The Ultimate Home Gym Set Up Guide for Australians
Who needs a gym membership when you can sweat it out in the comfort of your own home? Whether you’re dreaming of a strength corner, cardio zone, or yoga nook, here are all the tips on creating a home gym set-up that is functional, practical, and motivating – so you can crush your fitness goals without leaving the house.
The Ultimate Home Gym Set Up Guide for Australians
Who needs a gym membership when you can sweat it out in the comfort of your own home? Whether you’re dreaming of a strength corner, cardio zone, or yoga nook, here are all the tips on creating a home gym set-up that is functional, practical, and motivating – so you can crush your fitness goals without leaving the house.
Your home gym should be well-ventilated and safe – somewhere where you can move freely without disturbing others. The ceiling should be high enough to perform exercises like overhead presses or skipping safely, and there should be power points available, especially if you have cardio machines on your home gym wishlist. Choose a space with lots of natural light, as it can help boost motivation and energy levels, it’s a win win.
So, what’s a space in your home that ticks all these boxes?
Sheds and garages are popular choices, but if you don’t have either, a spare room or even a balcony can work well.
Your home gym should be well-ventilated and safe – somewhere where you can move freely without disturbing others. The ceiling should be high enough to perform exercises like overhead presses or skipping safely, and there should be power points available, especially if you have cardio machines on your home gym wishlist. Choose a space with lots of natural light, as it can help boost motivation and energy levels, it’s a win win.
So, what’s a space in your home that ticks all these boxes?
Sheds and garages are popular choices, but if you don’t have either, a spare room or even a balcony can work well.
Space Requirements and Layout
Creating the layout of your home gym set is about prioritising your fitness goals and making the most of your available square meters:
- Strength training: make sure you have enough room to load and move around free weights. Most people have dumbbells and kettlebells, but you may also invest in a squat rack, which requires more space. Aim for a couple of meters on each side of your equipment so you’re not cramped when lifting.
- Cardio: cardio machines tend to be bulkier, and it’s a good idea to measure the moving space around them, not just the footprint. For example, if you get a treadmill, make sure there’s extra room at the back in case you step off. If you can, set up your cardio gear near a window (or install a fan) – fresh air will make the high-intensity workouts more comfortable.
- Pilates or yoga: dedicate clear, open area for mat work, where you can stretch without bumping into furniture or the walls. You may also want to reserve a corner for storage if you use equipment like stability balls and resistance bands.
Space Requirements and Layout
Creating the layout of your home gym set is about prioritising your fitness goals and making the most of your available square meters:
- Strength training: make sure you have enough room to load and move around free weights. Most people have dumbbells and kettlebells, but you may also invest in a squat rack, which requires more space. Aim for a couple of meters on each side of your equipment so you’re not cramped when lifting.
- Cardio: cardio machines tend to be bulkier, and it’s a good idea to measure the moving space around them, not just the footprint. For example, if you get a treadmill, make sure there’s extra room at the back in case you step off. If you can, set up your cardio gear near a window (or install a fan) – fresh air will make the high-intensity workouts more comfortable.
- Pilates or yoga: dedicate clear, open area for mat work, where you can stretch without bumping into furniture or the walls. You may also want to reserve a corner for storage if you use equipment like stability balls and resistance bands.
Gym equipment can be heavy, so your flooring should be solid and durable. Shock absorption is important if you lift heavy, slip resistance is essential for safety, and noise reduction can dampen the thuds of dropped weights or the sound of a treadmill mid-run.
Rubber or foam are two great options that protect your floors while reducing impact on your joints during workouts. If you’re renting, portable interlocking mats can be easily installed without damaging the existing floors.
Gym equipment can be heavy, so your flooring should be solid and durable. Shock absorption is important if you lift heavy, slip resistance is essential for safety, and noise reduction can dampen the thuds of dropped weights or the sound of a treadmill mid-run.
Rubber or foam are two great options that protect your floors while reducing impact on your joints during workouts. If you’re renting, portable interlocking mats can be easily installed without damaging the existing floors.
Essential Equipment for Your Basic Home Gym Set Up
And don’t forget: your training shoes matter just as much as your equipment. Investing in supportive shoes designed for high-intensity workouts – the UA Halo Trainers are perfect for stability and support to push harder every time you step into your home gym.
Cardio equipment ideas: treadmill, stationary bike, rowing machine and jump rope
Essential Equipment for Your Basic Home Gym Set Up
And don’t forget: your training shoes matter just as much as your equipment. Investing in supportive shoes designed for high-intensity workouts – the UA Halo Trainers are perfect for stability and support to push harder every time you step into your home gym.
Cardio equipment ideas: treadmill, stationary bike, rowing machine and jump rope
A strength training-focused home gym can start with a few core, versatile pieces – say, dumbbells and a bench. As your fitness journey evolves, you can add to the collection with more advanced gear. If you’re short on space, adjustable dumbbells can be particularly handy, allowing you to progress your lifts without having to store dozens of dumbbell pairs.
Once again, your shoe selection matters here. You want a stable, grippy pair that will support your form and prevent any slipping accidents, like Project Rock 8 or UA Charged Edge.
Strength equipment ideas: dumbbells, barbell and weight plates, kettlebells, adjustable bench, resistance bands and pull-up bars.
A strength training-focused home gym can start with a few core, versatile pieces – say, dumbbells and a bench. As your fitness journey evolves, you can add to the collection with more advanced gear. If you’re short on space, adjustable dumbbells can be particularly handy, allowing you to progress your lifts without having to store dozens of dumbbell pairs.
Once again, your shoe selection matters here. You want a stable, grippy pair that will support your form and prevent any slipping accidents, like Project Rock 8 or UA Charged Edge.
Strength equipment ideas: dumbbells, barbell and weight plates, kettlebells, adjustable bench, resistance bands and pull-up bars.
Yoga and Pilates
For mind-body workouts, dedicate a small corner for floor-based exercises, and outfit it with a good-quality yoga mat and lightweight, easy-to-move props.
Just as important as your equipment is what you wear. Slip into comfortable, flexible leggings and a supportive sports bra for freedom of movement, so you can flow through poses and stretches without restriction.
Yoga and Pilates equipment ideas include: yoga mat, resistance bands, stability ball and pilates ring.
Yoga and Pilates
For mind-body workouts, dedicate a small corner for floor-based exercises, and outfit it with a good-quality yoga mat and lightweight, easy-to-move props.
Just as important as your equipment is what you wear. Slip into comfortable, flexible leggings and a supportive sports bra for freedom of movement, so you can flow through poses and stretches without restriction.
Yoga and Pilates equipment ideas include: yoga mat, resistance bands, stability ball and pilates ring.
Accessories and Conditioning
The right accessories can take your home gym from basic to versatile. Consider these add-ons to make your gym extra functional and allow for a wider variety of training styles.
And, of course, a gym is not complete without a recovery zone with tools to keep your muscles loose, speed up recovery, and get you ready for your next workout.
Accessories to consider: medicine ball or slam ball, foam roller, massage balls, TRX or suspension trainer and plyometric box.
Accessories and Conditioning
The right accessories can take your home gym from basic to versatile. Consider these add-ons to make your gym extra functional and allow for a wider variety of training styles.
And, of course, a gym is not complete without a recovery zone with tools to keep your muscles loose, speed up recovery, and get you ready for your next workout.
Accessories to consider: medicine ball or slam ball, foam roller, massage balls, TRX or suspension trainer and plyometric box.
Simple Home Gym Set Up on a Budget
One reason many people hesitate to create a home gym is the cost. And while gym equipment can be expensive, there are ways to build a functional setup without breaking the bank.
Simple Home Gym Set Up on a Budget
One reason many people hesitate to create a home gym is the cost. And while gym equipment can be expensive, there are ways to build a functional setup without breaking the bank.
Cost-Effective Equipment Alternatives
Did you know you can do glute kickbacks with a resistance band instead of a cable machine? Or that bodyweight exercises can replace machines for squats and lunges? If a piece of equipment is outside your budget, there’s likely a cheaper alternative that’s just as effective.
Pro tip: keep an eye out for seasonal sales. End of Financial Year, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday are all great opportunities to expand your home gym without breaking the bank.
Cost-Effective Equipment Alternatives
Did you know you can do glute kickbacks with a resistance band instead of a cable machine? Or that bodyweight exercises can replace machines for squats and lunges? If a piece of equipment is outside your budget, there’s likely a cheaper alternative that’s just as effective.
Pro tip: keep an eye out for seasonal sales. End of Financial Year, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday are all great opportunities to expand your home gym without breaking the bank.
DIY Solutions and Space-Saving Tips
Some small adjustments make it possible to get a full workout without taking up a lot of space or spending much. It’s all about thinking outside the box:
- Cans of beans instead of dumbbells
- A sturdy chair for step-ups
- A backpack filled with books as a makeshift weight
- Old tights as resistance bands
- An ottoman for box jumps
DIY Solutions and Space-Saving Tips
Some small adjustments make it possible to get a full workout without taking up a lot of space or spending much. It’s all about thinking outside the box:
- Cans of beans instead of dumbbells
- A sturdy chair for step-ups
- A backpack filled with books as a makeshift weight
- Old tights as resistance bands
- An ottoman for box jumps
Gradual Equipment Building Strategy
There’s nothing wrong with starting with the essentials – and as your budget grows, so can your home gym setup. Our advice is to focus on versatility over quantity to make your dollar go further. For example, a single kettlebell can power swings, squats, presses, and core exercises for a total-body challenge.
Gradual Equipment Building Strategy
There’s nothing wrong with starting with the essentials – and as your budget grows, so can your home gym setup. Our advice is to focus on versatility over quantity to make your dollar go further. For example, a single kettlebell can power swings, squats, presses, and core exercises for a total-body challenge.
Getting Started: Your First Home Workout
Get moving at home with Under Armour’s fitness gear and make every rep count. Shop our men’s and women’s collections, from running shoes to leggings, tops, and more, to take your home workouts to the next level.
Getting Started: Your First Home Workout
Get moving at home with Under Armour’s fitness gear and make every rep count. Shop our men’s and women’s collections, from running shoes to leggings, tops, and more, to take your home workouts to the next level.
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