Many people exercise at home now and then, and the kit soon finds its way into the living room: a mat, some resistance bands, a couple of weights. If it is left in a heap, it gets in the way and makes the room feel like a gym. If it is hidden too well, it is never used. The aim is a place that is quick to reach and looks tidy.
A basket or a box with a lid works well for small items such as bands, straps and small weights. It can sit beside the sofa or under a side table and look like part of the furniture. The mat can be rolled up and stood in a corner or slid behind the sofa. Keeping everything in one place means you can start an exercise session in a moment.
Keeping it safe and tidy
Heavy items should be kept low, on the floor or the bottom shelf, so that nothing falls from a height. Weights should be stored where children cannot reach them, and bands should be kept out of small hands, as they can snap back when stretched. A closed cupboard is the safest option, especially in a home with young children.
Think about the floor as well. A mat left out can trip people up, so roll it up after each use. If space is tight, choose a mat that folds or rolls small, and store it upright in a tall basket. A hook on the wall for bands and straps keeps them from tangling, and it takes almost no room.
Make the routine easy. If the kit is out of sight, it is out of mind, so place it where you pass it every day. Some people keep it next to the television or near a window with a view. Choose what suits your habits, and you are more likely to keep going.
Review the kit now and then. Anything that has not been used for months can be given away or sold, and anything that is worn out can go in the bin. What remains should fit in the space you have set aside. A small, well-kept set of equipment is a better help than a large pile that nobody touches.
