| Issue #47, March 2, 2007 |
The Skinny on The Mini
by Christian McLean
Square footage is a huge deal out here, and while some people have entire floors dedicated to home fitness, others can only designate a few feet. And with the cold weather, outdoor exercise is limited to a minimum. We are therefore forced indoors to sweat and work off that winter weight. But, where?
Whether you’ve got a 10,000-square-foot mansion or a 1,500-square-foot bungalow, there is no excuse for not having the space for a modest gym. Some basic items that are required and some that, depending on your space, you can add or subtract. But before you start stocking up on equipment, you have to figure out your budget. Being physically healthy shouldn’t put you in the poorhouse, so establishing initial spending boundaries is a good idea. You can always add to the gym as your needs and economic situation change.
The first and foremost equipment you need to buy are free weights. After all, you can’t pump iron without iron. There are a few options. I suggest dumbbells rather than barbells, because they are more compact and can easily be stored under couches or stacked in a corner. Depending on the range of dumbbell weights you are using, you may want to invest in a rack. Another option, based on the height of your couch or bed, is to create a drawer system. You can either purchase a plastic bin with wheels, or attach skateboard wheels to a piece of plywood, then place the weights on that and slide them under the bed when they are not being used.
A yoga ball can take the place of a weight bench. It can be inflated and deflated rather easily using an inexpensive electric pump, which makes storing the ball a breeze. If at all possible, I would suggest keeping it inflated. The less work that goes into preparing for a workout, the more willing you will be to workout. With a yoga ball and dumbbells, you can strength-train almost any part of your body. And to make sure you are doing these exercises correctly, you should also invest in a large mirror so you can keep an eye on your form.
For those not used to lifting weights, a universal or multi-gym may be a better option. These pieces of equipment generally take up more room in a house than a yoga ball and some free weights, but the benefit is that novices are less likely to injure themselves on a machine. It is almost impossible to drop weights on your chest when you are using one because the weight systems are based on a series of pulleys that place the actual weights or tension bands outside the reach of the user.
If storage space is not an option, you may want to look onto resistance bands. These rubber tubes come in various tension strengths, which can be used to do exercises that mimic those performed on universal machines or with free weights. The space required to store and use them is truly minimal and, when not in use, they can be stored in a bag almost anywhere.
Cardiovascular equipment takes up the brunt of space in a home gym. Finding room for an elliptical machine, exercise bike or treadmill can be difficult. Fold-up treadmills are a good option when space is at a premium. If you have the ceiling height, and don’t mind scuffing up the floor a little, a jump rope is a great way to get your blood flowing and your heart pumping. But if you don’t have the space to use a jump rope, you can use an “invisible” jump rope. This consists of two handles with small, weighted attachments set on swivels. The idea is to go through the motion of jumping rope without actually having to swing a rope. Not only does this save space, it also prevents the floor from getting scuffed.
These are the basics you will need in order to get yourself sorted out in your mini home gym. The excuse that you do not have enough space to get a workout isn’t going to cut it anymore. Evaluate your budget, your space, and your needs and then build your gym. It’s the winter, what else are you going to do?
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