If it's the basement that just freed up, this is probably the best place to create your personal home gym.
First, ensure you have enough room to accommodate all the cardio equipment and weight machines you want.
"They need to have a minimum of 84 inches of height, because some equipment is quite tall," says Mitchel Melnuck, retail manager of Smooth Fitness in Toronto.
When it comes to cardio machines, Melnuck says the most reliable brands are Vision Fitness, True Fitness, Octane, Cybex and Schwinn - all available at Smooth Fitness. The most popular machines on the market today are elliptical trainers (starting at $1,000), followed by treadmills ($1,000 to $2,000) and stationary bikes (from $500).
For weight-training machines, Melnuck cites Body-Solid, Hoist and Bowflex as the top contenders in the marketplace.
"These companies make universal machines that work every single muscle group but don't take up that much space," he says.
The more machines you're able to include, say Melnuck, the more you can simulate the cross-training environment found in a public gym. "This kind of setup enables multiple users to work out together - the husband can use the bike while the wife uses the treadmill."
If you have the space, install a TV in the room to follow aerobics and yoga videos, or to minimize monotony when using cardio machines.
Finally, implement substantial lighting. Halogen or pot lights works well, Melnuck says and recommends using mirrors so that you can monitor your progress.
To prevent the room from turning into a sweatbox, pay attention to ventilation. AC or a series of oscillating fans will keep the room cool and moisture-free. Some middle-of-the-road treadmills also come equipped with their own fans.
Protect your floor against the strain of machinery and heavy weights by installing a thick, sturdy mat. Melnuck recommends Premium brand 85-lb., three-quarter-inch thick rubber mats.
"You want to duplicate the gym atmosphere in your home as much as possible and make it user friendly," Melnuck says.
If your kids still haven't flown the coop it doesn't mean you have to completely shelve your fantasy room plans. Start filling a file folder with notes on what you want your dream room to look like, the equipment you'll need, and clippings of magazine pictures by which to model your room.
Also, draft a rough estimate of the time and money you'll need to invest, and perhaps even start up a dream room fun. The more legwork you do now, the easier your project will be down the road.
Sharon Aschaiek is a freenlance writer and writes about home decor, gardening and lifestyle trends. She can be contacted at sharon@summitmediagroup.com
