Setting up a gym at home – tips from a pro
The number of excuses for not going to the gym to work out is almost endless: sometimes it’s too hot, sometimes it’s too cold. Then the schedule is too full again or the couch is too cozy. The easiest way to conquer the weaker self is to have the space at home to set up a gym. From low cost to exclusive – everything is possible. We asked Benjamin Rauscher, who has been working as a personal trainer in the Vienna area for many years(www.benjamin-rauscher.com), what you should bear in mind and which equipment is recommended.
Mr. Rauscher, from what size room does a home gym make sense?
In my opinion and experience, even a small room with 8-9 square meters is absolutely sufficient as a training room – as long as it is set up correctly.
Correctly set up means? What are the must-haves?
In any case, a good training mat that is durable, comfortable and does not stretch too much during training. Plus a kettlebell, a bench for bench pressing, a barbell and weights of between ten and 20 kilos, depending on your fitness level. If you have space, you could buy a TRX trainer, my personal ultimate training device, because it can be used for a variety of exercises. However, it must be attached with a ceiling hook or by means of a door anchor supplied. The Power Rack or, as I call it, the “Tower of Power” is a great piece of equipment that I personally recommend. A power rack is a type of metal cage on which a wide variety of exercises can be performed, including pull-ups, dips, bench pulls, rowing, bench presses with barbells and dumbbells, squats, etc. A power rack is now available from around €250-300. If there is still space for cardio equipment in your own gym, then I would recommend the following – in that order: Treadmill, rowing ergometer, cross trainer, bike, stepper.
Do I need a TV connection?
Makes sense, but is not absolutely necessary. An Ipad or even a cell phone is sufficient, especially for endurance units. However, if you are planning online lessons with your personal trainer, a Smart TV is really recommended.
There are plenty of mirrors in the gym – do you need them?
Absolutely! Mirrors are highly recommended, if only because they make it easier to monitor the exercises. It is best to attach one at the front and one at the side.
What must the floor be like?
Depending on the training, a gym floor is recommended, which is usually made of hard rubber. It is also recommended because it dampens the noise. The floors are usually black and make the rooms quite dark, although there are now also floors for fitness studios with a parquet design.
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