SPRINGER: Fitness: Building a gym can be simple

Owning a home gym used to be for those who were shown on "Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous." Now, anyone can devote a small area in their home to exercise without having to convert their house or break the bank.

A home gym can be simple and affordable if you plan ahead and start small.

The first step to creating your home exercise space is to evaluate your current workout needs. If you are an avid cardio enthusiast, decide which piece of equipment you will most likely use.

Although a Stairmaster produces a challenging, calorie-burning workout, most people do not care for them in long spurts of time. Also, the repetitive motion can be grinding on the knees. So if you enjoy walking, look at purchasing a treadmill.

Without a doubt, a cardiovascular machine will be your biggest expense when creating your home gym. When it comes to these types of machine, it usually is worth the extra cost to purchase a quality model.

Some of the inexpensive models do not hold up over time and the flimsier they are, the less likely you will be to use them. If you are looking at a treadmill, realize that the fold-up models will still never be as sturdy as the regular version. If you like to run or weigh more than 200 pounds, the regular model would be a better choice.

If weight training is part of your exercise regimen, realistically look at your space and budget boundaries.

A large weight machine is not necessary to create a demanding strength training routine. Instead all it takes is imagination and a few dumbbells. An all-in-one dumbbell set is a great investment for strength training.

Smaller sets start at three pounds and move up in three-pound increments for a total of 21 pounds. Larger sets start at five pounds and can then be adjusted up to 45 pounds. For serious lifters, Powerblock has also made available an expansion set that takes the normal set up to 95 pounds.

An even cheaper option than dumbbells for resistance training is tubing. Resistance tubing comes in a variety of strengths and can challenge even advanced exercisers.

At an average cost of only $8 a band, a home exerciser could purchase several bands to use for a variety of exercises. A door strap can attach the band in a door at any angle making the number of exercises unlimited.

Tubing is also great for those who travel as they take up little space and are light weight.

Other standard exercise equipment can slowly be added to your exercise area as your budget allows. A weight bench, although handy, is not necessary for most exercises. A standard exercise step could double as a weight bench and as an exercise tool. The best part is that it is light in weight and can easily be moved out of the way.

An item that I would recommend for any home gym is a resistance ball. These large balls are versatile and inexpensive.

The number of exercises that can be performed with a ball is limitless and will make it one of the most useful tools in your home gym. Instead of spending money on abdominal gizmos that provide little results and take up space, try a regular abdominal crunch on the ball. After one set, you will be sold.

Before rushing out to purchase your new equipment, evaluate who in your household will be working out. If you are buying these items in order to inspire a spouse, your money might be wasted.

Instead realistically look at your exercise habits, as well, as your motivation. I have seen the most beautiful home gyms gather dust because the owners did not have the time, knowledge or motivation to get themselves exercising.

For those interested in getting in shape, a home gym is a great option that does not have to cost a fortune.

Kim Springer and her husband, Mike, are Certified Personal Trainers and owners of Springer Training. They can be reached at 233-9442 or at their Web site www.springertraining.com.