Beware of These 13 Home Gym Mistakes

You did the math – a home gym can really be cheaper than joining a public gym – and now you’re ready to make it happen.

But before you start putting your power rack together, beware of these 13 common home gym mistakes:

Home Gym Setup Tips

Yes, you're excited to get set up. But it's best to think through your options and follow a plan. Follow these tips and tricks to give you inspiration, save you time, and help you plan out your dream home gym.

13 Common Home Gym Mistakes

1. Thinking short-term, not long-term: The upfront costs of building a home gym don’t have to be terrifying. But don’t just pick the cheapest squat rack out there and expect that to fulfill your needs. Buy right the first time (look for equipment that you can build on over time, like a versatile power rack), and you can save money and time over the years.



2. Getting cheap equipment: Don't buy gear that will fall apart – or that you don’t really want. Make sure you buy from a reputable company. Lifting weights can be dangerous; you don’t want your squat rack crumbling before you. Set up a budget to see what you can spend. If a piece you want is slightly out of reach, take the time to save up rather than opting for an alternative that won't last as long.
   [Read More: Best Home Gym Equipment for Beginners]
3. Not planning for the space: Before you spend a penny, know what space you’re working with. Measure it out and make sure your purchases will fit – and leave enough space for floor work and to grow into.
4. Not prioritizing: Get what you need first. Start with the basics. Sure, the cable attachment handle may be on sale, but until you have a cable machine, it’s useless. Here’s a look at how to start a basic home gym.



5. Not thinking about versatility: Especially if space and finances are limited, be extra discerning with what you choose to buy. While specialty equipment is important, most people will get more use out of a mixed-use barbell over a specialty bar. If you do want specialty equipment, look for multi-purpose options, like the Oxylus yoke™. An open trap bar is also generally more versatile than a standard trap bar.



6. Not picking a designated space and respecting it: Don’t make your home gym an afterthought. Protect the space and keep it sacred. Don’t hang clothes on your power rack to dry. Give your home gym decoration some thought, and make it a space that's inviting and fits your aesthetic.
7. Not designing it intentionally: Have a vision before you start. Every time you buy something, know where it will be stored, how you will use it, and how it will work with the equipment you already have.
8. Skipping gym flooring: Gym flooring protects your floors and equipment. It finishes off your space and is super useful. You don’t want to be doing heavy squats on squishy carpet or sit-ups on your unfinished cement basement floor.
9. Getting too crazy: Stick to the tried and true. The basics don’t make wild promises to “give you abs in six minutes a day,” but there’s a reason they’re timeless. They work.
10. Skimping on organization: It doesn’t matter how nice of equipment you buy if your home gym is a disaster. Read about the best storage system for your home gym here.



11. Not following your budget: Just like with any big purchase, set a budget – and stick to it. Learn the value of delayed gratification; that’s a key lesson with fitness and strength training, anyway.
12. Forgetting the climate: If your home gym is too hot or cold, you’re not going to want to use it. Budget for a fan and space heater. If you’re lifting in a damp area, like an unfinished basement, you may want to get a dehumidifier to reduce mold.
13. Choosing style over functionality: Of course, you want your home gym to look sick. But all style choices should contribute to the overall goal, not detract from it.

Takeaway

Whether you're new to lifting or a seasoned vet looking to upgrade your space, make sure you're following our steps to help you set up your dream space. And if you need more assistance, we're here to guide you with everything you need to know when building a home gym.