How to Build a Home Gym

Ready to lose weight, build muscle and improve your endurance? Start with these essential gym accessories.

• An exercise or yoga mat provides cushioning and keeps you off the floor. They range from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch.
• A kettlebell comes in different weights, has a handle and looks a lot like a large metal ball. Kettleball lifts, shoulder presses and lunges burn a lot of calories while building muscle.
• Lifting free weights increases your strength, power, muscles and endurance. They also burn calories.
• A jump rope provides cardio, conditioning and coordination. Get a durable rope with handles that swivel for basic cardio, a lightweight wire rope to work on speed or get a strength-building weighted rope.

If getting stronger is your primary goal, weights are for you. You’ll need a minimum of three types of weight-lifting equipment:

• Free weights such dumbbells are sold in pairs so get three to six sets in various weights. This lets you increase resistance as you get stronger. Hex-shaped ones won’t roll around, and some say they're the most comfortable to use.
• Barbell and weight plates are popular strengthening tools. Choose a well-made, sturdy bar that fits your hands. Get a variety of weights from 2.5 pounds to 45 pounds. Unlike with machines, lifting weights this way helps with stability.
• A flat bench is good for bench presses, box squats, seated weight work and more. Make sure yours is sturdy with a washable vinyl covering.

Losing a few extra pounds depends as much on an effective aerobic regime as it does diet. Plus, cardio equipment increases your stamina and helps you stay in shape. Here are the benefits of the most popular ones.

• Stationary bikes take up little space. Although a bike doesn’t burn calories like other machines, it is a low impact choice that’s ideal if you have joint problems.
• Treadmills burn the same calories as running or walking. They’re simple to use and can be adjusted as you get more fit.
• Stair climbers amp up the effect of regular walking or running and are great fat burners. They also build leg and thigh muscles, but they can be tough on knees.
• Elliptical machines are low impact tools that also provide great cardiovascular benefits. An elliptical machine lets you work your upper and lower body simultanerously, but it may take time to master the machine’s movements.

If you have the room and plan on working out at home more than three days a week, consider creating a total body gym. In addition to the gym equipment listed above, consider adding some specialty pieces:

• Medicine balls are easy to use. They help develop balance, muscle coordination and core strength. Work on speed with a lighter ball and muscles with heavier ones.
• Workout stations give you a full body workout using a single machine.
• You can get a pull up bar system that fits in your doorway or you can mount a bar on a wall. A free-standing pull up bar machine is also a great option.
• Plyo-boxes turn squatting and bench dips into a more intense workout.
• A squat rack puts you in proper form for squats, presses and pull-ups. Use with various attachments such as a multi-grip pull-up bar, a lat pulldown and dip handles for a well-rounded routine.

Ventilation is the number one factor to consider when selecting your home gym location. Select a room with at least one window and air circulation. If you only have one choice and it lacks airflow, consider installing an air conditioning system or at least one or two fans.

Setting up a home gym in a smaller space can work well if you account for the room's other uses and space needs. Make sure you also have enough room to stretch and do the exercises and movements without straining.

Layout and organization make all the difference for the functionality of your home gym. This is especially true if it’s a shared space, like a garage or family room

Position heavier items around the perimeter and along walls. This way you’ll have space to move freely through the center of the room.

Set up a cubby system to take advantage of vertical space. Store free weights and heavy things in the bottom cubbies. Use lightweight bins to store jump ropes, resistance bands and accessories for your weight machine. Store your towels, gym sneakers, fitness DVDs and other light items in the top cubbies.

A rubber mat under a treadmill, stationary bike or rowing machine can decrease noise in the rooms below. Mats under all your heavy equipment can also help to protect your floors.