Set-up A Home Gym That Adds Value for Future Buyers

Keep your new year’s workout resolutions going year-round with your own personal fitness center. You can’t beat the convenience of just walking a few steps into a transformed basement, garage or spare bedroom instead of packing up a bag, getting into your car and driving to the local gym.

“Home gyms have become a popular home amenity,” said Jim Dohr, president of Coldwell Banker Gundaker. “According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, there are 25 million home exercise participants in the U.S.  Having your own home gym promotes a healthy lifestyle and adds value to your home.”

Here are a few steps to plan a home gym to meet your workout goals.

Find the right space. Choose an area that you will enjoy being in for your workouts. A basement can offer more space than a spare bedroom, but the bedroom may be more attractive because it’s above ground and has natural light.

Suit Your Style. Consider your personal goals. If you love the quiet serenity of yoga, make that the focus of your workout space. If cycling is more your style, bring in a stationary bike. Do you like to walk? Invest in a quality treadmill. You don't need a full gym to make exercise a habit.

Find the right fit and choose equipment wisely. Do your research to find the piece or pieces of equipment that fits your lifestyle. Plus, consider the space, both vertical and horizontal, that these machines will need. Following are the guidelines recommended by the American Council on Exercise:

·         Treadmill - 30 sq. ft.

·         Stationary bike - 10 sq. ft.

·         Free weights - 20-50 sq. ft.

·         Single-station gym - 35 sq. ft.

·         Rowing machine - 20 sq. ft.

·         Stair climber - 10-20 sq. ft.

·         Multi-station gym  - 50-200 sq. ft.

Check out this great Coldwell Banker Gundaker listings with a home gym:

·         This fantastic St. Charles, MO home listed by Esther Nobe for $219,900 has a perfect gym for fitness gurus.