...Bet you have been affected by the Corona Virus pandemic. We have experienced a whole new way of living. We all take things for granted, but who would have thought going to the gym or our exercise regime would be affected so much.

We knew that once the gyms re-opened that it would not be the same. Many people are now working from home or do not want to return to the gym. We will share how to set up a gym during these uncertain times. 

Get Realistic on Space

Like any work area you don't want to feel cluttered or claustrophobic. Think about the type of equipment you will need and how much space it may take. If you focus on a strength workout, then a bench press and weight plates, barbells, and dumbbells will take up around 3m x 2m. The most popular equipment bought during the lockdowns were free weights, gym benches, barbells and exercise dumbbells.

If you are thinking of looking for a treadmill to buy, a rowing machine, or an exercise bike for sale; then you are going to need more space. Even more, so if it's a combination.

The best spaces we have installed cater for movement for all pieces of fitness equipment. The Corona Virus has disrupted many exercise classes, sports and specialised martial arts. So think about whether you may want a boxing bag or station, stretching area, cardio area and strength training area. 

The best areas that work very well are roughly the size of a double car garage or around 24m2. Half that is still a cosy space. Anything less and you will really need to think hard on what quality exercise equipment can be for used for a small space.

Think about the type of equipment you will need and how much space it may take. If you focus on a strength workout, then a bench press and weight plates, barbells and dumbbells will be take up around 3m x 2m. The most popular equipment bought during the lockdowns were free weights, gym benches, barbells and exercise dumbbells.

Availability of Stock

Who would have thought that buying exercise equipment would have been like panic buying toilet paper!?! That is what happens when fitness industries are shut down. Supply chain disruption is here to stay. We also have experienced our own panic buying with our suppliers. 

Unfortunately this turns into a supply and demand situation and forces prices up. It was beleived that fitness equipment prices would return to normal, however this is not the case. 

So, if you can get new quality fitness equipment at reasonable prices - go for it. Even if you need to pre-order and wait a little, it will be worth it... but find fitness equipment for sale that is great quality and do it once! Setting up your gym can become costly if you find yourself needing to replace dodgy equipment again.

Choose the Right Equipment

So now, you have an idea of space and that you need to find the equipment. You need to establish your goals - is this for weight loss, muscle building or just keeping fit and healthy?

The must haves would be some type of cardio equipment and range of strength equipment. Don't overlook your body weight as a great resource. During the height of the panic buying we were surprised on the amount of free weights, benches and olympic barbells that sold. It seemed as though this was the only type of exercise people knew. 

Mix it up guys! Get creative...use kettlebells, TRX suspension trainers, water rowers, foam plyometric boxes and boxing equipment! The list is endless. Set your gym up for functionality and purpose!

Explore and learn new ways to train and relax. Yes, the fundamental pieces of equipment such as your power cage, cable machine, bench presses, and squat racks are important.... But...your education on how to exercise, push harder and recover will give you long term health benefits as you get older.

...Did your PT tell you to buy certain equipment for the Zoom sessions? With online PT'ing, this has fast tracked online fitness training. We were behind countries such as the US and many people thought it would not be something they would enjoy. It turned out to be a success and more people have found it convenient due to more people now working from home, young families, or with busy lifestyles. So buy equipment that can be used for different stages, not just one off use.

So whether you are setting up a home gym for your modified lifestyle or missed out completely with the panic buying of home gym equipment, gym and fitness has changed since COVID-19. Buy quality the first time which will almost guarantee that you save more money and time in the long run. Make room for a dedicated exercise area if you can and be sure you have enough space for movement and storage of your equipment.

The Corona Virus is here and it's endemic. It has changed our lives forever and has had a huge impact to the way we can exercise and interact. The winners are those who are well prepared, and many customers who saw this coming have been able to stay fit both mentally and physically.

The cost of not staying fit and healthy has proven to be a bad outcome, which you can avoid.