Get Powered Up in Your Home Gym
A home gym is a great investment in your health and happiness. You can get a run, a walk or a full workout whenever you have some spare time, without worrying about the bad weather, driving to the gym or getting to an exercise class on time. With your own dedicated workout space, there are no more excuses.
So what are you waiting for? Whether you’re setting up your gym in a separate room, the garage, an outdoor shed or just a corner of a larger room, you can set up the equipment you need and get powered up to start a regular fitness routine.
Exercise Equipment
Free weights. The basis for most home gyms, a set of free weights can range from a simple set of dumbbells to a full rack of free weights. This is a good, inexpensive start to your fitness collection that won’t take up too much room. A weight bench will allow you to expand your lifting routine.
Treadmill. A treadmill has become a classic of every home gym, with good reason. Walking, jogging and running are the most popular ways to work out, and walking is often prescribed for people rehabilitating from an injury, or people new to working out. A treadmill lets everyone in the family enjoy exercising.
Balls, mats, and pads. Exercise balls, also known as Swiss balls, are a good addition to your gym. If you have the room for them, you might also try medicine balls or kettlebells to change up your routine. If you like doing yoga or floor exercises, invest in thick, good-quality mats.
Specialized equipment. Specialty gym equipment like the Bowflex or Total Gym will give you variety and a focused, intense workout. Some of these will take additional electricity, so be sure your wiring is equipped to handle them.
Electricity needs: Treadmills and elliptical machines use high amounts of energy. For best results, you should install a separate, 120-volt circuit for each machine. You’ll need at least 20 amps to power each one.
Never connect exercise equipment to an extension cord. You should also avoid using GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) with them, as treadmills and elliptical machines have a tendency to cause GFCIs to trip.
Add These Features to Make Exercising Fun
Lighting. Your gym lighting should be unobtrusive, without leaving a lot of wires that you could trip over. Recessed lights are a good choice, but if you can’t install them in your gym, ask your electrician about drop-cord lights that will keep wiring off the ground. Using LED bulbs will ensure long-lasting, low-energy illumination for your gym.
Stereo system. A good sound system is a must. Pop in a heart-pumping playlist that will get you moving, or listen to books on tape and let them transport you to another world while you work out. Smart automation will make it easy to control your sound system without interrupting your routine.
Television and DVR. A television and a DVR will make your exercise time a lot more entertaining. Catch up on your favorite movies and TV shows or pop in an inspiring new exercise DVD. The time will fly by as you walk, run or lift.
Electricity needs: For sound and lighting, a dedicated 20-amp circuit should be sufficient to power your needs. Consider adding a subpanel if your gym is in a separate space like your basement or garage. You’ll probably need new outlets installed as well.
Get Fit and Get SESCOS
Once you’ve decided where you’ll put your gym and what you need to put in it, call SESCOS and show us your plans. We’ll discuss your electrical needs, inspect the proposed space and offer expert guidance. It’s never too late to keep a New Year’s resolution, and if your list includes getting fit, get ready to do it with SESCOS help.