Eating right and staying active – it is no doubt that these two things are essential for living long, happy, healthy lives, although it’s sometimes hard to find the time and willpower to make them the priorities they should be. Eating right can be a daily struggle, but getting in the recommended 30 minutes of daily activity can often seem like the ultimate challenge. For those who are considering creating an at-home gym, here are a few things you should consider:

Where is the best place to house the new at-home gym?
Finding a place to house your at-home gym is sometimes the most difficult part. Having a spare room that can be converted into an exercise space is usually the easiest and most cost effective way to create an at-home gym. If you have the luxury of adding additional square footage to you home, creating a gym from the ground up can ensure the space is the adequate size for everything you want and need. If you do not have an extra bedroom or the option of adding onto your home, you may need to consider what space within your home can be shared to accommodate the new addition. For example, people may have either a large office or family room with enough space to house both the previous purpose and the new gym. Not all home gyms require a large amount of space. The needed space will mostly be dependent on what type of equipment you want to use. Some people prefer to have small, compact items that can easily be stored away and others may prefer larger pieces of equipment that are more typical of what is found in an actual gym. Regardless, if you choose a big or small exercise space, all that really matters is that you now have the opportunity to exercise within your own home anytime you’d like – making 30 minutes of daily exercise less of a challenge.

Who will be using the gym?
In order for the new space to function at its fullest potential, you have to consider who will utilize the new exercise space and what their needs are. Have everyone who is interested in using the space take time to evaluate what they would like the space to be. Once everyone has decided what they want, work together to consolidate everyone’s needs into a space that is versatile enough for everyone to use.

What type of equipment will be needed?
The type of equipment you choose to put into the new gym will need to reflect three important factors: 1) the amount of space you have 2) your budget and 3) those who will be using the new space. If space is limited and the equipment needs to accommodate a number of people consider buying equipment that is multi-functional. Exercise equipment such as the Total Gym (www.totalgymdirect.com) can provide everything from serious strength training to Pilate’s workouts all with one compact piece of equipment – a perfect piece for those with multiple needs and little space. Another thing to consider when purchasing equipment – make sure you enjoy the activity enough to actually use the equipment. For example, there is no sense in buying a treadmill if you don’t even like to run. Try to choose equipment that is reflective of the activities you really enjoy doing.

What other things will I need to complete my at-home gym?
Once again, what you have in your gym is entirely up to you, but there are some basic items that can really complete an exercise space. As a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, the following are a few things I think every exercise space should have.

• An Exercise Mat: A mat can be used for everything from stretching and yoga to crunches and floor exercises – in my opinion it’s a gym must-have. It will easily become the least expensive and most utilized item in your entire gym.

• A Set of Free Weights: The great thing about free weights is that you can do so many different types of exercises with them. You can easily workout your entire body with one pair of free weights. No matter how much fitness facilities have evolved over the years, free weights have never become outdated. One pair of free weights is all you really need but having three pairs at three different weights (light, medium and heavy) can provide you with the most variety.

• A Stability Ball: Stability balls are great for building core muscles, which are essential for so many reasons. Having a strong core will not only make you stronger all over, it also helps prevent injury by giving your spine additional support. You can perform strength-training exercises on the ball, use it for deeper stretching or use it to relieve lower back pain.

• A Radio: For some people, working out in silence is what works best for them but for me, there’s nothing like some 80s rock to get me through a difficult routine.