Meta description: We take you through the things you need to consider when looking for best home gym for a killer workout session.
A home gym or multi-gym is a piece of equipment that allows you to execute many workouts at one station. They combine bench press, leg extension, and pulley stations. These are also called multi-gyms. They are made to save space, and so you can enjoy working out from home.
There are plenty of reasons to use a home gym and plenty of products on the market. Buying the best home gym might seem like a daunting task, but there are several factors and features you can consider to make the task easier.
Continue reading to find out more.
Reasons to use a home gym
You can stick to your fitness routine
Sometimes the hardest part about using the gym is finding the motivation to go in the first place. You need to pack your things and possibly contend with heavy traffic on the way. A home gym bypasses all these problems, leaving you to palace all of your energy into your workout.
You can save time
Not only will you save time traveling to and from the gym, but you will also save time waiting in lines to use the equipment.
You can work out when it works for you
With a home gym, you can work out whenever you want, not just when you know the traffic and your chosen gym will be quiet. Of course, you can also watch your favorite show whilst you lift weights.
You have control over your environment
You don’t need to worry about a dress code in your own home, so feel free to strip off if you are too hot! Similarly, you can adjust the thermostat, open windows, or put a fan directly upon your home gym station to stay cool.
You get privacy
It isn’t a nice feeling to be watched when you work out. Working out from home alone solves this problem.
You can design your ideal home gym setup perfect for you
Whatever goals you have in mind will be achieved quicker by having the right equipment you need in one place.
Things to consider when buying a home gym
Frame
The base of a multi-gym is usually an adjustable bench with multiple purposes. It also usually has a backrest. Multi-gyms also possess lower and upper pulleys. The wire ropes on the multi-gym should be made of durable materials for safety reasons. Look for multi-gyms that use nylon-covered steel rope.
Multi-gym categorization:
Multi-gyms come in two categories, either with weight plates or weight discs. Weight plates all measure the same diameter but have varying weights. Weight discs have varying diameters to match the varying weights.
Some people prefer weight discs because the visual progression weight assists you with the progress you are making. For instance, swapping a disc for a visually larger disc might help you visualize becoming closer to completing your goals.
Alternatively, you may prefer the physicality of having plates that get thicker but are the same diameter; the choice is yours.
Multi-gym types
You can choose a multi-gym based on what kind of workout you want to achieve. For example, if you want to train your chest and trapezius muscles, you may opt for a bench press multi-gym. This can be attached to the frame of the multigym. However, we recommend getting a setup that allows you to train all muscle groups - pulley and bench press combined. This will allow you to train trapezius muscles, triceps, and biceps.
Leg extension stations include leg presses, squat extensions, additional leg curl extensions, and others.
We recommend buying a combined multi-gym. This includes a bench press and pulley with an additional leg press. It will help you exercise every part of the body, so one device is enough to provide regular workouts.
With this machine, you can exercise your chest muscles, biceps, and legs. Strengthen your back muscles and arms with the upper pulley, and simulate a rowing movement with the lower pulley. Side pulleys are used to bulk biceps, and leg extensions will strengthen your legs.
If you have a considerable budget to splash out on your gym, you can find machines that allow you to perform lateral raises too.
Maximum weight limit
For many home multi-gym products on the market, the weight limit is up to 130 kg. However, you may be able to find some that support weights of up to 150 kg. You must follow the manufacturer’s guidance regarding how much weight you apply to your home multi-gym.
If you work out intensely at home, investing in a sturdy frame to support the weights you want is important.
Space available
When making room for a multi-gym, you should clear space of about 2.5m in height and 3 m in length. When shopping, consider the features you need. For instance, if you know you only want to train your upper body at home, you can save space on a leg press.
There are space-saving home gyms available if you are very short on space.
Storage
You might want to consider how easily your home gym stores away, although most people are happy to leave their home gym set up all the time.
Assembly
Only buy a home gym if the manufacturer will set it up for you. This ensures that the product will remain sturdy and safe to use.
Warranty
Make sure that your multi-gym comes with at least a 5-year warranty. Multi-gyms are expensive, and a manufacturer should be confident in their product to offer this to you.
Home gym price range
For a decent multi-gym, you should budget between $415 and $1000. Of course, you can spend much more than this, but you should be able to create a multi-gym that exercises all parts of your body for this price.
FAQs
Can you build up muscle with a multi-gym?
Yes, you can build up muscle with a multi-gym. However, a multi-gym can only hold a certain amount of weight. When you become too strong for this, you might want to invest in free weights.
What are some exercises for the shoulders, legs, and abs?
- Dumbbell lunge
- Dumbbell squats
- Standing shoulder press
- Dumbbell upright rows
- Romanian dumbbell deadlift
- Seated calf raises
- Lateral raises
- Crunches with legs elevated
What are some exercises for the chest and back?
- Dumbbell bench press
- Dumbbell bent-over rows
- Dumbbell fly
- One-arm dumbbell rows
- Pushups
- Dumbbell pullovers