How you plan and set up your workout area will play a big part in achieving your results. Here are some tips for creating a functional, motivating space in your home.
Whether you plan to use an area in your basement, a spare room, or the space above the garage, before you make any other decisions—think ahead. When you are visualizing where you’ll put a new exercise bike, treadmill or home gym, put yourself in the picture as well. What can you do to make your space an inviting, practical and fitness-friendly place—a place you’ll want to be?TIP #2: BEGIN WITH THE TAPE- MEASURE
Guesstimating your space is not a good idea. No two pieces of exercise equipment have the same footprint. If you’re considering a home gym, some models are 7 feet tall. You really do need to know the dimensions of the space you have available. Any of our sales consultants can provide you with dimensions for our equipment.
You don’t need an architect’s blueprint—a simple sketch will do, as long as you show the dimensions. Your plan will help your fitness adviser guide you in your selection of your ideal equipment.
Carpet, hardwood or concrete floors are not suitable for your workout area. We recommend a rubber mat or rubber click-together flooring, available at The Great Esacpe. Rubber absorbs impact, reduces noise and vibration, cleans quickly and easily, and won’t retain perspiration odor. And, importantly, it will protect your new machine from loose carpet fibers.
A gloomy, stuffy exercise space is a certain motivation-killer. Consider how natural and artificial light will work. Also consider using a dehumidifier or humidifier to keep your exercise environment just so… or possibly an exhaust fan to keep the air fresh and circulating.
Nothing makes time go by faster than losing yourself in your favorite TV show while you work on your cardio. With a TV, you can also incorporate exercise videos into your workouts. The latest trend is to mount a personal LCD screen, with DVD player, right on your cardio machine for one-on-one interactive entertainment!
Tape down any loose electrical cords. Use a power strip if you'll be plugging in several items. If you have young children, make sure you have a place to stow dumbbells, medicine balls, and anything that little feet might trip on. Also consider what storage you’ll need for things such as towels, shoes, and workout gear.
Just ask. We’re here to help with professional advice. At The Great Escape, our job is to get you the fitness results you’re seeking. We’re here to act as your personal mentor through the entire process of bringing fitness into your home — before, during, and after you make any purchase decision. When you have your basic floor plan in hand, or even just the basic measurements, come on in to your local The Great Escape store, and consult with one of our home fitness professionals. (And don’t forget to bring your sneakers for test-driving different types and models of equipment.)
