Everyone works these days to earn money; you are doing the same thing. I think you are familiar with those days when you came back from the office and you dropped yourself on the couch, and watched TV until dinner was ready. If you don't have the will to do anything else than stay between the pillows and let time pass. You don't even have the will to spend the money you earn. How about investing it for a better life? You can have your own gym and you can have a fun evening and a healthier life. You can install some basic equipment in one room you don't use or you can arrange your basement for it. Let me tell you what you need. First of all find the room you want. Make sure that it's the best room you could chose and see if it can provide the best conditions for your workout. Make sure it is tall enough so you won't touch the ceiling with the weights etc. If you made sure you have the space to make your own gym, let's start building it.

First of all get equipment depending on your needs and what groups of muscles do you want to work mostly. For good results you can buy both aerobic and strength training equipment. Maybe your wife or your family is interested in training too so it would be great if would think of them too.

Let's start with something good for a warm up and for a good lung and heart workout. Get yourself something that will be pretty customizable so you will be pleased with your achievement in the future. I was thinking of an indoor rower. This way you will work your arms, your abdomen and at the same time warm up. Also you can use some feet equipment. Working your leg muscles is very important. Your legs are very important so don't neglect them. Running machines are very good for this job. Once you got your running machine all you need is a pair of sport shoes and you can run as far as you want without leaving the house at all. Also consider a training bike; this would make a wonderful achievement for your wife or girlfriend and not only. If you lack space and you can't afford installing a running machine, than a training bike will do just as fine. You can pedal a long distance. Also a stepper can be good for your legs. Doing steps can build some nice legs for you or your lady.

Now if you are into strength training you might need some weight machines. Look for the one that will fit your needs. Remember: you are pressed by space and you don't have room for lots of things, just the basic requirements to keep fit. So when you are buying ask the salesman about the types of exercises you can perform with that weight machine, how much pounds you put on it, what groups of muscles can can you exercise with it etc. Salesmen will try to trick you. You are a novice and they want you to buy their products so our advice is to have someone with you that knows better the gym equipment. You must have a friend who is into fitness and has more experience than you.

An alternative to a weight machine are simple weights. I think a pair of dumbbells will do, if you really lack space so much. You can buy additional weights for dumbbells and vary your exercises increasing the weight you lift. For your wife try finding smaller hand weights. She might not be able to exercise with your weights. The disadvantage with dumbbells is that you have to make double effort: once to focus on the weights not harm your arms or to provoke any other accident, and two to lift them.

If you want to spice up your gym activity and put yourself to a strength test, let me tell you a trick. It is a good exercise and it will help your arms grow stronger. Look for a place where you can hang a strong rope (outside the house or in the place where you are keeping your gym equipment). Look at the rope to be also thick and see if you can hold it well in your hands. Climbing up the rope can make a great exercise for your arms and it is also very space friendly. Also if you don't have money for equipment, add to the rope an exercise mat and you got yourself a free gym. With some exercise knowledge and some will you can manage to keep in shape.

Let's get back to the equipment: another important accessory is an abdomen bench. That is really good for burning away that belly. Remember this: you get what you pay for. Quality equipment costs. So try to find the best way to make out with your budget. Or start buying the machines for your home gym one by one. This month you can buy the bicycle, next month the weights etc. Another alternative is to buy used equipment. Second hand can be very convenient but only if you find something that really is worth buying. I guess you don't want your weight machine to break down after 2 weeks you bought it. The bad thing with second hand equipment is that you have no money back warranty. Anyway when you buy, whatever you buy, test it first. See if you are comfortable with it! You are the one who will be using it so don't get fooled by tricky salesmen: they will say anything to make you buy it!