Basics: Home Gyms

According to figures from the CDC, more than 20 percent of American adults participate in strength training at least two times every week. Strength training increases muscle strength and mass, and the benefits are numerous. For example, adults who engage in strength training are less likely to experience loss of muscle mass and functional decline as they age; they are also far less likely to suffer fall-related injuries than adults who do not participate in strength training. Studies on strength-training interventions have indicated that inactive older adults who begin regular strength training achieve substantial strength gains within a few months. No matter your age, it is never too late to begin a strength-training regime under the proper supervision.

There are many reasons for setting up a gym at home rather than joining a health club. You can work out in private, you'll never have to wait in line to use a piece of equipment, and of course, a home gym is open 24 hours a day. Once it's paid for, there are no monthly dues, and perhaps best of all, there is no travel time. You can squeeze in a workout whenever it suits you.

There are many different types of home gyms available, but most home gyms fall into one of two categories: Machine home gyms that use rods, cables or built-in weight stacks for resistance, and free weight home gyms that use separate weight plates to provide resistance and a free range of motion. Selecting the right one for your specific needs can be a difficult task.

How to Shop

The first thing to consider when shopping for a home gym is quality of construction. You want a sturdy, well-constructed home gym, ideally one made from 11- or 12-gauge steel. Higher-quality units tend to have welded joints rather than joints that you bolt together yourself. The tubing is usually larger and heavier-duty on the higher-quality home gyms as well. You should steer clear of any home gym that looks or feels cheaply constructed. A well-constructed home gym should provide years of secure and safe workouts, no matter how much weight you intend to use. As with any home fitness product, the manufacturer's warranty on a home gym is often a good indication of the quality of the unit's construction. You should expect a lengthy or even lifetime warranty on a home gym frame, with at least 3 years on the bench upholstery and pads and a year or more on moving parts.

One of the most important aspects of any home gym is its ease of use. You want to be able to easily adjust your home gym as you move from one station to another. If it is awkward to adjust benches or switch from one exercise to another, you could add a substantial amount of time onto your workout routine. Over time, this will lead to frustration and perhaps a loss of motivation. Similarly, any home gym needs to be comfortable; handgrips, seats and pads should all be durable and comfortable to use. Well-padded seats, durable handgrips and foam-padded leg presses are not only comfortable to use, but are easy to clean and can also prevent blisters and other, more serious injuries.

There is only one way to ensure that any home gym is the right one for you -- take the time to try out the home gyms in your price range. Don't be embarrassed to bring your water bottle and towel to a store and give their gyms a real workout. This is an important investment, regardless of the price; if it's not right for you, you don't want to find out after you've set it up in your house or apartment.