You know strength training is important, but you may find it hard to make time to get to a gym or cover the cost of membership. You may be able to work around it by creating a gym at home.

A home gym will give you more time flexibility. It can also be done on a small budget. It is also a great way to encourage the entire family to get fit. Start with a clear idea of what you want to buy and how you will use it.

Getting Started

There are many things you will want to think about. You will need to decide on your budget, space, and the activities that will keep you most engaged.

Create Your Program

If you have not worked with weights before, a trainer can help you with a program. Some trainers will also come to your home and suggest ways to use the space. Find a trainer through referrals from friends, gyms, or websites. Always check credentials and do interviews to make sure the person you choose will be a good fit.

A cheaper choice is to work from a book, DVD, or website.

Keep in mind that you may need to talk to your doctor first before starting a program. This is true if you are older, have a family history of heart disease, or have other risk factors, like diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.

Making Progress: Expert Training Tips

• Choose a schedule you can commit to. For beginners, strength training 2 to 3 days a week works well. A morning routine may be better. This is because we are often more tired later in the day and may be tempted to skip a workout.
• Never push yourself to full fatigue. Lifting too much weight is dangerous, especially when you are at home by yourself.
• Watch your form carefully in a mirror. You may think that you are doing something correctly, but you need to see if your motions are correct.
• Lift and lower weights with slow, controlled movements. If you rely on momentum, you will not focus on the muscle group or get the results you want.
• Increase weight and repetitions gradually. Work up to 3 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions before adding more weight.
• Make sure equipment is properly stored and monitored. This is especially true if you have children in the house. Parents should also make sure they have time to exercise while the children are occupied and supervised.

Always think about safety. Use weights and all your equipment the right way. It is the best way to get the most out of your purchases.