Looking for ideas for your loft conversion? Essex homeowners and homes across London could find inspiration from the 2012 Olympics.
Loft conversions are perfect spots to create your own dedicated home gym. And there couldn't be a better investment – not just in your house, but your health. Creating a home gym in the loft could in fact be a wise financial choice. As a nation, we spend thousands on wasted gym memberships every year. Having a home gym in your loft offers convenience and accessibility as well as an investment opportunity. In locations across London and Essex, more homeowners may be inspired to get fit as the 2012 Olympics inspires more people to get their bodies, as well as their homes, in shape.
Movie stars like Kate Beckinsale have invested in a home gym, but you don't need a Hollywood budget to turn a loft conversion into a personal home gym. You can deck out your loft conversion with key equipment for less than £5,000. Compared to the high cost of gym membership and the inconvenience of getting to a gym, it's a good investment.
Loft Conversion – The Right Space
A loft conversion is a good spot for a home gym if you have been inspired by the Olympics. Essex and London are bound to be buzzing on the run up to the big event. A room around 3 x 4m is large enough to work-out in and stretch. Loft conversions are usually the right size and well ventilated with dedicated loft windows. With a loft conversion, you won't have to give up bedroom space or partition off any other rooms and sacrifice valuable living space.
Consult a Professional Loft Converter
In a dedicated loft conversion, consider investing in a fan (it can get hot if you have large windows), and it makes sense to install a shower – that way, if you end up selling your home, your loft conversion can be offered as an extra bedroom with en-suite – not every buyer will be a fitness fanatic. A loft converter will advise you about the necessary planning and building regulations and how to make the most out of your loft space. They will also advise you if it's necessary to strengthen your floor if you have a suspended timber floor – fitness equipment can be heavy.
Inspired by the Olympics?
If you are a homeowner in Essex or London inspired by the Olympic games, remember that nobody sticks to an exercise regime if they find it dull – even if they have a convenient home gym. Invest in a wall-mounted TV or dedicated surround sound system to keep the blood pumping and make your work out fun. Opt for a range of cardiovascular machines such as a treadmill, exercise bike and rowing machine to increase your fitness – a multi-gym will work on your muscles, or you could just opt for a bench with weights to get toned. If you have a small budget, you don't need to buy expensive treadmills - a skipping rope, heart monitor, set of dumbbells and a medicine ball is enough to get fit.