I’ve managed to convert a spare room into a home gym.
Four years ago, my wife and I finally had the financial security to afford our dream house. We’d spent the early years of our marriage sharing a very cramped apartment in the city. With three kids and a cat, the apartment was crowded. We were frustrated by the lack of privacy, constant exterior noise and heavy traffic. My wife and I wanted to provide our kids their own bedrooms and a large yard to play in. I was happy to have a big family room, a master bathroom and plenty of closet space. There have been some drawbacks of moving out of the city. I was used to having access to restaurants, bars, theaters, coffee shops and all sorts of amenities. Everything was within walking distance. I’d kept a membership at the same gym since before I met my wife. It was so easy to walk down the street and have my choice of a wide inventory of fitness equipment. I often signed for group classes. I liked to swim laps and soak in the hot tub. The gym offers a huge selection of state-of-the-art treadmills, stationary bikes, ellipticals and rowing machines. They included all different methods of strength training. I could lift weights, use machines, hit a heavy back or workout with battle ropes. The commute is too far for a gym membership to be worthwhile. I don’t have the time to drive back and forth, and also devote an hour to my workout. I’ve managed to convert a spare room into a home gym. Fitness equipment is surprisingly expensive, so outfitting the home gym has been a gradual process. I initially bought a jump rope, yoga mat and some free weights. I’ve since invested in a treadmill, resistance bands, weight bench and dumbbells. I’m currently saving toward an elliptical.