With the busy lifestyle we all live these days, making the time to travel to and spend at the local gym on a weekly basis can often be simply impractical. If you're serious about getting fit and healthy, building a home gym may be the recipe to get into shape.

When looking to build a gym, you need to think seriously about exactly what exercises are right for you before investing in expensive gym equipment.

Write down a clear plan for your new gym, what you need, and how much to spend. Start your search with second hand gym equipment, this can save literally thousands of dollars, often for near new fitness equipment.

So What Should Be Included In Your Gym?

- Free Weights

Free weights are one of the most diverse pieces of equipment to purchase for your gym whether you're a serious body-builder or just getting started. Free weights can include basic dumb-bells, a bench press machine, barbells or weight plates. Free weights can also be used with stand-alone exercises to add resistance. One advantage of buying free weights is that you'll use them the first day you use your gym, and you'll still be using them three years down the track. When purchasing dumb-bells, it is a good idea to buy a set that includes a bar and separate weights, rather than molded dumb-bells. This means you can simply add heavier weights as you progress.

You should also think about getting a bench with your weights. There are a wide range of benches available, from fully adjustable benches to basic stationary benches. Although benches seem to be a very basic aspect, spending a little extra can expand your options for a range of muscle building exercises. I suggest choosing at minimum a bench with a basic incline option.

- Multi-station Equipment

Another good option is going with a multi-station gym center. These can be costly, but are an excellent option for simulating popular free-weight exercises, while keeping your gym compact. Before committing to one piece of equipment, discuss your goals with a fitness expert and make sure you will take full advantage of the machines features.

- Variable-Resistance Equipment

What are variable resistance machines? Think Nautilus® or Bowflex®. These are some of the more popular variable resistance machines providing a controlled alternative to free-weight training.

The main benefit of variable resistance equipment is the constant resistance in the range of movement for the particular muscle group you are training. Another advantage over traditional weight training is that by working with constant resistance, you make the muscle stronger and you do it much faster than traditional techniques.

This type of training also allows you to work as much or as little on specific muscle groups to reach your goals. There is the benefit of working that resistance through a greater range of movement that it is one of the most time-effective workout methods.

Adding variable-resistance equipment to your home gym is a good way to add structure to your workouts, working on tone as well as building muscle.

Portability is another major bonus of variable-resistance equipment. These pieces of equipment tend to take up little space and can often be easily dismantled for storage.

As far as which is best, free weights or variable-resistance, each has it's own advantages depending on your specific fitness goals.

Home Gym Space

Now we've covered basic equipment, it's time about to think about where you're going to setup your home gym. Ideally you want to find a space that can get plenty of fresh air, a room with a view if you choose. If space is an issue, you may decide to go with a portable home gym, maybe a spare room that can be cleared when guests come. If you are going to be moving your gym equipment in and out, it's a good idea to stay away from multi-station equipment, as these can be a recipe for disaster when moving. Garages can also be a good place for a home gym as the space is out of the way, generally well ventilated, and a good private place to work out.

Adding a television or stereo to your gym can also be a good idea. Many people soon find the motivation slipping, boredom setting in, and the gym being used less and less. Televisions and stereos are a great way to keep entertained while working out and keep progress on track.