There are many benefits to having a gym in your own home, it gives you a more flexible exercise schedule. You don't have to stand in line to get a workout and it makes your workout more accessable and more convenient, which in turn increases the frequency of workouts. In the long run it can also save you a few bucks that would otherwise be spent on gym membership. On the downside you won't be able to observe all the incredibly fit and attractive women hanging around your local gym, however, this may also be of benefit as you are more likely to focus on working out rather than impressing the opposite sex.

When designing your very own home gym there are a few things that are important to consider. One of the first things that springs to mind is space requirements. You need to make the most out of available space. Choice of exercise equipment is important in order to achieve this. Another consideration is ventilation, as you are going to blow off quite a bit of steam the room needs to have proper ventilation. Other important considerations include ceiling height, and solid floors.

Choosing Exercise Equipment

Before choosing equipment you need to determine what type of exercise or activities you will be doing. Such as cardio,body toning, strength training, power lifting etc. Once You've determined this, set up a list of basic equipment for each type of exercise. For example, for cardio you would need an exercise bike,threadmill, rowing machine ann so on.

Strength training and fitness equipment

If you're considering buying a multi-purpose home exercise machine I would advice you not to do this. Consumer class multi purpose equipment are often badly designed with lots of breakable bits and pieces and they wont last you long. Instead, consider adjustable cable pulleys, these offer a lot more versatility and is less breakable, they may cost more but they'll last you longer. In addition they will free up space in the middle of the room as these can usually be positioned against a wall. It's important though that the height is adjustable, something wich allows for greater flexibility. With a little imagination you can get a workout for nearly any muscle in your body with an adjustable pulley. Buying a rack of free weight dumbells will also save space and gives you a better more functional workout over machines where the path of motion is locked. Of course any self respecting gym also needs a bench press. Bench press equipment is not too expensive and you simply cannot call it a gym without a bench press apparatus.
Complimentary equipment includes exercise balls, therabands,exercise mats, heart rate monitors and alternatively a large mirror. Mirrors are not just there for you to adore your bulging biceps, it is usually placed in front of the dumbell racks so you can observe things like symmetry of movement and correct posture, in addition mirrors may give positive reinforcement during your work out.

Cardio equipment

An exercise bike is a must, good threadmills are more expensive but if your budget allows it they should be considered. Buying a rowing machine is also a good option as these are not too expensive and gives a better full body workout or warmup than threadmills and bikes.

Exercise Equipment Recommendations

Life Fitness - High quality equipment that are priced accordingly. However, equipment from Life Fitness will last you a long time and includes good warranty and service plans.

Technogym - Offers high quality equipment comparable to Life Fitness. If you can afford it check out Technogym Kinesis, a unique customizable line of pulleys that are all wall mounted, freeing up a lot of space while at the same time offering incredible versatility.

Bowflex - Quality dumbells at affordable prices

Olympic bench press - Good quality basic bench press equipment

Olympic Barbells - Barbells for bench press

Budget Equipment

Budget rowing machines

Budget threadmills

Budget exercise bikes

Miscellaneous complimentary equipment

Making your own home gym is an investment, you will need to set up a budget and find out how much you are willing to spend. You don't need to buy all the equipment at the same time, it may be better to let it build over time adding equipment as you find out more about your individual needs.