Staying Physically Fit for the Long Haul!

Each Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings my husband and I set the alarm for 6:30 am, have breakfast, complete our morning routine, and then head for the gym to work out. We don't have to go far . . . just to our garage, which is very handy!

Two years ago we were both experiencing some lower back problems and went to physical therapy for several weeks. With that in mind and knowing also that my mother has had a history of severe back issues, we decided to build a room in our oversized garage and put in a gym. Having been a remodeling contractor, my husband eagerly accepted the challenge of building the room. He only had to build two walls, but we had to design it so that we could also accommodate our main vehicle.

Before the design stage, Ken searched the Internet for gym equipment. I knew the exercises that would be most advantageous to us (having been to therapy) and we began looking for weight stack equipment that would give us the most stations where we could work out at the same time. We found the perfect equipment, plus one additional station for back and abs. We applied the measurements needed to our alloted space and it worked perfectly.

Ken ordered the equipment and started to work on the room. We allowed space for the gym equipment and then added a rub-down bench on one end of the room for back massages. Ken put in one glass door and one large window for light and fresh air when weather permits. We ordered a standing air conditioner/heating unit that is vented to the outside, which we run during the hottest and coolest days. Living in Florida, there are many days that we can enjoy the fresh air!

When the room was finished, the task of assembling the gym equipment began. Thank goodness Ken has had a great deal of experience in the assembling department because this equipment came in many parts - some large, but most small! But he did a masterful job and everything fit just as we had planned!

Building this gym in our home has been one of our best projects! We spend about 35 minutes three times a week working out. It gives us added energy, builds up our body, and strengthens us overall! In addition to the workout program, Ken and I try to eat healthy foods and try to have balance in our lives . . . physical and spiritual! If we are going to live longer, we want to "stay fit for the long haul!