Home gyms are nothing new, but COVID-related lockdowns and concerns have kept people home for not just work and school, but exercise, too.

“Since the pandemic, I’ve done a lot more home gyms in the last year than I have prior to that,” says Mike Sapp, personal trainer and owner of Mike Sapp Fitness. “(Why I love a home gym is) typically, if you add the time it takes to get ready for the gym, drive there, park, check in, walk inside, look for equipment that you can use ... you would be almost finished with your home workout. Especially during prime time when you could spend 20 minutes looking for a parking stall. In your home, you control the music and environment, and never have to wait in line.”

Selecting home gym equipment really depends on your space and budget, along with your goals. Among the trends are “smart” fitness machines, such as the popular Peloton bike with access to live and on-demand classes, or the all-in-one Tonal machine featuring digital weights and real-time guidance on your form and technique.

“A lot of people like the Peloton, they like the interaction,” notes Sapp. “If you’ll use it, then it’s worth it. So many times people get pieces of equipment and they end up hanging clothes on it.

“I think one piece of cardio (equipment) is good ... some people just want a treadmill. But if you live in a neighborhood where it’s great to walk, I probably wouldn’t get a treadmill. If you only have so much space, I’m not going to fill it up with cardio, there are lots of other stuff.”

Sapp’s top 5 picks (along with his favorite brand) for a home gym:
• Adjustable dumbbells with a stand and bench (Power Block Pro Series, Column Stand and Sport Bench) – “Resistance training is king. No matter what your goal, resistance training will help you get there.”
• Exercise mat (Power Systems Hanging Club Mat)
• Suspension Training (TRX Home2 System)
• Resistance bands (Mark Bell Sling Shot Hip Circle)
• Cardio equipment (Assault AirBike)

If you have the space, Sapp suggests adding rubber flooring, along with kettlebells, a stability ball, slam ball and sand bag. Also, follow up with a fitness program or ongoing personal training.

“I love getting up early when it’s still dark and the house is quiet ... a quick sip of coffee and I’m getting after it — 20-30 minutes can even work,” adds Sapp on the benefits of a home gym. “It’s a great way to start your day. If you were to add up all of the additional workouts that you can get in over a year’s time that could be the deciding factor of you finally reaching or exceeding your fitness goals.”