A home gym comes with major benefits, as long as the gym is set up safely and properly. The first step is to build a firm foundation with the right type of flooring in your workout room. Gym flooring needs to be strong enough to support home exercise equipment and pliable enough to absorb shock and the stress of heavy weights. Wood floors can work provided a rubberized subfloor is installed beneath the wooden flooring. Rubberized mats, vinyl tiles with an absorbent subfloor and dense, low-pile carpeting can also safely and effectively support home fitness equipment.

The next step is choosing the type of home exercise equipment to use. The general role of exercise is to get at least 30 min. of aerobic exercise each day. Aerobic machines include the treadmill, the elliptical machine, the stair stepper and the stationary bicycle. Prices of aerobic machines depend on the quality and power of the machine, but most cost at least $50 or more.

Lower-cost aerobic options are also available. These include many-step machines, many trampolines, compact pedal exercisers and something as simple as a jump rope. Aerobic workout videos and jogging in place can also provide aerobic workouts with absolutely no equipment other than a quality pair of shoes.

Strength training is also recommended at least twice each week for a well-rounded workout. Free weights, such as dumbbells and barbells, are one option. Another option is to invest in a home weight machine with various weight stations, pulleys, than she is and exercises to perform. The more economical option is to go with free weights and an exercise bench.

Although the initial investment to create a workout room can be quite high, it is a money-saving option in the long run. Instead of paying costly monthly gym membership fees, a fitness room provides a cost-free workout once the initial investment is made. Time and gas money are also saved with a workout room in your house because it is only a few steps away rather than miles away in a vehicle. Privacy is another major benefit as is the freedom of working out anytime of the day or night. Home gyms can also be safer and cleaner than a public fitness facility because other members are not leaving smudges of sweat or germs behind on the machines.

Other considerations before installing a fitness room include the age and condition of the home. Many of the larger aerobic machines can weigh 250 pounds or more. The weight will be compounded with somebody exercising on top of the machine for extended lengths of time. If you live in an older home it might better to machines in the basement or at least on a ground floor so there is no risk of the equipment crashing through a second story ceiling. If exercise equipment is installed in an apartment building on the second floor or above heavy duty exercise mats are made to fit the need many large machines. The mats are generally large, thick rubberized pads that absorb shock and noise.

Author Bio: Ellie Lewis recently checked out gym flooring planning to order some for a home gym she is building. She purchased a full set of home exercise equipment for her local high school.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: gym flooring,home exercise equipment,home fitness equipment