When the pandemic hit, government-issued lockdowns forced businesses to close their offices for an indefinite period to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep everyone safe. Non-essential businesses, particularly those geared towards recreation, have more operational restrictions and are encouraged to have their employees work remotely.
Among the businesses that fall under the non-essential category are gyms, sports facilities, and recreational centers. In fact, according to the International Health Racquet & Sportsclub Association, around 9,000 gyms in the US have closed during the pandemic.
With stay-at-home orders in place and no gyms open to visit, reports show that physical activity dropped worldwide due to COVID-19 restrictions. Experts are concerned that this will affect people’s physical health and overall well-being.
On the other hand, there are also reports showing an increase in demand for exercise equipment. A study conducted by Research and Markets revealed that fitness equipment sales grew by 170% amid the lockdowns.
This means that people want to stay fit and healthy, and many of them have started setting up their own home gym to continue their workout routines. If you’re planning to build one for yourself, it’s important that you get the right set of equipment. To help you out, let’s look first at the factors you need to consider when shopping for your home gym equipment.
Factors to Consider When Buying Home Gym Equipment
Consider your physical needs
You should identify your fitness goals. Do you want to lose weight? Do you want to gain muscles? It’s important that the equipment that you’ll be using will help you achieve your goals.
Decide whether you need cardiovascular training equipment or strength training equipment. You can buy both types of equipment if necessary. Keep in mind that if you have existing medical conditions like heart problems or back injuries, always consult with your doctor to determine which equipment is safe for you to use.
Set a budget
Numerous stores offer exercise equipment at different prices. Some are sold at a low price, while others are sold at a higher price. Of course, if you want the equipment to last for a long time, choose one that’s made of high-quality materials so that you will get your money’s worth. Don’t just buy products because they are cheap. You’ll end up spending more money on replacements if they’re not durable.
Compare equipment features
Different brands are selling the same type of equipment. Some include traditional features, while others include high-tech features. Many people are taking an interest in smart gym equipment because it is connected to an app, which allows users to track and monitor their workout progress. Some machines have a screen that enables people to watch guided workout videos.
It’s best that you create a side-by-side product comparison so that you can choose the one that fits your needs. It’s also cost-effective because it prevents you from buying similar equipment for additional features.
Read customer reviews online
The fastest way to know the quality of the gym equipment sold by a particular vendor is to check out customer reviews online. Compare the number of good and bad reviews. If you see many complaints about the product, you should consider finding another store to buy from.
Check delivery options
If you plan to buy large workout equipment, it’s better to have it delivered to your home. Also, with the risk of COVID-19 infection still present, this way is safer because you won’t have to go to the store in person and risk being in close contact with other people.
You also have to know whether the store you’re purchasing from has a local branch. If they don’t, you’ll have to check the options for international shipping and understand its whole process.
If you want faster delivery, you can opt for an international air freight shipping option. For example, in some courier companies, air freight and cargo to the Philippines from the UK only take two to five days. Make sure that you know how long it will take to have the equipment delivered to your country.
Measure your space
Before you finalize your purchase, you must measure the dedicated space you have for your home gym. If you have a smaller space, it’s better to buy exercise equipment that won’t take up too much space like dumbbells, jumping rope, and medicine ball.
If you have a larger room, you can consider buying treadmills, stationary bikes, and rowing machines. Always take into consideration the ceiling height. You don’t want to hit your head on the ceiling while working out.
Taking care of your health and well-being is more important than ever during these unprecedented times. Follow a regular exercise routine to keep your body strong and healthy. Stay active even when you’re stuck at home.
