Storing Exercise Equipment

As we strive to stay healthy, we accumulate exercise equipment that takes up space and is hard to keep organized. Treadmills, elliptical trainers, stationary bikes and other large pieces of equipment require a space of their own. They are best kept in sight and where the user can readily access them. The old joke about the treadmill turning into a clothes rack is too often true, especially when the treadmill is kept in a remote corner of the basement. If my treadmill did not come into view every morning when I climb out of bed, I doubt I would ever use it. Its presence so early in the morning is a signal to drag my body in there and do a little walking. Having the visual cue is helpful. Even when I ignore it, it stands there in silent reproof until my guilt gets the best of me. Placement of large equipment is key. Put the things you use while exercising close to the equipment. If you listen to music, or wear special footwear when you exercise, keep them close to the spot. A small table, basket, or gym bag can keep them contained.

Stability balls and free weights take up little space, but pose their own set of problems. Small weights can be housed in a drawer, a sturdy container, or even a decorative footlocker that can hold other gear and related items like an exercise mat and resistance bands. There are some specialized storage systems that keep weights handy and off the floor where they can be a tripping hazard. Take a look at the free weights holders at www.idealproducts.com and www.fitnessdestination.com. Both sites also have storage solutions for cuff weights, bands and pulleys. One of my favorite items is the Weight Cart that holds weights, has shelf space for other items and is on casters so it can be rolled into a corner when not in use. Another neat and compact product that can be found at www.yukonfitness.com is the Body Mirage Fitness Kit. A small duffel pack holds a set of 2 lb. dumbbells, jump rope, chest expander, pull band and push-up bar. That is a lot of equipment in a little space and it sells for under $50.

There are also several solutions for organizing stability balls. The Loop hangs on the wall and holds several sizes. It can be found at www.performbetter.com. The Ball Holder is a hard plastic disc that holds the ball in place by suction and keeps it from rolling around the floor and Ball Stackers, available at www.amazon.com fit between balls to allow them to be stacked one on top of the other. Both wall-mounted and freestanding ball storage racks, as well as carts with casters can be found at www.Theratek.com.

Whatever equipment you have to organize and store, the following principles are helpful to keep in mind:
Keep equipment in an accessible spot to facilitate its use.
Keep accessories close to the equipment you use them with.
Use storage and organization systems to keep equipment from cluttering your living space.

Exercise is not fun for me, so I use these hints to make it a little more bearable.

Beverly & Kristen
www.KeyTransitions.net

Bedrooms

Bedrooms are for sleeping, right? You would think a room with such a specific purpose would be easy to keep organized and uncluttered. That is not the story for most of our clients. The truth is that a bedroom is a multipurpose room and sleeping is just one of the functions it supports. The functions of a bedroom depend on the frequency of use and the age(s) of the occupant(s). So-called spare bedrooms often become the repository for homeless objects and unfinished projects so we are not talking about them today. They are a whole different challenge. We are focusing on regular occupied bedrooms where folks sleep, share intimacies with spouses, partners and friends, get dressed, store clothes and jewelry, read, study, exercise, sometimes have home offices and hobby stations. It is a truly multi-functional space. Often it is the only private space for individuals sharing a home.

Because a bedroom is used for more than one thing, the first step in removing clutter and organizing the space is to list the things you do in the bedroom. Then determine the best place to accomplish that task, given the space available. We find it helpful to think of the bedroom in zones. The most often used categories include:

- Sleeping Zone
- Dressing Zone
- Play Zone
- Study Zone
- Relaxing/Socializing Zone

Once we have established the zones, we group the items that are needed for that activity together in that space as much as possible. While we are completing that activity we assist the client in arranging, storing and purging items that go in the space.

Some hints our clients have found helpful include:

- Create a reading station near the bed that includes adequate lighting, book mark, and a place for book and glasses
- Store children’s must have bed items in a bedside table or an underbed rolling storage box that is easy for them to access
- Use pegboard or cork board to hang jewelry near the dressing area

An organized uncluttered bedroom is a worthwhile investment. Getting dressed in the morning is less stressful and going to sleep at night is more peaceful.

Beverly and Kristen
www.KeyTransitions.net