So the economy has you rethinking that gym membership, and now you’d like to start working out at home – but you don’t know where to put all that cumbersome exercise equipment. Or perhaps, you already have the equipment, but your NordicTrack has become just another interesting focal point in the family room and your exercise bike serves as a clothes tree in your bedroom.

With careful space planning and the addition of few items of comfort and inspiration, you can create a functional exercise area that will support you in your physical fitness, as well as be an integral part of your home’s décor.

FIRST, GET REAL
The first step in planning an exercise area in your home is to carefully and honestly examine your physical fitness routine.

Are you really going to use this equipment, or are you just fooling yourself? If there’s any doubt, save yourself time, money and guilty feelings; don’t buy any equipment or change your home to accommodate it! If you already own unused equipment, move it out and reclaim the space.

If you don’t use the equipment often, is it because:

• It’s not easily accessible. It is a hassle to drag it out and put it back. It is hard to get to.
• You get bored when using it
• You don’t have enough space to comfortably move about.

How often will you use the equipment?

• How much inconvenience are you willing to put up with to get to it or to store it in between uses?
• What would you like to have close by to increase your comfort level?

WORKING OUT THE SPACE
Next assess what equipment you have, or plan to obtain, and the existing space you have to work with.

How many pieces of equipment do you have and what is the minimum amount of space needed to use each one? Measure the footprint of each piece, plus space needed to maneuver on and off it, and space you need to do floor or chair exercises.

For those on a budget, there are two options for placing your equipment: converting an entire room or taking over part of a room.

CONSIDER CONVERSION POSSIBILITIES
• If you only have guests once a year, but you exercise daily, why not convert your guest room into a spa?
• Is your laundry or utility room large enough for a wall rack for free weights and for your exercise bike?
• Could you park one car in the garage, carpet the other half and arrange your equipment there?
• Could you cover a porch and set up your equipment there?
• Is the upstairs landing large enough?
• Could you drywall the attic or cellar, add an outlet, and, voila, your own gym?

MAXING OUT
If you can devote an entire room to fitness, go whole hog:

• Mount a TV from one of the corners.
• Place a floor fan in the corner or, better yet, install a ceiling fan.
• Add an etagere or bookshelves and use it to store fitness accessories, such as your stereo and favorite CDs, power bars, head bands, stacks of towels, water bottle, aroma therapy viles and a fitness log and special pen for recording your progress.
• If you’re not a TV watcher, arrange your exer-cycle or treadmill so that it faces a pleasing view. Add flowers or a bird feeder outside the window, or place an inspirational piece of art or affirmations on the wall in your line of sight.
• Place hooks on the wall for your robe, jump rope, etc.
• Bring in a scale and make yourself a fancy chart to graph your weight or measurements.

If you don’t have the luxury of devoting an entire room to exercise, make an existing space do double-duty. How about:

• Under the staircase
• In half of the guest room or the den
• In a corner of the family room or living room
• In a slot between a dresser and a chair in the master bedroom. Can you pull it out as needed?
• The little-used dining room. Move the table against the wall and keep your equipment out in the open.
• A closet. Drag out your equipment the three times a week you exercise.

If you can’t stand seeing the equipment out in your living space, conceal it with a decorative folding screen, room partition (like those used in offices) or a rolling shade hung from the ceiling.

• Store loose pieces of equipment in a ceramic or brass pot, an antique chest, or a basket with a lid.
• Hang a gilt or painted mirror for you to check out your form.

Convenient placement of your equipment, and keeping yourself entertained and comfortable while working out can keep you exercising regularly. Have fun setting up a gym in your home!