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Home Training

Some people find it difficult to get to a gym on a regular basis. It is possible to setup a gym at home if you have enough space and the correct equipment. This section look at a home gym setup in a converted garage. Although it is a relatively small space (it measures 18ft long by just over 8ft wide by 7 1/2 ft high) it has been equipped intelligently and extensively to make it a very effective training centre. It is basically a free weights gym with cardio options and an exercise area for abdominals / stretching etc.

The gym is split into 5 working areas which are described below. The gym is equipped with a range of nutrition products, a Stereo / DVD / Video and TV. The gym is equipped with electronic scales, body fat callipers and a blood pressure machine to monitor progress and health. There is also a fully equipped first aid kit and smoke alarm  - important considerations when setting up a home gym.

Area 1 - VKR / Dip Station

This area is currently being developed. It will be built from steel and wall mounted. It is perfect for dips to develop triceps, chest and shoulders and also used as a vertical knee raise for lower abdominal development.

Area 2 - Treadmill

The treadmill is a light commercial piece of equipment with 12 incline settings and 16 speed settings. The onboard computer monitors calories burned, carbs utilised, heart rate and has a full range of programs. The treadmill folds for easy storage to maximise space when the other areas are being used.

Area 3  - Free weights / Exercise mat

This area is covered by commercial gym floor matting measuring 6x4 foot which is used as a general utility area. It is used for abdominal work, bench work, free weight work and push-ups using bars. Also the mirror in this area is excellent for evaluating progress!

Area 4 - Power cage

The power cage is the most versatile piece of gym equipment to you can get. Made out of steel and equipped with olympic  iron bar holders which can be positioned at various heights in the 18 sets of holes drilled. It is constructed so it can be setup to train back, shoulders, abs, arms, chest and legs. It is equipped with safety bars so extremely heavy weight can be handled without risk of injury, even without a spotter. It will handle 450kg of weight. It is also equipped with a chin up bar and a lat blaster attachment to give extra training options (see pictures). The cage sits on commercial gym matting measuring 6x4 foot which allows heavy weights to be dropped without risk of damaging the floor. The power cage is also equipped with a moveable commercial bench with a user capacity of 450kg. The bench can be set to incline, decline and flat positions in 7 different settings. To ensure you can check you are using perfect technique there is a 5 foot by 3 foot gym mirror mounted behind it.

Area 5 - Seated calf machine

The seated calf machine allows development of the lower and upper calf muscles. Although this is an excellent piece of equipment for calf development it will be replaced at some point this year with a light commercial rowing machine for an extra cardio option.

Weights and bars

The gym has an olympic weight bar and set weighing 145kg and a standard bar and set weighing about 150kg.

If you are thinking of constructing a home gym then we are happy to advise our members on equipment and suppliers. Please contact us for more information.

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