Posted by Kay Grant on May 27, 2010 12:02 p.m.
Are you currently using your “home gym” as a “home laundry service,” hanging your delicates over the treadmill & pantyhose on the arms of the elliptical? Do you avoid the basement stairs like the plague because just thinking about the instruments of torture in the dark, dank basement makes you cringe?
When starting or maintaining an exercise routine, there are many factors to consider when trying to maximize our results. Not only do we have to have the perfect outfit (something flattering but functional), but we also have to think about our environment. So, let’s do an “environmental inventory.”
1. Do you have dedicated space in your home for a workout? This doesn’t have to be a 1,000 square foot luxury exercise spa, complete with treadmill, elliptical, every gadget from every infomercial and 20 sets of dumbbells. All you really need is about an 8’x8’ space to have room to move around, depending on your type of exercise.
2. What kind of exercise do you like? This is important to help you stick with your fitness regimen. Do you like following work-out videos? Do you like following FIT TV on cable? Or do you strictly throw on the headphones and hit one machine for cardio and one type of equipment for strength training (they’re both equally important). How much space you really need is dictated by the type of equipment you like and the size of your budget.
3. What is your budget? Some pieces of equipment, such as a stationary bike or stair-climber, require a little bit of an investment. You want them to last, and be comfortable. However, if you do your research, and find a brand you trust, you may be able to find your “dream machine” through eBay.com, at a garage sale, Craig’s List, or from a friend. Dumbbells and resistance bands are another story. A weight is a weight. You could even use things around the house such as milk jugs (you can adjust the weight this way), heavy books, etc. You can use your treadmill as an anchor for your resistance bands. And yes, you can even do resistance training with an exercise ball (make certain you get the size ball that is appropriate for your height). An exercise ball is another area it’s ok to splurge in – no need to injure yourself while working out on a ball that isn’t heavy-duty plastic and will burst!
4. What is your personal decorating style? Don’t let this intimidate you. You decorate your bedroom, living room and every other room to reflect your personality, right? You’ll only spend time in your personal exercise space if it’s as inviting and inspiring as the other rooms in your house. So, why not go all out and decorate your workout space in a bright, energetic color that you love? Go a step further and paint your favorite inspirational and motivational sayings on the wall (adhesive letters work great too). Remind yourself that you’re worth it!
You can also find colorful and inspirational posters to help you stay motivated. Even better, be your own inspiration by creating a “dream board” or “dream wall” and use paint, magazine, and newspaper clippings of your favorite things or ideas of how you want to improve on the already fabulous you.
If your home gym is in your basement, you probably don’t have a lot of windows for natural light down there. So lighting should also be a consideration. Lots of light will not only help you see what you’re doing (you are watching your form in the floor length mirror, right?), the brightness can help you stay positive and upbeat.
Staying organized is also key. Using colorful containers and furniture pieces to store your equipment is another way to maintain the longevity of your equipment and keep it out of sight or show it off! Don’t think you can keep a treadmill in the living room if that’s the only space you have? Why not? Guests may be inspired by your dedication when they see your equipment. Or if you really want to get creative, you can make a colorful throw or cover to hide it.
Creating a space conducive to home exercise should be treated just as any other important space in your home. It is your own space, just for you, to do something good for yourself.