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
Image via: Solar Novo
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
Image via: Shelterness
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
Image via: HGTV
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.
Receive Stagetecture's Daily Lifestyle Ideas
FREE - Daily emails with recipes, home decor, D.I.Y, and lifestyle tips! : ) Who doesn't need help?
Great article, love the look of the home gyms you have featured here, wish i had the space. When i started to workout for bulk i couldnt understand why i wasn’t making the gains i wanted, i couldn’t OR do more, i was pushing myself to the limit but couldn’t gain weight, just got trimmer and slimmer, then i read an old book on Bodybuilding, eventually i figured out i was doing wayyy too much, so i cut back on the frequency and amount of time training, and then the weight and bulk came. I see a lot of young lads making the same mistake with the same results, and they’re busting a nut trying to get bigger. So that’s a VERY important part of your article ‘tailoring diet with your workouts’…..this can’t be emphasized enough!
Yes I agree. Those home gyms look lovely and would definitely motivate anyone to use them. I too don’t have the space. My neighbour converted their garage and with more lighting I think its looks good. TV is a must and don’t forget mirrors.