Built to fit

There's an old saying that a healthy mind is a healthy body ... or is it a healthy body is a healthy mind? Either way, it stands to reason that a healthy body can lead to a healthy mind since it eliminates worrying if your pants fit.

One way to achieve this physical and mental nirvana is by adding a fitness room to your home. Or if that's out of the question, then just place a treadmill in the spare bedroom.

That's what Sylvia and Bob Apple have done. A treadmill sits in their multipurpose bedroom, along with some hand weights, a television and sofa bed. They spend an hour a day working out before or after work.

"Before we moved to Las Vegas, we had a much larger home and more equipment," Sylvia Apple said. "Besides the treadmill, we had a rowing machine and a stationary bike. But in our smaller place, we could only choose one and I prefer the treadmill."

Just about all exercise equipment is made for the home and can easily fit into any room without any major adjustments, said Mark Martino of GGW Architects in Las Vegas.

"Most equipment that you see in sporting goods stores will have no bearing on floors as they don't weigh that much," he said. "They're built light to be affordable and built specifically for the home. However, if weights become a part of your exercise routine, then get a rubberized mat or change the flooring to handle the heavy weights."

The Apples are in their 60s and exercise for their health. They are committed to their daily indoor routine, but when the weather is nice on the weekend, they exercise by walking around the neighborhood for one hour.

"We started exercising about 20 years ago and have now become creatures of habit," Sylvia Apple said. "We may not always enjoy it, but it's like brushing your teeth. Exercising for us is a lifestyle choice and it helps with our weight and it also motivates us to eat better. If we had more space, we would add an elliptical machine because my husband believes you get a more complete workout and it's easier on the joints."

He's correct, said Devin Alleman at Sports Chalet at the Arroyo Market Square off Rainbow Boulevard. According to Alleman, an elliptical trainer is a stationary exercise machine used to simulate stair climbing, walking or running without causing excessive pressure to the joints. That can help in decreasing the risk of impact injuries.

"Elliptical trainers offer a nonimpact cardiovascular workout that can vary from light to high intensity based on the speed of the exercise and the resistance preference set by the user," he said. "They are popular along with exercise bikes. Bikes can be placed anywhere in any room and save the body unnecessary stress on tendons and ankles that may occur when running outside on hard pavement."

Alleman said it helps when a person has an idea on the type of exercise equipment he or she is interested in and whether they want to lose weight, develop strength training or build muscle tone. With a little bit of information, Alleman can make some solid suggestions.

"Besides the elliptical machines and treadmills, which are the most popular, we have heavy bags, speed bags, punching bags and neoprene dumbbells which are great for cardio exercises and weight training," he said. "Something like a Bowflex has 12 exercises built into it for the entire body including triceps push down, seated shoulder press, bench press and seated leg press. This is a great machine for strength training."

Alleman suggests that while purchasing equipment, customers should also look at mats and other coverings that protect the floor and carpeting as well as the exercise equipment.

Martino said most exercise equipment is manufactured to easily plug into any home wall outlet. He advises that if something is going to be attached to the wall or ceiling, like a heavy bag or punching bag, then additional blocking may be needed for support and suggests contacting a contractor to assist in installing that specific piece of equipment.

What's important is to make your exercise area inviting to you," he said. "If you really want to make it distinctive, add a cushioned bench or sofa or lay some self-adhesive carpet squares to help cushion floor exercises. Putting mirrored panels on the back wall reflects light and gives the room a more open feel."