Working out at home
by Joy JordanFor many, going to the gym to work out is difficult or unappealing – whether because of scheduling issues or discomfort at exercising in public. One solution is a home gym.
The American Council on Exercise notes that in-home training is growing in popularity. In their Fitness Trend Predictions For 2006, they write, “Participants are looking for variety in their workout regimen and a home gym can be a comfortable and inexpensive place to work out. Many personal trainers will come directly to the home to offer guidance. This can be very helpful to inexperienced exercisers.”
Margy McEnaney, owner, Cape Cod Fitness Company in Hyannis, agrees. “The growth of home fitness rooms has been steadily increasing every year. People who install a home gym value their health, they are into prevention.” Cape Cod Fitness Company helps clients set up home gyms, and also provides personal training services.
A home gym doesn’t have to be a full complement of machines in a mirror-walled room. “A home fitness room is space dedicated inside your home so that you can pursue daily exercise,” said McEnaney. This could be space set aside for yoga, or a stationary bicycle paced in a spare room.
Most home gym enthusiasts, however, want to replicate the gym experience in the convenience of their own home. “The current movement is on making fitness a part of your daily life. Our clients want the convenience of having a gym in their home, a gym that addresses their unique fitness needs, complements their busy active lifestyle, and allows them to get cardio exercise regardless of the weather.”
In addition to being able to work out when, where and how they desire, “Cleanliness, privacy and convenience are the top three reasons people are installing home fitness rooms,” McEnaney added.
For those starting out, or who want personal instruction, “Personal training for the home-based clientele is the latest trend for Cape Cod Fitness Company. No longer is a luxury, a professional personal trainer can help you achieve the results that you desire.”
Ten reasons to exercise at home
1. You can choose to move in ways you enjoy
2. As your energy levels rise, you feel better
3. Being active improves your mental wellbeing
4. You can be sure that it is clean, to your specifications
5. It’s convenient – no traffic, weather concerns, etc.
6. Exercise helps maintain or increase flexibility
7. You will save money on health-care costs, because you will get sick less often
8. No expensive monthly membership that you may not use
9. No waiting in line for equipment – you work out on your schedule
10. No wasted time or gas driving to and from the club
Source: Cape Cod Fitness Company
Ten tips for creating a home fitness center
1. Begin with a budget
2. Have a fitness plan
3. Design the space to fit the plan
4. All machines are not created equal – the best machine is the one that you’ll use, so choose equipment that suit your fitness level.
5. Add a weight-training element to help build strength and enhance joint stability
6. Plan to improve overall fitness by adding an aerobic/cardio element to your home fitness
7. Plan adequate floor space for stretching, flexibility and mat-based exercises
8. Use a professional fitness trainer to change or vary your routine or to keep you motivated
9. Add mirrors last to avoid placing mirrors where they will reflect one another
10. Choose a fitness company that provides delivery and service after the sale (avoid curbside delivery, as an average treadmill weighs 300 pounds and you would then have to assemble it)
Source: Cape Cod Fitness Company
Published in Cape Business Health & Wealth July/August 2007
Joy Jordan is managing editor of Cape Business magazine. She has worked in the technology and publishing industries and was chief copy editor for Cape Cod Community Newspapers. 
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