How to Design a Home Workout Room

You don't need to join a gym to get a great workout.

Joining a gym is a great way to kick-start weight loss or just try to tone up. However, there are several issues that stand between many people and the gym. Gym memberships can be expensive and not an option for someone on a tight budget. A busy lifestyle may make it inconvenient to travel several miles to go to the gym. Others simply don't like to work out in front of other people. Whatever your reason, you can still get a great workout by creating a personalized home gym.

Things You'll Need

• Gym equipment
• Weights
• Yoga mat
• Candles
• Mirror
• Stereo
• Fans
• Water bottles
• Towels

Instructions

1. Determine where you want to set up your home gym. Possible options include a spare bedroom, basement or even the garage. The area you choose will depend on the space available and how large you want your workout room to be. If you plan on getting a lot of big bulky equipment, a cleared out garage might be the best option. Things to think about when planning the room for your home gym are ventilation and temperature. A room with a window that you can easily open would be ideal. However, if you are working out in a cool basement, you might not need a window. In a pinch, set up fans to keep air circulating.

2. Set a budget for your home gym. Your home workout space can range anywhere from a state-of-the art fitness center to a corner of a room with some weights and a mat. You don't necessarily need to spend a lot of money in order to get a good workout. Many of the lifting exercises that you do on the expensive gym machines can be done with a simple set of dumbbells. Scour garage sales, classified ads and online postings for deals on used gym equipment and weights.

3. Assess your fitness goals. If you are a runner and don't do much lifting, it would be silly to load up your gym with lots of weight benches. Instead, invest that money in a great treadmill. If yoga is your thing, then you may prefer a serene and tranquil room that is not stuffed with equipment. A mat, a yoga block and some candles may be all you need. If you aren't sure what kind of equipment you should get, try signing up for some personal training sessions first. Your trainer can help you determine which equipment will help you meet your goals.

4. Equip the room with any extras you may need to optimize your workout. A stereo with some of your favorite music will help keep you motivated as you work out. You may also want to install a mirror if you like to check your form while you are lifting. A supply of towels and water bottles can prevent you from having to make several trips if you forget something.

References

• Fuel the Mind: Home Gym Design Guide

Resources

• Families: Setting Up a Home Gym