The Costco Connection - January 2014

E GYM
Tips on setting up
a home gym
By Kirsti Sharratt

GETTING FIT IS a popular resolution, but one that challenges even the strongest of resolves. Equally, some people feel self-conscious exercising in a local gym or despair when it’s so busy that they cannot get on the equipment they want. Exercising at home is the obvious alternative, and indeed many people are dedicating space at home to working out.

A room of one’s own

So what should you consider before you
start buying gym equipment? “Assess how
much space you’ve got,” says James Banks, a
personal trainer. “Your budget, fitness level,
experience and goals are other important
considerations, and you should also think
about what types of exercise you enjoy. To
gain full benefit, exercise needs to be regular
and long-term.”
Creating an environment that is condu-
cive to training is key, Banks points out. At the
very least, this entails making sure the room
you use has good ventilation and decent light-
ing. A sound system is not essential, but it can
make time fly for some people.

“I wouldn’t recommend watching TV or reading unless you are doing something simple like a session on a spin bike,” Banks says.

“Even walking on a treadmill can be danger- equitySweat

The Costco Connection

Costco and Costco.com offer athletic apparel and a large selection of sports equipment, including free weights and resistance trainers, plus spin bikes, rowing machines, ellipticals, treadmills, Pilates equipment, inversion tables and fitness accessories, such as heart-rate monitors.

Members will find a variety of exercise DVDs at their local Costco.

training environment is as good as any: no travel time or logistics, especially when the weather is poor; no waiting for equipment at the gym and more efficient use of your training time. And don’t forget that most of the family can use the equipment, so you can all get real value for the money.

“If you are new to an exercise routine,
consult your doctor first,” Banks suggests.
“Most importantly, use common sense. When
your body isn’t accustomed to training, it
doesn’t take much stimulation to be effective.
Go by how you feel.”
According to Steve Clark, a triathlon
coach and former elite triathlete who lives in
Safety comes first.”
When choosing equipment, bear
in mind that a combination of cardiovascular
and resistance training will give the best
results. “People generally think that if you
want to lose weight you need to run, and if
you want big muscles you need to lift weights.
In fact, resistance work stimulates your meta-
bolic rate, which in itself promotes weight
loss,” Banks explains.

Lifting weights will not give you bigger muscles unless you follow a program specifically designed for this. Instead, it will give you a leaner, more toned physique. The only people who shouldn’t use weights are children and teenagers, as their bones are still developing, says Banks.