Get fit….without leaving the house

The festivities are over for another year. I bet that as well as feeling stuffed to the gills with fine food and wine, you’re resolute that this year you WILL stick to a health and fitness regime. You mean it…right now, but unfortunately the statistics are against you; over three quarters of those who commit to get fit after Christmas give it up before the end of January.

The factor most blame for leading them astray (apart from a love of chip butties and chocolate) is lack of time. Modern lifestyles leave us with little time to invest in our health and well being, yet it remains an utmost concern. One possible option is to transform a disused room into a home gym. Just think, it’s got all the equipment you need, you know how to use it and it never closes.

There are experts who can help you create the perfect home gym. At Graythwaite in Prestbury we’re working with Technogym to help the eventual owners choose a range of specialist gym equipment matched to their budget and their fitness requirements.

If you prefer to put your own scheme together, before you part with a penny (or lose a pound) there are a few things you need to consider; what you hope to achieve, your available space and your budget.

If you are lucky enough to have a number of rooms in your home to choose from, pick one that receives natural daylight and fresh air but that is not in direct sunlight during the summer months. Natural light keeps you motivated and fresh air will keep you cool and give you a constant supply of oxygen - if you’re working out properly you’ll need it! Your choice of colour scheme is important too with yellow being the best shade for motivation and self confidence.

Mirrors are not just for the vain or for checking out how big your bum looks. If you’re using free weights or performing stretches they help you ensure you are completing the movement properly, reducing the risk of injury and getting maximum results from your efforts. Aesthetically, they reflect light and give the illusion of the room being twice the size it is.

Another essential item for a great workout is a stereo, or even a TV placed so you can see if from all of the machines – it’s amazing how quickly 20 minutes on the cross trainer passes when you’re glued to Grand Designs.

Most of today’s fitness equipment is electronic so consider where each item will be placed so that it provides easy access to a power supply. There is no point investing in a gym if you’re going to then spend six months in plaster because you tripped over a cable. Each piece of equipment should have enough space around it so that you, and it, can move freely and so that cooling vents are not blocked. You also need to consider ceiling heights as some machinery sits high off the ground.

If space is tight, look at machines that offer a full body workout. A cross trainer for example which works the upper and lower body simultaneously.

Home gym equipment is of a higher quality and is more space efficient than ever before. One thing to remember is that you get what you pay for – expensive equipment is expensive for a reason. Some say that if you are working to a tight budget, it is better to invest in a good fitness DVD and some basic equipment than a cheaper version of a complex machine.

An alternative might be to buy second hand commercial equipment from a reputable supplier that will offer a warranty.

If you buy any motorised equipment bear in mind it should have a range of resistances and level. It should be able so you can increase the challenge as you increase you fitness. It will also need to maintain at least 20 minutes of smooth continuous motion – and so will you when you are using it! Whether you’re exercising for fitness or just for fun, with a home gym you can work out to your own timetable. No excuses now!

For more information, visit hillcresthomes.co.uk.