Experts agree that the room needs to be warm and welcoming, and big enough for the equipment you intent to use. And don't tuck the room too far out-of-the-way; you'll want a constant reminder of your committment to conditioning. Try to include something for everyone to be drawn off the couch: you, your spouse and even young children.

   Let's plan the room with good lighting - not too bright but not too dark - and a large mirror. Avoid messy tangles; pre-plan your power needs and place outlets close to the machines that need them.

   It wouldn't be smart to plan your home exercise center with bright spotlights burning in your eyes where you'll be doing sit-ups. Minimize glare with diffuse lighting, dimmers, or directional lighting so you can relax on some machines and read while using others.

   And don't forget a decent sound system and a TV mounted where you can see it from the treadmill or bicycle. These amenities are wonderful extras that will keep you coming back.

   Some equipment like multi-station, elliptical trainers and stretching stations need higher ceilings than average rooms. The high ceilings also provide good ventilation. During the planning process, discuss with your builder the size and weight of the equipment that you're planning; it might be necessary to "beef up" the flooring under the room to deal with the load. And it's much easier to reinforce the floor at the time of construction than later on.

   Professional home gym designers often favor a room that's long and narrow over a square room. That layout seems to prevent a congested sensation and prevents power cords running all over the floor. You can mirror the room to return spaciousness.

   Make your workout room inviting. Paint it using colors you love, display trophies, and add photos and other artwork. Wall murals are a great way to decorate a home gym. The right mural can also be a motivational tool. For example, you can choose to face the seashore from your treadmill. A forest scene might take you away on a mountain bike instead of plodding away indoors on a stationary machine.

   The little things add up in a home gym: balls, rubber bands, and other accessories. What about towels, spray cleaners and wipes...? Make one of the finishing touches on your exercise center a well-organized closet.