Top 5 things to consider to start your Homestead Gym

A homestead can also be a place to exercise. Here’s the Top 5 things to consider to start your homestead gym for yourself and your family.

Cost

Unless you’re an elite athlete, use your money to invest in your own homestead gym. The cost of a gym membership adds up quickly, from a bare minimum $10 to $40 per month, or much more for private trainers. Maybe its the principle of the thing, but I don’t like giving my money away to companies, especially on a monthly basis. Spend it on something more permanent, home equipment. By purchasing a few key pieces of workout equipment, you’re well on your way to cultivating strength and wellness on your rural homestead. Invest in yourself and your homestead. Save money on gym memberships and commuting expenses by investing in a few quality home gym essentials

Privacy & Convenience

Embracing the homesteading lifestyle often means trading city conveniences for the tranquility of rural living. While the open spaces and fresh air are a homesteader’s dream, access to a nearby gym might be a distant luxury. Besides, at home you will have access to your own equipment with complete privacy. No need for commuting to a gym; your workout space is right outside your doorstep or in the next room.

Time & Efficiency

With many homesteaders having jobs either in the city or working remotely, plus commutes, plus chores on the homestead, we are at a deficit for time. Consider how much you’re missing out on if you must commute to a gym. Consider that going to a gym means leaving your family alone, and your property unattended. The time spent in commute could be time better spent doing chores building a homestead. Also trips to the gym often mean changing from work clothes, burning more gas to get there, wear and tear on the vehicle. The full cost adds up everywhere you look.

Space & Budget

Unless you are fortunate enough to have tons of space for a home gym with all the (kettle)bells and whistles, getting started with a home gym doesn’t mean you need a warehouse full of equipment. A few carefully chosen items can lay the foundation for a well-rounded fitness routine. In combination with calisthenics and your farm-steading duties you can get in a good exercise. Hey real farmer-carry’s count when you have buckets of feed in each hand. Buying exercise equipment is like buying tools, you collect them as you have need and budget.

Equipment

Now let’s talk about what you may need to get started. It’s hard to select the perfect equipment but here I’ve listed, in order of versatility, my top picks. Start here if you have nothing, add equipment as needed. And remember, equipment doesn’t have to be expensive. I’ve tried to make this list affordable and versatile.

Pull-Up Rack

A basic pull-up rack is a versatile addition to your home gym. Not only does it allow for effective pull-ups, but many models also come with attachments for dips and leg raises, providing a full-body workout. These are pretty affordable especially when compared to much larger equipment that is single purpose like dead-lift racks. I use and recommend the SportsRoyals Power Tower Dip Station Pull Up Bar for its versatility.

Sandbag

Fill this with sand to your liking. The inner bags can be added and removed to adjust weight. Sandbag training is excellent for building functional strength, mimicking the movements of real-life activities on the farm. A Sandbag with lots of handles and grips can help to target different muscle groups. I use and recommend the adjustable Ultimate Sandbag Filled with Sand, not water.

Dumbbells

You don’t need dozens of sizes of dumbbells. The Bowflex 552 SelectTech adjustable dumbbell are awesome. These sets are among the very best adjustable dumbbells out on the market, just look at their reviews. I was lucky enough to buy a set locally a few years ago, that came with a stand.

Purchase Options

You can buy one dumbbell alone or two dumbbells in a pair or two dumbbells with a stand.

Bowflex 552 advantages

• Adjustable Weight Range:
  Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells typically allow you to adjust the weight with a turn of a dial, offering a wide range of weight options in a single set. This versatility is particularly beneficial for various exercises and users with different fitness levels.
• Space Efficiency:
  Adjustable dumbbells save space compared to a traditional set of individual dumbbells. With Bowflex SelectTech, you have multiple weight options in one compact set, making them suitable for home gyms with limited space.
• Ease of Use:
  The quick and easy adjustment mechanism of Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells allows you to switch between weights rapidly during your workout. This convenience eliminates the need for multiple dumbbells and helps maintain workout flow.
• Durable Construction:
  Bowflex is known for producing high-quality fitness equipment. The SelectTech dumbbells are generally well-built and durable, designed to withstand regular use and provide a long-lasting fitness solution.
• Versatility in Workouts:
  Adjustable dumbbells provide versatility in your workout routine. Whether you’re performing strength training exercises, bodybuilding workouts, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT), having a range of weights at your disposal allows for a more comprehensive training program.
• Suitable for Various Fitness Levels:
  Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced fitness enthusiast, adjustable dumbbells like those from Bowflex can accommodate your fitness level. This adaptability makes them ideal for households with multiple users with varying strength levels.
• Cost-Effective:
  While the upfront cost of adjustable dumbbells might seem higher than purchasing a set of traditional dumbbells, the long-term cost-effectiveness comes from the versatility and space-saving benefits they offer.
• Integration with Bowflex Programs:
  Bowflex often provides workout programs and apps that integrate seamlessly with their fitness equipment, including adjustable dumbbells. This can enhance your exercise routine by offering structured workouts and progress tracking.

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Honorable Mentions

A couple of affordable workout aids that are worth mentioning. These take up little room and can help you get started on a tight budget.

• Push-Up Handles: Enhance your push-up game with push-up handles. These simple tools reduce strain on your wrists and allow for a deeper range of motion, targeting your chest, shoulders, and triceps. I recommend the Perfect Push Up Elite.
• Ab Roller: The humble ab roller might seem unassuming, but it’s a powerhouse for building core strength. Rollouts engage not only your abs but also your back and shoulders, offering a comprehensive core workout. I recommend the Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro Roller Wheel.

Final Notes

So you’ve decided to save money on a membership and invest in yourself and your home gym instead. Fantastic! It may take a while to build a complete home gym with every option a neighborhood gym would have. Embrace the simplicity of homesteading fitness, and let your daily workout become a natural extension of your rustic lifestyle. Build your gym as part of your castle. If you surpass the level of your equipment add new equipment and keep going. Happy homesteading!