recumbent exercise bike rower image
Olive Sorc
I'm redoing my basement. There are several women in my house -- teenager, 20 somethings and even a 50-year old who all want to do some sort of workout.
Is there a book on the topic of designing an at-home gym. I don't mind spending the money on the equipment but I don't want to waste time and money if it isn't going to be used.
What equipment should I buy -- stationary bike, treadmill, rower? What about flooring? I was thinking of getting a TV and dvd recorder to encourage its use.
I thought about putting in a counter for a water jug and maybe even a refrigerator.
Would you recommend a fan?
Should I mirror a wall? Like a ballet studio.
Answer
Great for you, so you want a home gym in the basement to be used by mostly the females. I don't know what your budget is but I've put together some recommendations that might give you some ideas.
Necessary:
*A floor that gives, you can use rubber flooring or cork tiles (very popular these days);
*Yes, a water dispenser or a small refrigerator to stock with water and power snacks is an excellent idea;
*A high quality air purifier and air purifying plants will keep the air in your basement safe to breath and nice smelling;
* A bench for breaks.
The Essentials:
*A CD Player or MP3 Player at the very least is a good investment; Although not necessary a DVD player with plasma screen will also kill two birds with one stone, it also functions as a CD Player;
*Motivational posters and pictures set in a nice frame will give you all something to work towards;
*Yes mirrors are another great idea, put in place after you have purchased your equipment, so that you know where best to put it. It will help everyone watch their posture at a glance.
*A cabinet or dresser can act as the perfect place to store towels, cleaners, mats, jump ropes, etc.
Equipment: (My own top 10 List)
1. A Rebounder (also available with a stabilization bar) is possibly the most important equipment you can own. If I were to list all the things rebounding can do for you, it would be hard to believe. http://www.healthbounce.com/33ways.htm
2. A punching bag is a great use for the corner of your home gym and is great aerobic and strength exercise for men and women.
3. An exercise ball will help strengthen your core and is the best exercise to build abs, better then crunches according to Consumer Reports;
4. A Pilates or stretching mat, get a good book on the topic. Fantastic, to start and end your workouts with.
5. Stationary recumbent bikes are easier on your backside and more pleasurable to ride then the standard upright. Great for cardio and endurance.
6. Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells have revolutionized free weight workouts. One pair of dumbbells replaces up to 34 individual free weights: http://www.bowflexselecttech.com/
Nautilus makes one also.
7. The Total Gym is as good as advertised. You can do Pilates on it.
8. You should have a workout station Bowflex and Nautilus have one that would be great in your home.
9. A weighted jump rope.
10. An indoor rower. Good: http://www.waterrower.com/
Extras:
1. Infrared (better some say) or Steam Sauna; do your research.
2. A hydrotherapy shower room, 10 times better then a whirlpool I think.
3. Light your basement with 'full spectrum lighting' which is therapeutic and energy saving.
I hope these will give you some idea's that you can use.
Great for you, so you want a home gym in the basement to be used by mostly the females. I don't know what your budget is but I've put together some recommendations that might give you some ideas.
Necessary:
*A floor that gives, you can use rubber flooring or cork tiles (very popular these days);
*Yes, a water dispenser or a small refrigerator to stock with water and power snacks is an excellent idea;
*A high quality air purifier and air purifying plants will keep the air in your basement safe to breath and nice smelling;
* A bench for breaks.
The Essentials:
*A CD Player or MP3 Player at the very least is a good investment; Although not necessary a DVD player with plasma screen will also kill two birds with one stone, it also functions as a CD Player;
*Motivational posters and pictures set in a nice frame will give you all something to work towards;
*Yes mirrors are another great idea, put in place after you have purchased your equipment, so that you know where best to put it. It will help everyone watch their posture at a glance.
*A cabinet or dresser can act as the perfect place to store towels, cleaners, mats, jump ropes, etc.
Equipment: (My own top 10 List)
1. A Rebounder (also available with a stabilization bar) is possibly the most important equipment you can own. If I were to list all the things rebounding can do for you, it would be hard to believe. http://www.healthbounce.com/33ways.htm
2. A punching bag is a great use for the corner of your home gym and is great aerobic and strength exercise for men and women.
3. An exercise ball will help strengthen your core and is the best exercise to build abs, better then crunches according to Consumer Reports;
4. A Pilates or stretching mat, get a good book on the topic. Fantastic, to start and end your workouts with.
5. Stationary recumbent bikes are easier on your backside and more pleasurable to ride then the standard upright. Great for cardio and endurance.
6. Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells have revolutionized free weight workouts. One pair of dumbbells replaces up to 34 individual free weights: http://www.bowflexselecttech.com/
Nautilus makes one also.
7. The Total Gym is as good as advertised. You can do Pilates on it.
8. You should have a workout station Bowflex and Nautilus have one that would be great in your home.
9. A weighted jump rope.
10. An indoor rower. Good: http://www.waterrower.com/
Extras:
1. Infrared (better some say) or Steam Sauna; do your research.
2. A hydrotherapy shower room, 10 times better then a whirlpool I think.
3. Light your basement with 'full spectrum lighting' which is therapeutic and energy saving.
I hope these will give you some idea's that you can use.
What fitness equipment should I get?
Saralahala
I would like to lose 50 lbs. I've already got my diet changed and have been sticking with that for the past 2 months or so and it seems to be working. Now I am looking into buying some fitness equipment so I can get in good workouts at home (I have no intention of joining a gym) and I would like to know which stuff works best. Treadmill, elliptical, jump rope? Whatever is the most effective for weight loss really. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!
Answer
Saralahalawawa,
The honest answer to this question is very dependent upon you. There is no one size fits all equipment option that best suits you needs.
For the intro user I would highly suggest cardio equipment. While a treadmill can help you lose weight quickly, the impact on your joints (knees, hips, and lower back) can be more substantial versus an elliptical trainer, or a recumbent bike.
For the most intense workout and to shed weight the most effective way I would recommend products that incorporate total body movement to allow parts of your body to be exercised and all your muscles to burn fat.
In my personal option you should take a look at indoor rowers, Jacobs Ladder, and possibly a VersaClimber.
P.S. If you want the most intense workout at home, you can invest in a StairMaster Stepmill - depending on your cardio level 15-30 minutes will be enough to make you cry :-)
Saralahalawawa,
The honest answer to this question is very dependent upon you. There is no one size fits all equipment option that best suits you needs.
For the intro user I would highly suggest cardio equipment. While a treadmill can help you lose weight quickly, the impact on your joints (knees, hips, and lower back) can be more substantial versus an elliptical trainer, or a recumbent bike.
For the most intense workout and to shed weight the most effective way I would recommend products that incorporate total body movement to allow parts of your body to be exercised and all your muscles to burn fat.
In my personal option you should take a look at indoor rowers, Jacobs Ladder, and possibly a VersaClimber.
P.S. If you want the most intense workout at home, you can invest in a StairMaster Stepmill - depending on your cardio level 15-30 minutes will be enough to make you cry :-)
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