|
One useful guideline in choosing the perfect place to do you
exercise at home is to choose a space, or develop one that the
program can be “lived with.” Designers of fitness programs suggest
that the following three basic provisions should be made of
you plan to work out at home.
Find Enough Space
Floor exercises and weight lifting take a floor
area measuring approximately 7.5 by 10.5 feet. A larger area
would, of course, be welcome. But to avoid bouncing off the
walls you should have the space indicated. The height of the
ceiling does not matter unless a trapeze or rings are to be
installed. in either case, the exercise area require an 11-foot
ceiling. For all other purposes, a ceiling clearance of 8 feet
is adequate.
Set-Up A Mirror
A mirror set up close to the exercise area
expands the space in a visual sense. More importantly, the mirror
makes it possible for the person to check the accuracy of his
or her exercise positions and routines when working out alone.
If possible, the mirror should be six feet high by three feet
wide so that it provides a full-length view.
Ensure Safety Underfoot
Because slippery floors can present major safety
hazards, the footing should be tested and retested for safety.
Carpeting helps unless the exercise program includes dance routines.
In general, a tightly-woven, looped-pile, industrial-grade carpeting
is recommended. This kind of carpeting has one major advantage
over cutpile—shag or velvet surface—carpeting: the looped-pile
type is more durable. Just incidentally, the looped-pile type
is cheaper.
Got a space problem? No room at all for privacy
while charging through a workout? No place to install and use
an exercycle or treadmill? Think a minute. Can space be created?
If the exercise equipment had to be stored, where would it go?
Can that storage room be turned into an exercise area? A separate
room isn’t necessarily the only solution. Closets may be useful
in solving the no-space problem. A walk-in closet may serve
as a special niche for some types of equipment. A two-foot deep
enclosure can be created along a wall by installing folding
doors; some equipment can then be hidden behind the barrier.
When the doors are opened, presto! The area becomes a miniature
gym!
Because exercise equipment has to be ready for use without much
advance preparation, it may be desirable to feature it as part
of the overall layout. An exercycle may be placed in a corner
in a cleared space. A set of barbells may rest on a simple bench
that holds them in notches for safety. Ballet bars may double
as towel bars when not serving their fitness functions. For
real performance and solidity, exercise benches might be recessed
into the walls. They could be covered with throws when not in
use.
|
