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Posted: 23 Nov 2011 02:46 AM PST
Guest Blogger #266, Entry #776, November 23, 2011
If you’re like most people, the New
Year will bring with it yet another resolution to A) lose
weight, B) get in shape, or C) both. And yet, you rarely use the gym
membership that you purchased years ago (you just don’t
have time and the machines are always full, right?) and the
exercise bike you’ve been storing in the garage has a layer of dust that
tells you it’s been out of use for longer than you’d like to
admit. So instead of paying lip-service to your health this year,
why not take the steps necessary to follow through by turning your
unused basement into a home gym? Here are a few
tips to help you get started.
Fight holiday weight gain by installing a home gym
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Make space for your new gym
For one thing, you’ll need to clear a space. If your basement is currently being used as a catchall for your clutter, it’s time to devote a weekend to clearing out the space; keep what you can use immediately, throw out items that are unusable, and donate the rest. Once the space is clear, you should assess what assets you have and what you’ll need to improve or fill in. Has the space been dry walled or are you looking at exposed studs? Is there adequate lighting? Is the floor carpeted or are you standing on concrete? The answers to these questions can help you to determine the cost and effort needed to turn this into a usable space.Finishing the space
You’ll want to start by finishing the room. This means installing drywall and flooring, both of which you can probably do on your own, although it will certainly be easier to hire a contractor for the walls. If the walls are already finished, you can turn to the issue of flooring. At the very least you should consider putting in subflooring for the purpose of insulation (basements can get pretty chilly). From there you could lay carpet, wood flooring, laminate, or even interlocking rubber tiles (that spongy flooring found in most gym facilities). The latter will almost certainly be the easiest to tackle on your own.
Design your home gym with your lifestyle in mind
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Lighting
Next you’ll want to ensure that there is adequate lighting, and as long as there is a light fixture, this shouldn’t be a problem (since you can install whatever type of lighting you prefer). Then it’s just a matter of considering what you want in your space. If you have the money, you can certainly purchase professional machinery. If you go this route, consider a machine that will be easy on your joints, like an elliptical or an exercise bike. Then get yourself some basic hand weights (or a more complete set if bulking is your goal). You may also want to include equipment for cross-training, like a punching bag or a Pilates ball. And since you’re probably going to want a TV, think about getting a Wii or an Xbox with the Kinect. Both provide programming that will let you have fun while you work out.
Ensure there is proper lighting in your home gym
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Of course, exercise is only part of
the equation. If you don’t tailor your diet to work with your workouts,
you’ll have a much harder time reaching your
goals. So consider counting calories, joining a diet program,
and/or adding weight loss supplements to
your regimen if you’re looking to shed unwanted pounds. You can even look into substitutions; the best meal
replacement shakes will help you to get the nutrients you need
with far less caloric intake. Or if you’re looking to bulk, consider
adding protein shakes to your daily diet as a way
to get the fuel you need without simultaneously increasing your
fat or sugar consumption. A joint concentration on diet and exercise
will help you to reach your fitness goals more
quickly, and a home gym could be the first step to a new you.
For more home ideas on Stagetecture, click here.
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