The Set-Up
Don't set up your gym in an uncomfortable room like a dingy basement. You're going to be spending time there working out, resting and walking around so you want to enjoy being there. Make sure there's a window for air and that the ceilings aren't too low, or you'll feel cramped. A TV will help distract you while you're getting your cardio workout and music gives you the motivation to work harder. Make sure when you set up the room, your treadmill or cardio equipment faces the TV. Then build the rest of your equipment around it. Place strength training equipment based on where you put the mirror so you can see your form. Finally, cover your gym floor with rubber or with carpet made of 100% nylon instead of natural fibers, which can breed bacteria when you sweat. This is especially important if your gym is on the second floor of your house since the machines can be noisy against the floor.
The Equipment
Think of your workout regimen in terms of aerobic and anaerobic exercises. Invest in a stationary bike, treadmill or stepper for your cardio workout and some free weights and a bench for strength training. Once you get into doing regular workouts and decide it's worth spending more money on your home gym, you can branch out and buy a multi-gym or some single station pieces. To decide which equipment is right for you, try working out at a gym to decide what you like to do and what makes you feel good. Talk to a trainer; he/she can help you figure out what you like and don't like about working out. Then, stop by a fitness specialty store and get a salesperson to help you weigh all the information you have gathered and make your purchases.
Don't forget to get a good mat; this is one thing people always skimp on but you'll be doing all of your stretching and abdominal work on it and you want one that offers good cushioning and won't slide around on the floor (try one from Airex).
Gear for At-Home Training
Key Pieces
Strength training doesn't have to involve equipment that takes up half your living room or half your wallet - if you know what to get. Here are some suggestions for great first-purchases to help get your program underway. All items should be available at your local sporting goods or fitness equipment retailer.
Free-Weights
Free weights, also called dumb bells, are the foundation of your in-home gym. Free weights are compact, easy to store and take care of. Lifting free weights also gives you more strength training bang for your buck, because it works multiple muscle groups within an exercise. Dumb bells come in plastic-coated or metal finishes, and start at one pound each (increasing in increments).
Gloves
Weight-lifting gloves help you keep your form and prevent injury by giving you a better grip on free weights. They cover the palm of your hand and stop at the fingers to give your hands maximum mobility. Make sure you get a snug but not-too-tight fit. Try them on before buying.
Weight Bench
A weight bench can provide balance and support for working with free weights. Make sure you go for quality construction and stability - the bench should sit solidly on the floor and not rock in place when you sit or lean on it, and should have adequate padding (try it out by lying down on your back on the bench) that resists ripping.
Resistance Bands
Also called fitness cables, resistance bands offer a complete and highly effective strength training workout in a space-saving, inexpensive and highly portable form. Similar in look to a jump rope, the bands are made of plastic tubing and come in differing resistance levels (light, medium or heavy or specific pound equivalents). Most bands come with exercise illustrations, some even offer instructional videos.
Invest in these core pieces of equipment and you'll have all you need to sculpt and strengthen your entire body on a space, time and monetary budget.
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