1. Get Sweaty
Choose cardiovascular exercise equipment based on your budget and the amount of space that you have to devote to a home gym. If you have about 30 square feet of room and a good budget to work with, look into getting a treadmill, elliptical machine or a stationary bike. The top models have different fitness programs on them, track your calories burned and even take your heart rate for you. If you're on a strict budget or have little space, a jump rope or step will give you just as much of a cardio workout as the bigger equipment. Exercise DVDs are another inexpensive option that don't require much space.
2. Build Muscles at Home
You need something to strength train your muscles in your home gym. Building muscle is important for your overall health and will help increase your strength and endurance during other fitness activities. If you have the space and a budget that allows for it, get an all-in-one system. It's easier to use proper form on these types of machines, which will reduce your risk of injury due to improper form. If you have a smaller budget or don't have much space, invest in some hand weights and a resistance band. Purchase at least two different sizes of weights to accommodate different exercises.
3. Stay Well Balanced
Balance equipment might seem like something you can do without. However, a strong core is the basis for all other exercise. Working out using a balance ball increases your core strength and helps improve your balance. Sit on a stability ball while you're lifting weights, or do your abdominal exercises while lying on the ball. These fitness balls are inexpensive and don't take up a whole lot of room.
4. Stretch for Comfort and Safety
Get a yoga or pilates mat and use it. Flexibility helps you out a lot as you're working out and even more so in everyday life. It's very important to stretch out thoroughly after every workout, especially when you are strength training. Stretching helps prevent injury and reduces post workout soreness. Use the mat for your comfort and stretch each muscle out for a good 30 seconds before moving onto the next.
5. Motivation to Move
Think about where you want your home gym set up. It's nice if you can control the temperature in the room that you're in, as you probably want to be in a cooler space than the rest of the house when you're working out. If you're worried someone is going to see you exercising, set up away from a front window. You need motivation in your home gym, too. Set up a mirror so that you can watch your form and make sure you have a source of music. It's nice to have a television nearby that you can watch during your cardio workout, too.
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