So the economy has you rethinking that gym membership, and now you'd like to start working out at home - but you don't know where to put all that cumbersome exercise equipment. Or perhaps, you already have the equipment, but your Nordic Track has become just another interesting focal point in the family room and your exercise bike serves as a clothes tree in your bedroom.
With careful space planning and the addition of few items of comfort and inspiration, you can create a functional exercise area that will support you in your physical fitness, as well as be an integral part of your home's décor.
The first step in planning an exercise area in your home is to carefully and honestly examine your physical fitness routine.
• Are you really going to use this equipment, or are you just fooling yourself? If there's any doubt, save yourself time, money and guilty feelings: Don't buy any equipment or change your home to accommodate it! If you already own unused equipment, move it out and reclaim the space.
• If you don't use the equipment often, is it because:
• It's not easily accessible. Is it a hassle to drag it out and put it back? Is it hard to get to?
• You get bored when using it
• You don't have enough space to comfortably move about?
• How often will you use the equipment?
• How much inconvenience are you willing to put up with to get to it or to store it in between uses?
• What would you like to have close by to increase your comfort level?
Next assess what equipment you have, or plan to obtain, and the existing space you have to work with.
• How many pieces of equipment do you have and what is the minimum amount of space needed to use each one? Measure the footprint of each piece, plus space needed to maneuver on and off it, and space you need to do floor or chair exercises.
For those on a budget, there are two options for placing your equipment: converting an entire room or taking over part of a room.
• If you only have guests once a year, but you exercise daily, why not convert your guest room into a spa?
• Is your laundry or utility room large enough for a wall rack for free weights and for your exercise bike?
• Could you park one car in the garage, carpet the other half and arrange your equipment there?
• Could you cover a porch and set up your equipment there?
• Is the upstairs landing large enough?
• Could you drywall the attic or cellar, add an outlet, and, voila, your own gym?
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