SmartHomeOwners

Frequent workouts at the gym can not only help you build muscles and strength but also maintain a healthy lifestyle.  Perhaps you already have a membership at a local commercial gym.  Maybe you feel that working out at home would better fit your needs and schedule.  Here are some ideas to build a suitable gym in your basement to fit your budget, space and workout needs.

How Will You Use a Home Gym?

Before rushing out to buy equipment, consider how you will use your new gym.  Will it be your permanent workout spot or will you alternate between your home gym and a commercial gym?  If you have limited space, you might consider limiting your basement gym to certain types of workouts, such as weight lifting or running on a treadmill.  Then you can do other types of workouts at a commercial gym.  A great thing about having your own gym is you can control the temperature (perfect for extremely hot/cold days), you can workout when and however long you want, and no more worrying about others using the equipment at the same time you need to work out!

Prepare Your Basement

Take measurements in your basement to find out how much room you'll have for equipment.  Keep these measurements with you when shopping for equipment.  Items may appear smaller or bigger in the store.  Also leave room for a sitting/stretching bench or exercise mat if you plan to use these for workouts.

Consider any remodeling that will need to be done in your basement and plan your budget accordingly.  Not all basements are suited for regular use or to store expensive equipment.  You may need to install electrical connections and lighting.  Many gym items require an outlet, and lighting should be bright enough to eliminate risk of accidents while working out.  Also, consider if you'd like a television with cable hook-up so you can watch your favorite programs during exercise.  You can also install a stereo system.

Flooring for your basement gym should be durable to withstand heavy use so it won't get damaged by the equipment.  Paint the gym walls with a coating that's easy to clean, and avoid colors that are too soothing.  You don't want to be too relaxed when trying to exercise!  Also be sure your basement gym has adequate ventilation, heating and cooling.  Take steps to eliminate moisture to prevent rusting of your gym equipment.

Beware...

Basements are prone to insects, mold, moisture/humidity and soil gases such as radon.  Be sure any concrete cracks or gaps are sealed.  Radon gas can enter your basement and home through even the smallest of cracks in your foundation.  Spray the basement regularly for insects with an indoor-safe insecticide.

If using a contractor to remodel your basement for a gym, be sure to interview several and compare estimates along with quality of work and recommendations from past customers.  It's imperative that you hire someone experienced in basement remodels, who understands the possible setbacks and dangers of remodeling a basement (especially in older homes).

Create a Budget

Once you have a general idea of what it will cost to remodel or spruce up your basement area, create a budget for the entire project.  Don't waste your money up front by purchasing every gym item you can find!   Decide what you absolutely have to have and what is considered to be a "luxury."  You should consider buying only the workout equipment you plan to use often.  Other equipment can be added later if you have a definite need for it.  Be mindful of possible unforeseen problems when remodeling a basement in an older home (especially mold and moisture issues).  It's a good idea to wait and buy your gym equipment after the remodeling has been completed - just in case costly problems do arise during the process.

Once your basement home gym is set up, you'll be able to work out at your convenience without waiting in lines and paying expensive gym fees.  Other family members can exercise in your gym regularly as well so it can benefit everyone!