When I got married, bought a house and started my career, I signed up for a gym membership.
I made time at least four days per week to workout at the gym. I liked having access to all of the machines. There was a row of different styles of treadmills, stationary bikes, ellipticals, rowing machines and stair climbers for cardio exercise. There were tons of machines dedicated to each and every muscle from triceps and biceps to abdominals. I had my choice between dumbbells, kettlebells, weighted balls and resistance bands. I liked hitting the speed bag, jumping rope, running on the track around the perimeter and utilizing the weight benches and yoga mats. After the workout, I headed to the locker room and took advantage of the steam room, hot tub, sauna and the showers. I tended to spend several hours at the gym. Once I had three children in the span of five years, I no longer had the time or opportunity to maintain a gym membership. I needed to figure out a more convenient way to accomplish my workout. I ended up setting up a home gym in the basement. I started with a single yoga mat and a couple of free weights and needed to be creative in my fitness program. For every wedding anniversary, birthday, Christmas and Mother’s Day gift, I’ve asked for fitness equipment. I’ve also saved up money to purchase some of the larger machines, such as a treadmill and stationary bike. My home gym is now well-equipped and I love having it available whenever I get the chance to workout. I’ve also created a play area for the kids in the basement. We all head down the stairs together, play loud music and I work up a good sweat.