Basement workouts -- need a few opinions please.

P

PennStater

Cathlete
We're having a baby in April. My wonderful workout space is being changed over into the nursery.

So it looks like I'm moving my fitness endeavors to the basement. I'm going from a 9 foot ceiling to a 7 foot (plus a couple inches) ceiling (it's rafters, so I have "space" between the rafters). Will "vertical modifications" greatly affect the effectiveness of my workouts?

The basement is not finished off, but it does have electricity ;-) We also have a weight bench down there, which will nicely complement my strength / weight DVDs.

It's a concrete slab; will the puzzle pads provide enough cushioning for step aerobics?
 
You should be fine with a 7 foot ceiling just be aware of that when raising your arms.

The puzzle mats work great...I'd use the thicker ones available at Dick's. I use a carpet tape to hold them in place.

Good luck...it will work out just fine!


~Marietta
FITXME
http://www.picturetrail.com/fitxme
 
I'm in the same situation as you except my basement already had carpet(which I hate working out on). I think you'll be fine, just be aware of where the ceiling is when you're on your high-step. That's the only time I find I can literally hit the ceiling during a workout. You may also find that the basement tends to be cooler, which can make for a better workout IMO.

Carolyn
 
I also work out in an unfinished basement and I have the puzzle pads. I keep them in place with all of my weights. :) I was having lots of trouble with them sliding all over the place. I think they give enough cushion for me. But I do find them a bit slippery - when I'm doing plie squats my feet keep sliding further and further out! And when I try to do side planks I get all in position and then I start sliding. I haven't really figured out how to avoid that yet. I actually step onto the concrete to do the squats, etc. and use the matted part for cario - step, etc.

Congrats on your upcoming arrival!!!

Susan

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France

http://www.picturetrail.com/dogs2birds
 
My workout room is in a finished basement so my ceiling is a little low but I'm 5'1" so I only occasionally touch it, even during step. My floor is carpeted but since it is a concrete slab underneath I did experience knee pain for awhile. Someone on the forum suggested putting a pad and an area rug over the carpet and that did the trick for me. I love my basement workout room! Private and out of the way.:)
 
I have been working out in my basement for several years. I use puzzle mats as well. I found using a sticky mat over them while doing planks and plie squats help me keep in place and not slide.
I am only 5 feet tall so the ceiling has never been an issue.:p
As far as the step goes, I just started having some back problems. I am 40 years old. I moved my high impact cardio moves to a rebounder. This has definitaly helped.

Elaine
 
I also work out in an unfinished basement. I put down a big piece of carpet remnantunder the puzzle pads for added cushioning and that really helps. I like it down there, my own space!!

Lisa
 
I have to make sure to place my step behind the duct work or I will sometimes hit it when my arms are overhead. Also with step-ups on the high step I make sure to get out of the way of the light bulb!

I disagree however with the comment about the basement being cooler. If it is unfinished then there is nothing stopping the heat from the furnance from boiling you in the winter! I have a fan that I make sure I use or I will roast. But if the furnance is off or the a.c. is on....you will benefit from the cooler temps.

Congrats on the upcoming baby. I hope you have a speedy recovery!

Jeanette
 
Thank for the input, guys. I appreciate it :)

Dick's has the floor mats on sale -- 12 for $20. DH has a remnant on the floor already, for the weight bench, so I'll be sure to put the mats over that to prevent slippage!
 
for those who workout on carpet, do you place the puzzlemats on top of the carpet? is this much better than working out on the carpet?
 
Congrats on the new baby!:7

I have always worked out in my basement and last year DH put up walls for me. He wanted to do a drop ceiling, but I kept the ceiling bare, so that I would have enough jumping space.

I use the puzzle mats over the concrete too, but put one of those large grip mats under them so they wouldn't slide. In order to get rid of the slippery feeling on the puzzle mats themselves, I washed them about 4 times with 409 to get rid of the slippery finish on them.

My basement stays nice and cool, so I do consider that a plus although I still manage to end up a drippy, sweaty mess after my workouts!

I love my workout space and I'm still "decorating" it!

Good Luck!
 
Hi PennStater
Congratulations on haveing a baby!

After working out in my basement for 6 years with carpet and carpet padding over cement, I have just recently added puzzle mats. The difference is just fantastic. My joints are like new! I purchased mats from BJ's wholesale club. They are the the brightly colored mats and I used a double layer of them because they were too thin. I have them anchored down on some sides by furniture and the wall on other sides. But a dumbbell will work also.

As far as the ceiling goes, it isn't much of an issue. On the high step I have to watch out for the cold air return and just position my step under a higher area.

I hope you enjoy your new work-out area and your new baby!


Judy "Likes2bfit"

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce27b3127cce94279e1404fa00000016108AatHLZo3buN

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5ce27b3127cce9426d089240c00000015108AatHLZo3buN
 
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