Expert Advice: Home Gyms
Never let them see you sweat
By Beth Anne Piehl
Photography by G. Randall Goss
There’s just one caveat for setting up a home gym: Simply buying the equipment doesn’t count — you have to actually use it to get results.
Staying motivated is one challenge of working out at home, though many homeowners seem up to the task these days. Roughly one-third of new and potential U.S. homebuyers now say an exercise room is either essential or desirable, according to a recent report from the National Association of Home Builders, based in Washington, D.C.
Convenience and privacy both come into play when setting up a fitness room.
“The majority of our customers try to make working out as easy and convenient as possible,” said Christian Janssens, owner of Latitude 45, with locations in Petoskey and Gaylord. The stores are known for road bikes and also a large selection of home workout equipment. “Having a workout room in your home allows you to be flexible and fit exercise into what your busy schedule will allow.
“Let’s face it,” he continued, “with kids, careers, home maintenance and the necessity of sleep, exercise often takes a backseat for many of us.”
That sounds like a lot of work right there. Isn’t that enough “at-home” exercise? Apparently not.
“The benefits of consistent physical fitness are vast and do nothing but enhance everything in someone’s life,” Janssens said. “Our customers know this and by setting up their fitness area in their homes, they are setting themselves up to succeed.”
In designating home gym space, many Northern Michigan home-owners capitalize on lake and forest vistas and design within glass-enclosed rooms. Big screen TVs and top-of-the-line in-home music systems also help keep adrenaline pumping.
Installing a variety of equipment helps, too. Latitude 45 carries treadmills, ellipticals, recumbent bikes, spin bikes and Airdyne bikes, plus fitness accessories. Brands include Schwinn, Nautilus, Stairmaster and Horizon.
“The most-often purchased product for home fitness rooms is still a treadmill, but elliptical trainers are a close second and gaining,” Janssens said.
Home gyms can give wallets a workout, but there’s also no monthly membership fees, commute to a facility and you don’t have to share. Yet the national homebuilders group notes that cost doesn’t seem to be an issue with the baby boomer generation in particular, as they’re demanding health-conscious amenities such as gyms, spas and meditation rooms.
Another motivating factor, of course, could be they’ll live longer by working out and staying in shape to enjoy the rest of their hard-earned savings.
In other words, prosper — and live long.
Christian’s Top 5
Looking to set up a home gym? Christian Janssens, owner of Latitude 45 in Petoskey, suggests installing the following equipment:
1. A multi-station home gym with stacked weights: “This would ideally be a machine that allows you to work all muscles groups, and the quality models start in the $1,600 range.”
2. An elliptical: “The hottest piece of cardio equipment out there — zero impact and a full body cardiovascular workout.”
3. Treadmill: “The staple. Great for running or walking and ideally comes with an impact-dampening deck to reduce stress on the joints.”
4. Indoor fitness bike: “For those with lower back issues or looking to recline a bit, a recumbent is the way to go. For those looking to kick up the pace and train more like they are outdoors on a real bike, a spin bike or everyday bicycle hooked up to an indoor trainer would both work great.”
5. Two less-thought-of essentials: A large mirror and some great music - “The mirror should be at least 5 feet tall. Yes, vanity plays a role here, but good vanity equals motivation. The music is a must. Whether it’s your iPod, a good stereo or the television tuned to your favorite program, the extra stimulation takes your mind off of the exercise and helps you to do it longer.”
Work it
In 2006, 25.7 million Americans reported working out in a home gym, a 30 percent increase from 2000, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association in Washington, D.C. Sales of sporting equipment, apparel and footwear in the U.S. totaled $114.5 billion in 2006, up 7.6 percent over 2005.
HomeLife Magazine » Issues » September and October 2007 » Home Gyms