fitnessfocus


Outfitting Your Home for Fitness By Julie Luther


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n-home fitness training has seen steady growth for the last 5 years. If you have ever considered working out at home, or are presently doing so, this article is for you! Read on to


discover the steps you can take to design an in-home training center that will fit your needs as well as your budget!


Step 1 Assess your needs. Decide what you want to accomplish while training—weight loss, muscle building, stronger


heart, stress relief, sports skills improvement. Next, reflect on what fitness activities you enjoy—running, walking, calisthen- ics, strength training, cycling, ab work, cross training, circuit training. This step will help later when choosing equipment.


Step 2 Decide on the room you will use. All too often people put their fitness room in the dungeon, or cram the equipment


in the bedroom or den. If the space is uninviting, you will not use it. If there is any way you can dedicate a room to your train- ing center, do so. Try to pick a room with plenty of windows to invite the outdoors in. If you must put your equipment in a room with no windows (the dungeon) then try painting it up wild and crazy (geometric designs or faux painting) so you will look forward to your sessions. Mirrors are also great to assess form and make the room appear larger.


Step 3 Try out equipment. There are several alternatives for this. Alternative #1 is to join a fitness center for one of those


2-week specials they have. Then get on all the equipment to assess which pieces you enjoy. Another method is to go to a reputable fitness equipment store and actually get on the equipment and try it for at least 5 – 10 minutes. Another idea is to ask a fitness trainer for recommendations. Trainers have seen it all and our suggestions usually reflect a broad base of knowledge and first hand experience with different pieces. No matter which method you choose, be sure you punch all the buttons, try all the programs and pull, push and press on all the bars and pulleys.


Step 4 Match the equipment you like to your budget. Consumer Reports has information on all types of fitness equipment,


so check out their website to assess price and quality. Here again, a trainer can also be of service. Ask their opinion of certain brands. Trainers can also clue you in on features you need to spend extra on and some you can probably do with- out. When you are ready to purchase, and your budget allows, purchase from a store that is local and deals exclusively with fitness equipment. They will be able to offer you set-up, delivery and a maintenance agreement.


18 Triad


Step 5 Now you are ready to begin!


Hire a trainer to teach you how to use the equipment safely and effectively. Depend- ing on your budget you can see them for an extensive 1-time shot or better yet try to schedule 3 – 10 visits. I find it truly takes 3 visits for most people to understand and remember correct form. Below is an example of a versatile in-home training center.


For overall cardiovascular, muscular conditioning improvement and weight loss:


Purchase a good recumbent bike that has programs. You can use the great outdoors for your walking program and the bike will be an effective cross-training tool. Cost $300 - $700.


Buy a set of 5,8,10,12,15,20,25,30, and 35 pound dumbbells. Free weights are great low cost options to selectorized equip- ment. You can work every muscle in the body with free weights. Cost about $.50 per pound.


Another great purchase is elastic tubing and bands of varying resistance. These are great because they will literally take the place of those expensive weight-training machines. Cost $25 for a complete set.


Get a flat-to-incline bench for use with your dumbbells and tubing. Cost $100 – $200.


If your goals include sports conditioning, add the following:


Slide and balance board for lateral training. Cost $60-$100.


“Fit Ball” (large inflatable ball) and a set of medicine balls for core strength. Cost $20 - $40 per ball.


Jump boxes of varying heights plus an agility ladder for im- proved power, speed and agility. Cost $20 per piece.


Julie Luther is the founder and president of Julie Luther's PurEn- ergy Fitness Center. She has been guiding people towards their health and fitness goals for over 27 years. You can find her on the web at www.julieluther.com or at her fitness center at 1905-B Ashwood Court in Greensboro. Phone: 336-282-4200.


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