Are you looking to get in shape but find gym hours inconvenient or that you’re not into exercising with others? Don’t let that stand between you and your physical health: Build your own personal gym! Rather than budgeting monthly for that costly gym membership, invest in yourself and build your dream gym right at home. Here’s how:

1. A soft (but solid) foundation. If the prospect of doing pushups, stretches, and crunches on a hard floor doesn’t appeal to you, you’re not alone. There’s a reason gyms have padded floors, so bring them into your home gym too. Buy some interlocking, high-density foam mat squares to create a comfortable, safe environment.
2. Start with the Basics. What’s the first thing you do when you’re done stretching? Reach for the dumbbells, of course! Get your chest, arm, and shoulder workouts in with this classic equipment. You can opt for a traditional set that provides a variety of weights so you can customize your workouts, or, if you’re strapped for space or just hate clutter, spring for adjustable dumbbells. Your next muscle-building equipment “must” is a bench press with a barbell and plates.
3. Band together.Resistance bands won’t take up a lot of space, but they will help you build muscle. They come in a wide range of resistance levels and, unlike your dumbbells, provide the constant tension you need to get some serious gains. They’re also easy to transport and can be conveniently hung on a hook to free up some floor space.
4. Be a machine. Good health is an investment that will continue to pay off for years to come. Sometimes that investment takes a little more money to start. A cardio machine is a great addition to any personal gym, whether it’s a treadmill, a stationary bike, or an elliptical (or all three!). Don’t let the sticker shock scare you off, instead find a trusted used gym equipment provider.
5. You’re on a roll.A good workout routine isn’t all weights and strength training; it’s also taking care of your muscles and body. A foam roller is an effective and space-efficient way to ease tension, improve your mobility, and massage sore muscles.
6. Reflect on your progress. Have you ever wondered why there are so many mirrors at the gym (other than for post-workout selfies)? It’s threefold: They make the space look larger than it is, they help ensure you’re maintaining good form and posture, and, perhaps most importantly, they motivate you to keep pushing every time you see just how much progress you’ve made and how good you look.

Now you know how to build your own personal gym, but what do you do with your stuff that used to live in that space? Find the storage unit your gains have been dreaming of with a trusted business like Secure Self Storage. Contact the storage professionals today and start counting reps tomorrow!