With a home gym there are no membership fees to pay, you can work out whenever it suits you and you don't have to queue to use the shower. But, beware, the dropout rate for home gym users is even higher than for health-club users. One way to overcome this and the associated guilt is to design your home gym carefully. This article shows you how.

If you're thinking of setting up a home gym it's very tempting to hit the shops and buy lots of shiny new kit but before you do, take time out to decide your goals, your budget and the space you have available.

Here are some things to consider before you go shopping:

* Cover all the bases. If you want to get fit at home you need to be able to do aerobic, strength and flexibility exercises. So, think about how you are going to achieve all three types of exercise. For example, if you're going to do your aerobic exercise such as walking or running outdoors, you can spend your whole budget on weight equipment.
* Choose the best spot for your equipment. Where you choose to site your equipment can make all the difference between using it regularly and just letting it gather dust. Maybe you are someone who likes to be distracted when you are exercising. If that's the case, choose an area with a TV or music system within range. Alternatively, if you want to be completely free of distractions choose a spare room which you can reserve exclusively for your gym and where you can keep all of your equipment together. It's also a good idea to install a mirror, if you are planning to lift weights. Not only will it give your gym a health-club feel but it will also enable you to check that you are lifting them correctly. It will also motivate you, as you'll be able to watch your body gradually slim down and tone up. hichever spot you choose, make sure there's adequate venti
* lation, space, lighting and climate control. Measure the available space. Check the length, width and height of the space to ensure you can use your equipment without smashing into things or banging your head on the ceiling. Also, measure the doors to the space to make sure you can get your equipment in and out easily.
* Consider the type of flooring. If you're planning on using exercise DVDs a carpeted floor works best because it protects your joints, deadens the sound and lessens the danger of slipping. If you're going to be pumping weights don't do it on a tiled floor because if you drop them you'll crack the tiles. The best choice, if you can afford it, is to put in a rubberized floor. If you can't afford it, just put rubberized mats under your cardio equipment. Rubberized mats reduce vibration and stop your flooring from being stained by oil and other debris that inevitably drop from this type of equipment.

Designing your home gym is great fun as you can tailor it to your precise needs. But before spending your hard-earned cash on fancy gadgets, take some time to consider the aspects explained in this article and you'll end up with a gym that will be practical and one that's used for years to come.



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