Coach Abhi’s disclaimer : The content written in this blog post is only for general information purpose, and not to be taken as medical advise. The reader is expected to use his or her common sense before using any of this information. I disclaim all responsiblity for any liability, loss or risk, which is incurred as a consequence of the use and application of any of the contents of this blog post.

This blog post is mostly suitable for those

• who intend to setup a home gym after the lockdown looking for a plan to execute.
• who have an existing home gym having more than the necessary tools – time to downgrade.

The invasion of nCovid-19 will permanently change the way we live our lives creating new norms of lifestyle. As I am writing this, we the entire nation of India are under a lockdown which is now slowly taking a toll on the physical and mental health of the general population. With all the gymnasiums, activity centres, yoga studios and dance schools shut, we are left with little or no physical activity (exercise). The present circumstances and the degree of danger presents a big challenge to venture out for a jog or a run as we risk violating social distancing.

There are plenty of workout apps available which will let you train without any equipment or apparatus. Most of these are good enough with a simple formula of combining interval training, basic dance moves and rudimentary exercises, while other apps use guided yoga progressions, mindfullness practise and social credits giving you a temporary but much needed drive to continue your training. Apps can get stagnated after a point of time if content becomes too monotonous. It is recommended that every hosusehold having a ‘home gym’ which is small space dedicated for physical training (indoor or outdoor) with some basic strength equipment or apparatus, no not the treadmill or the elliptical.

In order to keep the home gym minimalistic we can keep a space constraint of six square feet with not more than three things costing not more than an annual subscription to one of those fitness apps. A combination of a kettlebell, a pair of gymnastics rings, and a jump rope is the most simple home gym that you can have matching these criteria we have defined. The three equipments suggested here can be replaced by dumbells, suspension trainers, and a boxing bag. So long as you can setup your home gym using limited space, three equipments, and a restricted budget the idea of home gym is worthwhile.

Your home gym must be located ideally in your personal space like a bedroom or dressing room or utility room so that you start training after or before a particular daily ritual. We are creatures of habit, and our behaviors are not accidental. Your home gym is not the gym of the living room. This is the last place to have the gym as you are very likely to leave the apparatus untouched leaving it only for display. To make the most of your training have a board on the wall to document the training or write your daily training goals. Strength goals achived keeps you going for further gains.

If you have a home gym with a lot of things which are not used, you are better off trading them (treadmill/elliptical) with something of more utility. Before the demand for exercise apparatus spikes or a scenario where you virtually do not get any equipments, it is time that you visit your local sports store (after the lockdown) to shop for your home gym. Get them online if you are lucky enough. Avoid unncessary purchases, stick to the rule of thumb of investing in not more than three things costing not more than an annual subscription of Netflix. Before the next wave of crisis hits us, let us be prepared to perfrom strength training in your own home gym. This may not be of high priority as of now indeed, but training in your own home will keep your morale up and offset the risk of sedentary living. Strength training prepares you for emergencies that you might face in this time of crisis.

In the next blog posts I will be writing on the basic strength exercises that you can perfrom with coching inputs. Keep your spirits up!

Yours strongly,

Coach Abhi.

QUOTE THAT INSPIRED ME TO WRITE THIS BLOG POST

“What you seek is seeking you.” – Rumi.

All rights reserved. Copyright © Abhijith Ravindra