Building out a home gym is a great way to help stay with your fitness goals and save money in the long run. Many times though we often get too excited and don’t consider everything that we need to in order to build out the best home gym for the space we have. That’s why today we’re reviewing the 10 most common mistakes people make when building their home gym.
Not Defining Goals
Whether you’re a novice or an advanced lifter, defining your fitness goals is what will make you successful. Let’s say your goal is to increase your deadlift, you won’t just throw another 100 lbs onto your max deadlift. You set up or buy a plan that helps you in increasing strength in the deadlift. Then you work that plan. The same goes for your home gym equipment, know what type of training style you like and buy equipment that will help you reach that goal.
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Research equipment before you purchase
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Know how much space it will take up.
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If it takes up too much space, see if there’s an alternative.
For example, dumbbells. A full rack of dumbbells can take up entire walls' worth of space, but you know dumbbells are staples to anyones fitness regime. So you find a great pair of Adjustable Dumbbells on PowerBlock.com that grow with you as you get stronger. Start small and grow.
Underestimating Space Needs
Failing to measure your home gym area can lead to overcrowding, making the space unusable. Buying equipment without considering dimensions can quickly turn your gym into a cramped and inefficient setup.
Measure First, Buy Smart
Before purchasing, take the time to measure your dedicated gym space. This ensures you select equipment that fits properly without overwhelming the area.
Maximize Your Training Potential
Just like with the dumbbell example, you want to avoid a single piece or grouping of equipment taking up more room than necessary. By planning wisely, you can fit more equipment into your space, giving you greater variety in your workouts.
Underestimating Quality Over Cost
Anyone who’s built a home gym or even owns a commercial gym will tell you not to skimp on the cost of quality equipment. Cheap equipment will break easily and won’t perform as well as you hoped, ultimately costing you more in the long run.
Consider Your Goals and Space
Being thoughtful about your fitness goals and available space will help you determine what other equipment you’ll need. This doesn’t mean you have to buy the most expensive, top-of-the-line equipment right away—find a good middle ground between price and quality.
Prioritize Your Budget
There will be times when you might spend more on one piece of equipment compared to another, and that’s to be expected. The goal is to save where you can without sacrificing quality.
Smart Savings with Adjustable Dumbbells
For example, a 5–50 lb set of traditional dumbbells with a rack will cost at least $1,200, with pricing varying based on brand and whether a rack is included. However, you can get a single set of PowerBlock Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells and a matching rack for almost half the cost—without sacrificing quality. These savings can help you invest in another piece of equipment while still optimizing space in your gym.
Neglecting Flooring
Whether you own a home or rent, you’ve put time and money into maintaining your living space. Homeowners have the cost of upkeep, while renters have security deposits they hope to get back.
Importance of Floor Protection
Investing in proper floor protection now helps safeguard both your home’s flooring and your free-weight equipment.
Best Options for Flooring
The two best choices for protecting your space are shock-absorbing mats and rubber flooring. These materials help absorb impact, reducing wear and tear on both your floors and equipment.
Long-Term Benefits
This investment increases the lifespan of your equipment, as weights may occasionally be dropped. It also prevents damage to your flooring and even helps protect the structural integrity of your home.
Skipping Versatility
Many people default to single-use equipment like treadmills, stair-steppers, or ellipticals when building a home gym. While these machines are valuable for cardiovascular health, they shouldn’t be the only focus.
The Power of Versatile Equipment
To maximize your home gym’s potential, incorporate multi-use equipment such as adjustable kettlebells, resistance bands, and dumbbells. These tools allow for a wider variety of exercises, making your workouts more effective.
Achieve Your Goals Faster
By using versatile equipment, you can engage in strength training, conditioning, and mobility work—all within the same space. This variety keeps workouts engaging and helps you reach your fitness goals more efficiently.
Forgetting About Storage
Imagine it’s cleaning day, and your home is messier than usual. You walk into the first room and immediately lose all motivation to clean. The same thing can happen with your training space—if it’s cluttered, your motivation to work out can disappear.
The Importance of Gym Storage
When designing your home gym, storage solutions should be a priority. Just like some treadmills fold to save space, your other equipment should have designated storage to keep things organized.
Smart Storage Solutions
Use dumbbell racks for free weights, a weight tree for plates, and a barbell holder to store different barbells. Keeping your gym neat and tidy will make it a space you want to enter, helping you stay motivated and consistent with your workouts.
Ignoring Ventilation
Neglecting ventilation in your home gym can create a stuffy, uncomfortable environment that discourages workouts and negatively affects performance.
The Risks of Poor Airflow
Without proper airflow, heat, moisture, and odors build up, making your gym uninviting. Over time, this can even lead to mold and mildew issues, affecting both your health and the condition of your space.
How to Improve Ventilation
To maintain fresh air circulation, consider adding fans, air purifiers, or simply opening windows. These solutions help regulate temperature, remove odors, and improve overall air quality.
A Healthier, More Motivating Space
Good ventilation reduces allergens, making breathing easier during intense workouts. A well-ventilated gym keeps you comfortable, focused, and motivated, ensuring your training environment supports your fitness goals.
Not Testing Equipment Before Buying
Online shopping has become the go-to method for purchasing fitness equipment due to its ease and accessibility. With just a few clicks, you can add items to your cart and have them delivered to your door.
The Value of In-Person Testing
While online shopping is convenient, visiting a local sporting goods store can help you make a more informed decision. Seeing and handling similar equipment in person allows you to consider:
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Appearance – Do you like how it looks?
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Size – Is it bigger or smaller than expected?
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Feel – Does it have the right grip and texture for your needs?
Understanding Return Policies
Before making an online purchase, check the return policy of the store. A poor return policy could leave you stuck with equipment you don’t like, costing you more in the long run. Call customer service to clarify their policies, so you have more control over your buying process and avoid unexpected costs.
Overlooking Small Home Fitness Essentials
You’ve built out your home gym with all the weights and equipment you need, and you’re happy with your setup. But have you considered the small essentials that can enhance your workouts?
Adding Variety to Your Training
Incorporating simple tools can diversify your workouts and improve recovery. Consider adding:
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An ab roller for more dynamic core training.
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A yoga mat for stretching, mobility work, or floor exercises.
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Foam rollers to release muscle tension and aid recovery.
The Value of Small Essentials
These often-overlooked items can make a big difference in your training experience and recovery. Investing in them ensures you get the most out of your workouts while keeping your body in top condition.
Skipping Professional Advice
DIY projects can be fun and rewarding, but they often require guidance to avoid unnecessary hassle. That’s why many people follow DIY YouTubers—they provide clear instructions, helping you save time, money, and frustration.
Applying This to Your Home Gym
Building a home gym is no different. Instead of guessing what you need, consult a personal trainer or research forums and blog posts from professionals who have experience setting up home gyms.
Save Time, Money, and Effort
Learning from experts will help you avoid costly mistakes, streamline the setup process, and get you training at home faster and more efficiently.
Building a home gym is an exciting investment in your health and fitness, but avoiding common mistakes is key to creating a space that truly works for you. By planning thoughtfully, prioritizing quality and versatility, and considering details like storage and ventilation, you can design a gym that fits your goals and lifestyle. Take the time to set it upright, and you’ll have a space that keeps you motivated and supports your fitness journey for years to come.
