A home gym does not necessarily require expensive or elaborate equipment, according to fitness coach Jacob Zemer, who spoke with Fox News Digital about choosing workout gear.
Zemer said the most costly mistake may be buying equipment that takes up substantial space or is inconvenient to set up. Those obstacles can make a purchase less likely to be used, he said.
For people starting from scratch, Zemer recommended beginning with a small selection of items and adding equipment over time. He identified exercise bands as an inexpensive, portable option and said dumbbells can provide strength-training choices. Adjustable dumbbells can save floor space, he said, though they may cost more and some models may be fragile.
Zemer also suggested considering an adjustable bench for exercises that are difficult to do while standing or lying on the floor. Before purchasing any item, he advised weighing its space requirements, the range of exercises it supports and how easy it is to use regularly.
The coach said he had bought lever arms for a power rack but later sold them because moving the attachments was cumbersome. He cautioned that gym equipment can lose value on the secondhand market, making an unused purchase costly.
Zemer said cardio machines are not necessary for everyone, noting that activities such as walking, running and faster-paced strength workouts can raise the heart rate. For those who want a machine, he pointed to stationary bikes and ski ergs as options to consider.
His comments are general fitness guidance; the source does not provide independent testing or comparative cost data for the equipment discussed.
