Home gyms can make exercising more convenient in a more comfortable environment. People usually state lack of time and lack of money as barriers to exercise. Making an initial investment in home exercise equipment is the first, and perhaps easiest, step to solving an "inactivity dilemma" More than likely, you have some exercise equipment at home already. Most people have made these purchases, but a small minority get frequent use of their equipment.

In the long run, a home gym will be more economical than paying monthly gym dues. Strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness are the primary components of health, and your equipment should be able to meet these demands. In another article, we will discuss some various pieces of home equipment. The following are highlights of a home gym: yoga mats, medicine balls, physioballs, dumbbells, and exercise bands.

Create an exercise routine ahead of time. Many books, videos, and internet resources are available to help you set this plan up. A pre-structured plan will help keep you committed and will mean less time spent guessing what you will be doing on any particular day. How many times per week will you do cardio, strength, and stretching? How long will the routine last? What will you be focusing on? How many weeks/months will you do this routine before it will be changed? Make sure you can answer all of these questions before you begin.  

It is important to make a plan for yourself, and to set aside time to exercise. The danger with exercising at home is that distractions are everywhere. During your scheduled workout session, do not allow yourself to answer the phone, help the kids with homework, take out the trash, or anything else that is not related to your program. Inform your family about your plan and try to gain their support. Home programs can be easily derailed when you do not have a clear vision and the support of those around you. Exercising at home is ideal for people who may be in some kind of time crunch. A 40 minute workout means 40 minutes since no time is wasted commuting, finding parking, changing clothes, and then driving back home.  
 
Dedicate a room, or part of a room, for your equipment and your exercise plan. This room needs to give you the freedom to move and should be inviting. Many people put their cardio equipment in front of their television, or they set up stereo equipment to enhance their training environment. Do not just throw equipment in the garage and call it your home gym. No matter how much or how little equipment, make sure everything has its space. Make the equipment accessible and keep it clean. Your exercise equipment should be treated with respect so that you are more inclined to use it. It should not become a toy for your kids, a place to hang your clothes, or a way to hold the door open. This time and space commitment will help ensure you do not overlook working out at home.

 Manny Escalante, Jr. MA, ATC, CPT