Spring into Fitness

(ARA) - With swimsuit season creeping ever closer, many consumers are looking for new ways to ramp up their workouts. To show people how they can accomplish their fitness goals with their very own home gym, Philips joined with Shape magazine to host a reader makeover contest. From flooring and lighting to home gym equipment, one lucky winner’s space was transformed into an energizing sanctuary ideal for working out. This makeover was conducted as part of Philips’ Designing at Home program featuring home and style designer Stephen Saint-Onge. “Choosing innovative technologies that meet your specific healthcare and lifestyle needs is important no matter which room of the home you choose to designate as the home gym,” says Saint-Onge who has been a featured guest on CNN, “The View” and “The Jane Pauley Show.” “Consider simple improvements like changing your light bulbs, adding hardwood flooring and selecting colors that can make your space an invigorating, comfortable place to get in shape.”

This year’s Shape contest winner is Jill, an expectant mother who already enjoyed working out, but did not have an area in her home to fulfill her fitness needs. Led by Saint-Onge’s eye for style, the Designing at Home team successfully transformed her family’s garage into a luxurious home gym.

The gym features Philips products including the Nike + Philips MP3RUN, 23-inch LCD television, MC235 Hi-Fi Audio System, the HeartStart Home Defibrillator, as well as partner products like the LifeFitness G5 Cable Motion Gym System and the SportsArt Performance Treadmill.

According to Jill, “Stephen’s design effectively captures my fitness preferences and style while the technology, color and accessories complement the overall look of my home. My home gym is now a sanctuary that offers the benefits of a workout environment with the comforts of home!”

When it comes to creating your very own home gym space, Saint-Onge recommends the following:

• Determine your personal fitness goals - Consult with a trained professional if necessary to help determine the best kind of workout for you.
• Find a suitable location - Choose a space in your home that offers enough room for your equipment and helps you feel energized and motivated to work out.
• “Tone up” your technology - In addition to your workout equipment, consider “fun” additions like a TV, DVD player and stereo. Instead of a bulky entertainment center, try adding a few wall shelves to display your equipment.
• Add a personal touch - Let your gym be a reflection of your style with colors, artwork, photos or trophies. Be creative!
• Use lighting in the space - If you can’t have a space with natural light, then consider floor lamps and track lighting. Philips’ HomeLight Cool White is also a great choice because it keeps you cool even when your temperature is rising.

The home gym makeover is the fourth in a series of technology and design makeovers created as part of Philips’ Designing at Home campaign. Developed to help consumers simplify their home design and technology decisions, www.designingathome.com provides tips and resources about integrating advanced, easy-to-use technologies into home décor by including before and after photos and video from various room makeovers, “how to” articles and personal design pointers.

To see pictures of the home gym or to get more information about how to create this kind of makeover in your own home, visit www.designingathome.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content