Whether you are at the gym or at home it is important to stay safe when working out. Working with heavy equipment can pose dangers to your health and to your surroundings. At the gym there are always a lot of people and trained personnel that can help but what to do when training at home on your own? Here are our safety tips for working out at home.
Designated space or room
When working out at home make sure you have cleared a designated space or room for the purpose. This way you can avoid damage to your furniture and belongings.
Floor protection
Investing in a rubber mat will help to protect your floor from your gym equipment. Gym equipment is often heavy and, when dropped, it can damage your floors. A rubber mat for gyms will absorb the shock and even some of the sound when heavy equipment is dropped. It will also provide a suitable surface for any floor exercises you need to do. Rubber mats can come in ready-cut shapes, rolls or tiles that you can fit into the space or one part of the space of your room. They will also soften any falls you may have during your training.
Clothes
Another important thing is to dress appropriately. Even though you are working out at home it is important to wear the right footwear just like if you were at a regular gym. Footwear will provide cushioning for your feet and support for your ankles. Fitted clothes are also preferable to baggy ones as they will be less likely to get tangled in the machines or get in your way while exercising. Also remember that you are probably going to sweat a lot and get warm quickly so breathable clothes are advisable.
Schedule
Create an exercise schedule and try to stick to it as much as possible. This will ensure that you will get the maximum effect out of your workout. If you are working from home, for example, you can also schedule some mini exercises before and/or after work. Exercising boosts endorphins which can improve your mood. So, nothing is stopping you from starting your day with a smile and a positive attitude, which can have benefits for your mental health, as well.
Keep hydrated
It is important to drink plenty of fluids while working out. Get yourself bottles of water that are always in reach and make sure to drink regularly between exercises. For even better effect you can either buy water with infused electrolytes or buy electrolytes separately to add to your water. They will help your muscle contractions and thus prevent bad muscle cramping. They also help control fluid balance in your body.
Mirrors
Mirrors are a good idea for your home gym. They are not there to just check yourself out but to help you maintain the correct form while exercising. Doing exercises incorrectly can lead to strains, sprains and serious injuries. Working out in front of a mirror can help you avoid that as you will be able to see your posture and technique and adjust accordingly. It is best to have at least one full-length mirror for this purpose.
