Garage gym idea, input appreciated ;)

[blu_fuz]

I am throwing around the idea of dedicating a part of my garage to being more of a GYM or fitness area.


I don't really know where to start, but I will have probably a 9'x20' area to work with between the front of where the cars park and the workbench . It's difficult to workout in the house because the treadmill is in the basement (boring), there is no room for it on the main floors nor do I want it in the house because of the pounding that will shake the place .


So this is what I am thinking of having or do have already to use in this garage gym:
-TV/VCR/DVD for aerobic videos (have it)
-stereo to jam out while working (have it)
-AC for summer, heat for winter (have it)
-rubber floor tiles/mats (need)
-2 treadmills so me and wife can run together (have 1 right now)
-jump ropes (need)
-eliptical machine (from inlaws, they don't use it)
-handfull of dumbells (need)


Any other basics or ideas you may have, let me know. This is part of our New Years resolution to better living. I think this is better than getting a YMCA membership because it costs less and is at home that way we can bring the baby out there and she can play in her jumper or whatever.

 

[stormsven]

I will put a mini bar for alcohol and cigarette beverages and a leather sofa for "special" exercise
Those "specials" help more than any other. Especially if they are made on hungry empty stomach . And after you will need of course some good sandwiches so why not a good toaster and a small fridge full with meat and cheese. I mean healthy meat and cheese .
Actually you have a good idea dude. Good luck and keep us up to date (i dont mean some home made "special" movies, just the progress of the GYM).

 

[MasterBlaster84]

I had a lot of dumbells at one time and they can take up a lot of room whether you use a rack or not. I've been considering getting a set of adjustable dumbells but not sure how good they are, the idea is great but there have been some quality issues with sets like the Bowflex. In the case of the Bowflex if something breaks, which apparently is somewhat common, getting parts can be expensive and or impossible.

I ran across a pair of the BowFlex at Goodwill that were missing several plates so I did some research and found out you couldn't order just the plates.

 

[gsbadbmr]

blu...you don't need weights or ANY equipment...just get yourself the "INSANITY" DvD's...you can thank me later

 

[Fatdog]

blu...you don't need weights or ANY equipment...just get yourself the "INSANITY" DvD's...you can thank me later

Getting them right now.

 

[blu_fuz]

Started my health and wellness spreadsheet today to get me motivated.

The garage space isn't put together yet but I will start my walk/run tonight in the basement for now on the treadmill. Hoping to burn 300-400 calories to start .

 

[gsbadbmr]

Started my health and wellness spreadsheet today to get me motivated.

The garage space isn't put together yet but I will start my walk/run tonight in the basement for now on the treadmill. Hoping to burn 300-400 calories to start .

blu, remember...it's not all about cardio...MUSCLE burns fat...so you need to do lots of weights

 

[blu_fuz]

Oh I will, no worries .

I want to get some kind of rythm down everyday of the basics. Watching calories, doing some activity, and just getting more active.

 

[gsbadbmr]

Oh I will, no worries .

I want to get some kind of rythm down everyday of the basics. Watching calories, doing some activity, and just getting more active.

Before you start, get yourself a tape measure and take your measurements (chest/waist/arms/legs)...you will be shocked at the lost inches trust me

 

[petergriffin]

Hey Blu, you don't mention the height? A good "chin-up/dip" Machine would be good, if you have at least 8 feet high ceiling. A flat bench. An adjustable bench. So you can do incline exercises. An olympic bar, weights. Dumbbells, adjustable or solid? Not sure how serious you are about building muscle, but those are the "basics" you need for that. Maybe instead of two treadmills, put one there, and maybe a stationary bike. So you have more room for other equipment? Just my 2 cents

 

[blu_fuz]

Good call Peter.... 10 foot ceilings in the garage.

A stationary bike would be great along with some things you mentioned.

The more I look at the garage space it seems we won't have a lot of room to actually work out and have equip . If we didn't park one of the 2 cars in there then it would be more than enough.

Not sure which way I am going to go with this, but I will get something together.

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

Yo Blu, If your looking for equipment CRAIGSLIST!

Work out gear is stuff people pay a fortune for and never use! I'm not sure what this cost new, but my guitar player bought in NEW in box on craigslist for $100. He built it in his garage and NEVER Used it. I asked him about it and he told me if I got it out of there I could HAVE for free!

I have it in the living room and use it regularly. It's a APEX unit. All in one deal....works great and doesn't take up much room.

A Bow Flex would work great too!

I would also put an ad in the local paper in the FREE section asking for equipment

 

[shane higgins]

here,s my jim
bloody useless
he sits around all day doing nothing

 

[blu_fuz]

Oh yeah, I am a craigslist junky!


I did just pick up a free recumbant bicycle on friday . I'm actually steering away from the garage workout area. We don't really enjoy the treadmill enough to haul it out there and try to use it. It seems like hassle enough just to go to the basement the way it is now .


So, with the recumbant bike, we just set it up in front of the TV and it actually is FUN! You almost forget that you are pedaling while watching TV