Equipment: In order to get a complete work out, you will need machines that work your heart (cardiovascular) as well as those which strengthen and tone your muscles. Good cardio machines include treadmills, exercise bikes and rowing machines. For muscle toning, a multi-gym is a sensible, compact option, or free weights and a bench are a good budget choice. If space is the biggest issue then folding gym equipment is the best option. There are plenty of folding treadmills or rowers available that are easily pulled out to full size and then compacted after use to provide more floor space for other equipment. Consider having one piece of core equipment and going for more compact options in other pieces e.g. if your favourite piece of equipment is the treadmill then this could be your full size piece whilst having a fold up weight bench or mini stepper with resistance bands.
Flooring: Whether you have wall-to-wall carpeting or natural hardwood, working out can really bring your floor into sharp focus -- like from a distance of a couple of inches. Installing an exercise room in a bedroom can present even greater flooring challenges because the limited space may make it necessary to carry (not drag) equipment around.
• Standard carpet - If you're on a budget, go for standard residential carpet with low-cut pile and a thick, rubbery pad. You want a carpet that's either professionally installed or that you can peel and stick to your flooring with a sturdy adhesive. The idea is to create a cushioned surface that won't shift when you're using it.
• Workout tiles - You can also install permanent cushioned exercise tiles over your existing floor. These shock absorbing tiles can create a workout surface in a few hours. They're available in textured, smooth or rubber surface treatments and can even mimic the look of hardwood.
• Rubber floors - Rubber flooring in an exercise room offers good traction, cushioning power, and sound dampening properties. Some rubber flooring options on the market are also made from recycled rubber, making them a green choice, too. Rubber floors are available in rolls or as interlocking mats (or smaller tiles) designed to fit together like puzzle pieces. Some varieties can be moved from room to room as needed, too. Mats are available in a number of thicknesses and colours, including heavy duty bully mat flooring designed to protect floors from heavy weight lifting equipment.
Decorating: Let's start with colour. The colour on your exercise room walls will have an impact on your mood, so if you don't want to feel drained and stressed before you ever break a sweat, watch your colour scheme. If you have a number of heavy equipment pieces in the room, you might want to make the space look less crowded. Light coloured walls are great for this, and mirrors can be a big help, too. Not only will mirrors make the space look larger (and make the most of the light in the room) they'll help make sure you're keeping your posture straight.
While you're decorating the space, don't forget to provide a little encouragement -- and distraction. Some folks prefer motivational posters with sentiments like "believe," "commitment" or "goals." If that doesn't appeal to you, how about framing a picture of the little black dress you want to fit into? Putting up distracting landscape photos or artwork can be effective, too.
Extras: Add extras such as fans, mirrors or a radio or television. Anything that will keep you in your home gym longer will be an asset to your room. A television or radio can help keep you distracted so that your workout time seems shorter. Add a telephone jack or bring your cordless or mobile phone with you. Mirrors can help inspire you by letting you see yourself while exercising. A television and DVD player can be used to play workout videos.
