The basement space in most homes is generally reserved for one of a couple of key purposes. Since most people prefer bedrooms at the ground level or higher because of better lighting and less likelihood of a cold, damp atmosphere, the basement rooms are often used for storage . Most people won’t even turn them into guest rooms if they have space elsewhere in the house. And if the basement is unfinished, forget about it; it’s almost certain to house stacks of boxes full of holiday decorations, old clothes, seasonal sports equipment, and the like. And downstairs areas that are finished are most likely to become play rooms for the kids (because who cares if they get thrashed) or a get turned into a second living room (that only gets used when both kids and adults want to have their own movie nights). So if you’re looking to transform your basement in a truly spectacular fashion, here are just a few ideas to try on for size.

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1. Exercise room.

Whether you’re interested in bulking up with a full set of weights and machines that you might find in a gym, you’d prefer to install mirrored walls and a ballet bar, or you’d rather get your Zen on with a tranquil yoga studio (complete with an inversion wall), you can use your massive basement to create a perfect workout space in your home.

2. Home theater.

Sure you could set up a sizeable monitor, a couch, and a few beanbag chairs in the basement for the kids to use when you don’t want to watch their movies, but why not let the kids commandeer the upstairs family room while the adults take full advantage of the spacious basement to create a comprehensive home theater? You needn’t go all out with crazy carpeting and drapes that sweep aside at the touch of a remote, but you can definitely put in a giant TV (or even a projector), tiered theater seating (with the inclusion of a platform), a state-of-the-art surround sound system, and heck, even an old-timey popcorn machine. So keep the kids upstairs and turn the basement into your film-watching sanctuary.

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3. Man cave. 

All men really want is a place to watch the big game, pour an Old Fashioned, smoke a cigar, and perhaps play a game of pool. At least, that’s what some men want. Whether you’re looking to imbue your basement with the atmosphere of a traditional boys club or you’d rather create a video game haven for you and your bros, the basement can provide you with the space to do it where the wife and kids don’t have to put up with the noise and smell.

4. Play room.

Okay, so it’s easy enough to throw a craft table and some toy bins in the basement, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your kids will want to play there. If you want to make the space attractive to children (and confine their noise and toys to one area), use bright paint on the walls, install plenty of lighting instead of a single, naked bulb, put in plush carpeting for them to roll around on, and basically turn the space into a fantasy land with furnishings, art, and amenities that will keep kids busy for hours on end.

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5. Rental unit.

Passive income is a great way to supplement your earnings, but you will likely need to spend some money up front on basement finishing in order to make your basement rental unit a reality. In truth, you’ll have to check in with your zoning board to ensure that you obtain proper permits and meet all requirements (like the addition of a kitchenette and a dedicated entryway). But if you’re not currently using this space, why not make a little money off it?

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Like thousands of people around the world the global economic climate has forced many people to cut expenses such as gym memberships, magazine subscriptions and nights out on the town. As people now have less disposable income, home owners are tenants are looking at different ways to stay fit in and around the home. If you are considering revamping your home to incorporate gym equipment into a space, consider these thoughts and limitations you may face in the future.

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Potential Pitfalls

The idea of a home gym may sound perfect, you can work out in privacy on your own schedule.  Before you start de-cluttering your home and selling unwanted furniture you need to consider the health and safety aspects of your project. Remember if you are exercising at home alone you need to consider what equipment is too dangerous to work with by yourself, weights and benches can often be the most dangerous to a user and the household if your space is on the second or third floor. Weights can trap a user and they can also cause some hefty damage if dropped. The consideration of equipment must not be taken likely, this is as each year 5 to 12 deaths are reported from weight training. Usually the cause of death is suffocation from dropping the bar across the neck during the bench press.

The Space

Gym equipment can quickly fill the largest of spaces, working out how much space you have to utilise should be your first port of call before you purchase any treadmills or running machines. There are a few good gym planners online which can help you plan your room layout, this will help your determine the positioning of your fitness equipment and the extra space you need for working out.

One of the greatest failures when creating a home gym is the failure to leave enough space, many people forget they need extra space around equipment to work. Windows and doors often can get in the way of working space, never place equipment near an opening door as other people can enter at any time, potentially causing a risk to you whilst running or weight training. Another thing to remember is that when you have sorted out the layout and dimensions of your space, consider the access to the room. You will need to have enough space to install and carry the equipment in to your room, without enough room to erect your gym items your room will be a waste of time. Once you have a few items in your space remember that may require different levels of power, you need to ensure your space is electrically sound before using any fitness equipment.

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Potential Costs & Equipment

As disused in the first paragraph, setting up a home gym is more economical over the long term.  In the short term you will need to consider invest ing new gym equipment or second hand items.  Depending on your overall fitness goals you may want to consider adding different workout elements into your space to create a complete home gym:

• Resistiveapparatus will help you build muscle (Multi Gyms, Squat & Bench press or  Power racks)
• Cardiovascular apparatus is great for weight loss (Stationary bike, rowing machine, or treadmill)
• Gym Accessories are great for various workouts (Exercise mat, tone tubes, gym ball, power grips, or sit up bars

The amount you spend on creating your own home gym can be as little or as much as you want. It’s always advisable to learn the techniques required for purchasing fitness equipment, this will help you for possibly causing damage to yourself and your home.  It is always best to ask for advice on home renovation, if you have any question take to fitness forums as many people will have properly had the same problems as you are having.

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With the statistics on obesity of paramount concern these days, many families are looking for ways to improve their overall health by eating better and getting fit, and often that requires making some major changes since many of us lead a sedentary lifestyle. In terms of diet, most people understand that this means cutting out fast food and preservatives in favor of fresh, natural items. But when it comes to exercise, many families hit a wall. Kids may not be old enough to gain membership at a gym and many parents simply don’t have the time or inclination to play sports with their children (at least not frequently). So what’s the happy medium? Why not think about setting aside some space for a home gym? Here are just a few design tips that will help you to make your fitness goals a reality.

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1.    Consider the needs of all

This is a good place to start when it comes to design. Even if you were only making a space for you and your spouse, one might be keen on cardio and yoga while the other prefers weight training. And when you throw kids into the mix you have the added frustration of planning for physical activities that they’ll find appealing as well as tailoring the space to their smaller size. So start your venture by sitting down with the whole family to find out what each person’s interests are before you start buying equipment willy-nilly.

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2.    Foundation

The basics in any room are flooring, walls, and lighting. When it comes to flooring, you can pretty easily prepare for activity with interlocking tile mats. This foam rubber is cushy enough to absorb the shock of a dropped weight as well as keep you comfortable when you have to kneel or lay down to exercise. It’s also easy to install, clean, and replace. As for walls, consider a bright color to inspire energy and think about adding glassless mirror panels that will allow you to check your form without the possibility of damage if you accidentally launch a Kettlebell at one. And make sure there is plenty of bright lighting for safety reasons.

3.    Safety

This is of paramount importance, especially where kids are concerned. If you want to house heavy weights and machinery in your home gym, make sure they are locked up so that kids can’t hurt themselves. Keep your weight rack in a locked cage and opt for machinery that you can password protect to keep kids from using it. Also, make sure that you have necessary padding, belts, gloves, and other safety gear on hand for whoever needs it.

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4.    Equipment

Machines are large and expensive, so think about ways you can stretch your budget with other types of equipment. A jump rope, a heavy bag, and a bike stand (that makes your regular bike stationary) are all good cardio options. As for weights, consider discs, which can go on a variety of bars. When it comes to the kids, make this the only room in the house where they can toss a ball (and include plenty). Finally, make sure to include provisions for stretching, such as yoga mats and stretchy bands.

5.    Technology

It’s not like you have to include a nursing informatics system to monitor and track your family’s health. But you can do more than install a TV and DVD player to meet your fitness needs. Think about hooking up a laptop to your entertainment system to access online fitness information (like workout videos), installing game stations for the kids that come with interactive fitness activities (Wii, Xbox Kinect, etc.), and even using your smartphone or tablet to access apps that can help you work out smarter.

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Although engaging in home renovations might sound like an expensive or painstaking process, switching up your home design doesn’t have to break the bank or cause undue stress. You don’t have to spend a lot of money or time to reimagine a room that was once occupied by children or a surplus of household goods. Whether you use your spare bedroom for exercise, work, or recreation, get the most out of a space that is now empty and available. Here are a few ideas for rooms you can create.

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1. Home gym

Setting up a personal gym is a great way to add convenience to your life and eliminate any excuses you might have for never getting to the gym. Treadmills or ellipticals will help you with your cardio routine, just as a yoga mat, hand weights, and stability ball aid in core strengthening. Save yourself membership fees, the need to pack (or even have) a gym bag, and having to use scratchy, over-bleached towels. Install laminate floors or carpet squares and add a fresh coat of paint to the walls in a shade that will invigorate you and inspire regular workouts. Work out in peace, knowing that you can walk, run, lift, or stretch at your own pace.

2. Creative zone

Everyone needs a good getaway room where they can do some writing, organize family photos, meditate, or manage an art-based business. If you have young children, think about making the room an adults-only space to help it stay a calm place where you can go for some private time to work or create. If setting up a home-based business, your home improvement costs might just be tax-deductible. Turn a closet into a place for shelving, supply storage, or even for a file cabinet. If the closet is big enough, you can take off the doors and push a small desk inside to maximize a small space.

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3. Game room

A game room is great when it comes time to hang out with friends or family. Consider game-themed decorations, like Scrabble pillows or a Twister mat replica painted on the floor. Accessories like a pool table with a table tennis cover, a folding table and chairs for a card or board game, or a dartboard will all go to great use. You might even be interested in including retro arcade games and couple of recliners for a proper man cave feel. Should you put your home on the market in the future, a nice set-up can make your home very attractive to potential buyers who will likely imagine themselves competing in a billiards tournament or racking up a triple-word Scrabble score.

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Whatever you end up doing with your newfound space, make sure it’s a place where you feel comfortable. Don’t skimp; make the most of a fresh design opportunity. Just remember that a restyle doesn’t necessarily mean laying out hundreds of dollars. Start with fresh paint, new-to-you furniture in good condition from a thrift store, and accents in a complementary color. Before you know it, your spare bedroom will become new again.

Holly Watson is a full-time student who enjoys blogging for Sears and other great brands she enjoys. She is an avid runner and bookworm.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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