3 Home Gym Additions Perfect For A Small Space
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If, like many of us, you've been struggling to get to the gym, home-based workout equipment might be what you need to get in a good exercise session. After all, physically heading over to the gym can be a big hurdle to clear, especially after a long day of work. It's no wonder that, according to Valuates Reports, the home gym industry is expected to grow over the next few years, even after the massive boom it experienced throughout the earlier days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unfortunately though, if your home is relatively small, you probably don't have a ton of free space in which to accumulate new equipment. Is it really worth it to devote an entire bookshelf to miscellaneous resistance bands and small hand weights? Is it even possible?
While you could always keep your home gym gear out in the open, most at-home equipment will look cumbersome lying around on the floor. That being said, it is possible to find workout gear that doubles as décor, meaning you won't have to sacrifice style for functionality. To help you out, we've rounded up some of our top picks.
BalanceFrom stepper aerobic platform
If you're looking to get the most bang for your buck while preserving a stylish interior, you can't go wrong with a step aerobic platform. They can support you in a wide variety of workouts (step-style cardio, yoga, deep lunges, and more), all while doubling as a relatively unassuming shelf when not in use.
One of our favorite aerobic platforms is the BalanceFrom Adjustable Workout Aerobic Stepper Step Platform Trainer, which features risers in your choice of accent colors (blue, grey, yellow, or orange). The sleek design will pair nicely with other décor pieces, and if you don't like the pop of color, you can remove the risers so that the unit is all black.
Of course, if the BalanceFrom aerobic step is not quite the design fit you're looking for, you can find one in just about any color or style that you like. Just be careful when you go shopping — we know it can be tempting to pick out the least expensive step, but you want to make sure it's large and sturdy enough to support you. Safety always comes first. According to The Health Board, you should ensure that the step has a non-slip top and some weight to it, so that it does not move when you jump onto it.
Liteboxer Wall Mount
Frustrated by your small living space? The Liteboxer Wall Mount is an interactive electronic pad that attaches to a wall. It syncs boxing combos to popular songs — think Guitar Hero or Dance Dance Revolution, but with more punching. It's a great way to trade tension for a solid workout, plus it doubles as stylish wall décor (or at least a conversation piece) when not in use.
We'll admit that the mount apparatus is a bit bulky, but while the LiteBoxer may not resemble a fine art sculpture, its geometric design — six spheres arranged in a hexagonal pattern — is unique and could definitely fit in with some interior design styles.
When installing the Liteboxer Wall Mount, you'll want to be mindful of your wall's structure. According to the product specifications, you can either mount the unit on a hard, solid wall (i.e. brick or concrete) or use a stud finder to securely attach it to drywall. Securing the Liteboxer (or any heavy item) to drywall without a stud is a recipe for disaster, especially once the punches start landing.
Pull-up bar
When you think of sleek décor, a pull-up bar probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. But just like aerobic steps, pull-up bars can lead stylish double lives. They'll help you meet new personal records one minute, then seamlessly blend into your curated apartment design the next.
Wondering how pull up bars can possibly fit in with your existing décor? Well, they're a great way to display hanging plants and other decorative wall pieces. If you've got greenery all around your apartment, a hanging ivy or two will fit right in.
That being said, don't skimp on safety here either. Remove planters and any other hanging décor from your pull-up bar before you begin to exercise. Similarly, you should always make sure that the bar itself is clean before use. Avoid using it to hold anything that might leave residue and only ever use it to support a small fraction of its maximum weight.
Our favorite pull-up bar is the Ultimate Body Press 48-inch Steel Ceiling Mount Pull-up Bar. Since the bar can be positioned anywhere in a room, you'll have more flexibility to create the perfect design layout. Plus, the bar has a sleek black and white finish (as opposed to the more common black and silver style) and holds up to 450 pounds.