As baby boomers continue to age, parent work weeks continue to row and children’s activities seem to exist only in an organized environment, we find ourselves less healthy, more stressed and sitting behind computers for entertainment while shunning outdoor activities. It’s these life style changes that have lead to the growing popularity of home fitness rooms “where members are like family and you can always find a parking space!”

Exercise with all the comforts of home! The current trend in fitness is comfort, and comfort doesn’t get better than a home gym. That’s why, at Evans Physical Training Company, our gym design service can help you make the most of your equipment and gym space to ensure that you make the most of your fitness and exercise routines.

Here are some tips to consider while planning your home fitness center:

1. GOALS:
What is it that you are trying to accomplish? Lose weight, gain strength, perform Yoga or all of the above? Once this has been determined, we will need to take a look at how your space will lend itself to your fitness goals.

For example, if you are looking to accomplish both weight loss and increasing your strength, you should consider the equipment that would help you reach your goals. Equipment selection to reach your goals might include a treadmill, a Smith machine (a self spotting, multi-functional strength machine) and perhaps a set of dumb bells.

2. FLOOR PLAN:
Once fitness goals and equipment selection have been made, you will need to begin putting together a floor plan. The floor plan is absolutely critical in determining the practicality of your basement fitness room. Floor plans will place the equipment in the location best suited to your fitness goals. You also will need to determine the required room dimensions and ceiling heights.

Tip: Do not simply look at equipment dimensions in determining a good fit. Instead, consider the dimensions while you are on the equipment. For example, many treadmills sit 6 inches off the floor. A user many be 6 feet tall before he/she begins to run (bouncing up and down another few inches with each step) and the ceiling is 7 feet high. The treadmill is not an option for this space unless your prepared to where a helmet!! Make sure that you are selecting equipment suited for both the space you have available AND that you have adequate head and arm room to avoid potential injury.

3. BREAK DOWN:
You can avoid a costly mistake by making sure that your equipment selection can be broken down small enough to get down stairways and through doorways. Some equipment is welded together and will not break down small enough to get thru doorways, while other products are bolted together and can be easily disassembled enough to get thru doorways and down stairs.

4. POWER REQUIRMENTS:
Next, are the products you are purchasing self powered (bikes) or do they require dedicated 110v or 220v outlets (treadmills)? A standard outlet is 110v. If your equipment requires a 220v outlet, you may need to have an electrician install an outlet capable of supplying power for your equipment.

Tip: Also, you should consider where the outlet is located in the room. To avoid a fire hazard, not to mention the potential damage to the equipment or voiding of the manufacturer warranty, you should plug the equipment directly into the outlet instead of using an extension cord.

5. FLOORING:
Make sure that the flooring you choose adapts well to your fitness goals. For example: rubber matting is a good choice for a cardio intense fitness rooms where you will perspire extensively. Rubber flooring can easily be cleaned with soap, water and a mop. This will leave you with a clean, fresh workout environment. On the other hand, if you’re going to be doing a lot of floor work like Yoga, stretching ect. a good choice is an indoor outdoor carpet.

Tip: If you do use carpet in your fitness room and still have cardio equipment make sure that you install separate rubber mats underneath each piece. It keeps the carpet fibers from getting in the motors and belts and will extend the life of your equipment as well as allow for easy clean-up. It is not recommended that you leave your floors as bare concrete, this will scratch your dumbbells or any other accessory you decide to use while leaving a dusty, loud environment. And in some locations where basements experience extreme humidity on the floor, this could cause the equipment to rust or become damaged.

6. ENVIRONMENT:
Mirrors are an excellent accent to you fitness room. Make sure you install at least one mirror that is large enough that you can see yourself performing the exercises correctly and safely. It will also brighten up the room.

Tip: A TV or a stereo is very motivating while working out. Adding a few live plants, a ceiling fan for ventilation and motivating framed art can spice up your room. Paint your basement fitness room a fun bright color, Remember: If your environment is fun and motivating then your workouts will be fun and motivating. It’s hard to get motivated in the living room or where people tend to plop down a piece of fitness equipment!

Evans Physical Training Company not only outfits Home Gyms and Commercial Fitness Facilities with fitness equipment, but we also supply flooring, mirrors, floor plan layouts and everything in between.

INSTITUTIONAL -  Community Centers, Fire Stations, Police Departments, Schools, and Universities are all putting in workout facilities across the country
CORPORATE - Relieve stress in your workplace!
HOTELS - Travelers also want to work out!

Give us a call for all you gym needs. 250-658-4569