My Best Tips for a Great Home Gym Flow
As a personal trainer with over 30 years of experience and a mom of four, working out at home became a necessity for me. I didn’t always have the time to head to the gym, so creating my own home workout space was the only way to stay on track. Over time, I’ve grown to love the idea of working out at home, and I’ve learned a few key tips to keep things flowing smoothly. Here are some things that have worked best for me.
Create a Dedicated Space
Having four kids running around can make it challenging to find time for myself, let alone time to work out. So, I carved out a specific corner in my home to begin when my older two children were very young. This area was just for my workouts. Having a dedicated space makes a huge difference because it helps me mentally switch into "workout mode" without distractions and also allows my kids to join in and see the routine and fun of fitness and health for life. I keep my equipment organized and ready to go, whether it’s a small corner in your living room or a section of the garage, having a space that’s yours really helps you stay consistent.
Invest in Versatile Equipment
Even though after 30 years of fitness training my gym is equipped with many machines and fun do-dads, I learned early on that you don’t need fancy or bulky machines to get a great workout. My go-to pieces are dumbbells and resistance bands. These are perfect for a variety of exercises, and they don’t take up much space. With a few versatile pieces, I was able to do strength training, cardio, and even flexibility workouts without needing to invest in huge machines that at the time I did not have room for.
Use Mirrors for Form Checks
One of the best things I added to my home gym setup was a mirror. When I’m working out at home, there’s no trainer to correct my form so the mirror does that job! It helps me keep an eye on my posture and alignment. Checking my form keeps me safe and ensures I’m getting the most out of every exercise.
Add Music or a Workout Timer App
Music is my secret weapon when I need to stay motivated! I’ve got my favorite playlist on standby to keep me energized during tough workouts. I also love using a workout timer app, especially for my Band HIIT workouts, and to stay on track with intervals. When I was crunched for time between the kids and everything else, this kept me focused and made sure I maximized every minute.
Set Up a Recovery Area
Recovery has become more important to me as I’ve gotten older, so I’ve made sure to have a spot dedicated to stretching and foam rolling. After a workout, I’ll hit the mat for some stretching and recovery exercises. It’s become part of my routine and helps me feel refreshed, not to mention it’s essential for keeping my body in top shape for the next workout.
Working out at home has been a game changer for me. As a busy mom and trainer, having a home gym allowed me to stay consistent with my fitness while still being available for my family.
Now that I am an empty nester and through the years I was able to create a complete home gym that about everything I would use at a gym, including an infrared sauna and vibration table. I absolutely love my gym. It is my go to haven every single morning. I hope these tips help you create a space that makes you excited to work out at home!
Keywords: home gym flow, workout space, versatile equipment, form checks, workout timer, recovery area, home workout tips, busy mom fitness.
