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The home gym
To make a gym in the basement of your house can be an exciting project. However, beforehand make sure not to neglect certain aspects so that your gym is a room where it will be enjoyable to exercise, year after year. You have to plan carefully the dimensions, headroom, electrical outlets, lighting and ventilation.
The size of your home gym depends on the exercise equipment you plan to use. Also consider equipment you may buy in the future. Your home gym may start off with an exercise bike, but you'll need more space if you plan to buy a treadmill or weight bench.
Headroom in a gym is very important, so carefully plan for your activities and don't let the ductwork or other obstructions interfere.
If you plan to do crunches, push-ups and other calisthenics, you'll also need about 7 feet by 7 feet of open floor space.
The design
At least 1, if not 2, electrical outlets are necessary for electronic exercise machines (such as a treadmill), stereo and TV. You may want a cable outlet for a TV and VCR, as well as a telephone jack (unless you plan to use a cordless phone in this room). Remember: some cordless and/or cell phones will not work well in basements, because the signal is blocked.
Lighting and ventilation
Good lighting is important so that you can operate exercise equipment safely. Use pot lights, because they are recessed and don't get in the way.
Plan ventilation in this room - such as a fan or operable window - to keep your home gym cooler than other areas of the basement while you exercise.