We Brits spend more than £230 million on fitness equipment for our homes a year – and yet too often those expensive 'home gyms' just lie around gathering dust. So what’s the secret to a successful home gym?
Here's how to get it right:
1. Crowded house
'Will you need to create a separate area? Is the location comfortable and well lit?' asks Chris Husbands, a fitness advisor at John Lewis Oxford Street. The logistics of your work–out space is very important as you'll (hopefully) spend a lot of time there but it needs to accommodate all your dumb bells, ropes and the (vital) sound system. So plan your gym carefully to fit neatly into the space you've set aside.
2. Go for goals
Think about what you want to achieve – weight loss, fitness or gaining strength? Chris Husbands says it's important to think about whether your equipment will be interesting or challenging enough for your needs. And remember, cardio equipment doesn’t have to be a [run of the] treadmill, cross–trainer or rowing machine. This simple Reebok Speed skipping rope (£8.95) from John Lewis will give you a fantastic workout and takes up no storage space. This humble childhood plaything has experienced a huge comeback recently – skipping is definitely the trendy workout these days.
3. Be the Wii-nner
Everyone, from my little sister to my granddad, has a Wii games console or Wii Fit. Not only have they made exercise fun AND cool, but you can do it in your living room, at a level that suits you, and compete with your friends and family too. This Wii console with two Wii Sport games (£179.99) from Argos will entertain everyone and burn some calories. Race like Lewis Hamilton, or play tennis, golf or baseball with the huge choice of Wii accessories that are available.
4. Have fun
There's no need to dread exercise – these days there are a number of fun machines to get you in the mood. The Nintendo DS™ Active Health with Carol Vorderman (£21.99) from Marks & Spencer will get the whole family excited about keeping fit. Or try the Human touch board (£299) from John Lewis which simulates surfing – how fun is that?
5. Good vibrations
Think about what you enjoy. If you hate cycling, an exercise bike will just become an expensive clothes hanger (been there, done that). Make like a celebrity and get your hands on this Power Plate pro5T (£6,825) from John Lewis – beloved by the likes of Hilary Swank and Sting. The vibrating platform will improve your strength, flexibility and relaxation. It's a financial investment, but an excellent whole–body–workout option.
6. Work out for the future
Yoga builds stamina and flexibility but it's also been proven to ease anxiety and the risk of athritic joints – for when we get a bit old and creaky. Argos' Yoga set (£17.99) is great value and includes a yoga mat, gym ball and two yoga blocks for all abilities. This pink iGym anti–burst gym ball (£19.50) from John Lewis is great for whole body strengthening and toning exercises, particularly the abs and back.
7. Home entertainment
Research from Brunel University shows that listening to upbeat music while you exercise helps you work harder and keeps you motivated for longer. Push through the pain barrier with the help of exercise DVDs playing on a Philips hts6600 21 dvd home cinema system. If you're lacking space, opt for this iPod nano armband from Argos and get jogging.
8. Keep your cool
Consider ventilation and temperature. The cellar is a great space solution but if it’s dark and windowless it won’t be a comfortable place to work out in. The ideal room temperature for exercise is 65–68 degrees fahrenheit. However, in the absence of air conditioning, snap up a pedestal fan (£210) from Holloways of Ludlow.
9. Weigh it up
Whether you want to tone and firm or build big muscles, you will need some kind of resistance training equipment. At the bottom end of the scale, there's the cheap but effective Gaiam Coreplus Reformer resistance band (£29.95) from John Lewis. But if strength is your primary focus, go for the Waterworx multi gym (£2,150) also from John Lewis. Not only does it look sleek but it also uses water to create a smooth and self–determined resistance.
10. Be practical, set a budget
You get what you pay for. For a bike, check the seat is adjustable; for a step machine think about range of motion and types of resistance. Consider cushioning and shock absorption for a treadmill. This Horizon Paragon 308 treadmill (£1,299) from John Lewis has a variable cushioning system and wireless heart rate monitoring to you can keep track of your run. And once you’ve kitted out your home gym, consider investing in some home visits from a personal trainer to get the most from your gym. Go on, spoil yourself in a healthy way.
