A resource for those seeking information on organizing and transforming spaces.

Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

How to Create Your Own Gym At Home

There are a few things that you need to consider before you set out to buy weights, exercise bikes, or yoga essentials. Here are a few tips for creating an ideal home gym for your space and budget.

Let’s be honest – the costs of gym memberships are often more than their real value. With the availability of equipment and access to all kinds of workout videos at home, it’s becoming way easier to get in shape and build muscle without ever leaving your house. A home exercise space gives you more flexibility to plan exercise on your schedule and trade travel time for more of your favorite workouts. 

By creating your own gym at home, you can be sure that you won’t be distracted or interrupted by anyone, and that no one else will be hogging that one exercise machine you like. Unless, of course, they already live with you.

There are a few things that you need to consider before you set out to buy weights, exercise bikes, or yoga essentials. Here are a few tips for creating an ideal home gym for your space and budget.

Find a Suitable Space for Your Workouts

When you have a lot of extra space, you have plenty of options for creating your home gym. Ideally, of course, you should dedicate one room, like a spare bedroom, garage, or basement. This would be perfect for installing weight or cycling equipment. Make sure to use a durable rotor crankset on your exercise bike, so you can enjoy years of regular use.  But you can have a perfectly effective workout even in a small apartment. Though you may need to be more creative and careful about picking adequate exercises that don't require too much space.

At a minimum, there should be enough space to place a yoga mat, which is enough for stretches and bodyweight exercises. Lunges, squats, and pushups are considered royalty among strength exercises, and you don't need plenty of space or extra equipment for doing them. If you don't have room for big, fancy machines, basic High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with a jump rope could be an ideal part of your workout.

The Essential Home Gym Equipment

While it is tempting to buy a treadmill or elliptical, you don't need bulky machines to make your home gym a productive workout space. First, think of all the exercises and combinations you want to do and start with essential equipment every home gym should have.

  • Save the money you would spend on a treadmill and get a simple jumping rope for a good cardio workout. If you want to step up the game, go for a weighted jump rope. These are generally heavier to turn, so your hand and arm muscles will work harder.

  • Invest in a quality yoga mat and other props for yoga, pilates, and stretches. A shock-absorbent yoga mat is practical for other high-impact cardio exercises since it helps prevent injuries.

  • There are plenty of bodyweight strength exercises such as pushups and squats that don’t require any equipment. But if you want to crank up the strength training, you will need free weights. Dumbbells & kettlebells are an excellent addition to any home gym because they add resistance and weight to exercises. Barbells and racks require much more space than dumbbells and kettlebells. But if possible, it is good to invest in them to further progress in your strength training. The bench is another valuable piece of strength training equipment. It is incredibly versatile and practical for workouts such as bench press, tricep dips, and bench jumps. Most of the benches are foldable, so you can put them away when you don't use them.

  • Consider some post-workout recovery equipment that will enable you to get the most from the stretches. Besides the yoga mat, you may need a foam roller and trigger point ball.

Create the Right Ambiance

The idea that an at-home gym is only about the equipment is one of the biggest misconceptions. Same as the traditional gym, a home gym is about the music, lighting, and general atmosphere. A functional but also visually attractive space will make the prospect of working out more enticing. It all depends on the size of the room, but here are a few ideas on what you can do to decorate your home gym.

  • There should be enough light in the room. Natural daylight is the most important, but consider adding overhead and accent lighting. It will make your gym more elegant.

  • Artificial turf is another worthwhile addition to your home gym. First, it provides a natural feel and comes with high shock absorbency. That said, by installing high-quality synthetic grass, you will significantly reduce the risk of impact injuries. It is also incredibly comfortable to work out on since it is as soft and gentle as live grass.

  • Many people enjoy listening to music when working out because it is motivating and inspiring. A great thing about the home gym is that you can decide the genre and volume of music ( be careful not to make the neighbors angry).

  • Mirrors are also home gym essentials since they maximize the light and improve the sense of space. They are also practical when doing exercises that require precision, such as squats & deadlifts, yoga postures, etc.

Keep It Tidy and Clean

There’s a real art to clutter busting. Make sure to clear your home gym of all the clutter that might distract you. Put the shoes in the closet and the work laptop on the desk. Additionally, make sure to clean all the equipment after use. Always put the equipment away after use. By keeping your home gym clean and tidy, you minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.

Put Your Gym to Good Use

Now you are ready to use your gym. Invite a friend who expressed a desire to do a strength workout to join you. You can also ask your partner to do a CrossFit workout of the day (WOD) together, or simply hit the weights for an energizing solo lifting session.

Read More
Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

Beginner’s Guide to Standing Desks

Your lower back aches. You lean back in your chair to try and stretch it out before returning to your screen and keyboard. As you get up to get a cup of coffee, you exhale and feel your knees pop. It’s been a while since you stood up. A sedentary lifestyle not only can increase the risk of physical ailment, but it can keep you drowsy and unfocused.

Your lower back aches. You lean back in your chair to try and stretch it out before returning to your screen and keyboard. As you get up to get a cup of coffee, you exhale and feel your knees pop. It’s been a while since you stood up. A sedentary lifestyle not only can increase the risk of physical ailment, but it can keep you drowsy and unfocused.

This is where standing desks come into play. With a standing desk, not only do you get the apex of form and function, but you also receive a hub for productivity. A high-quality standing desk is one of the best solutions to daily doldrums. It keeps you on your feet, off your lower back, and ready to hit the day. Standing desks, while growing in popularity, still remain to be the norm. We’ve created a beginner’s guide to get you started on your journey towards active work!

Start With Quality

As with any product, quality is crucially important and the best way to start your research into standing desks. The desk is the focal point and centerpiece of any office; it is noticeable, functional, and has a tremendous effect on the room. Also, in most cases, a standing desk is a load-bearing object. It provides a surface for your monitor, computer, keyboard, speakers, books, accessories, and so on. 

Make sure that the materials used to craft your standing desk are high-quality, sustainable, and strong. A piece that carries such important weight should be supported by the best-sourced materials possible.

Adjustability

The best thing about an adjustable standing desk is that you always have a choice. You are never stuck in one place. If you decide one day that you need to get off your feet, simply press a button and watch your standing desk transform. Whether you want a manually adjustable piece or something with powered support, there is a standing desk out there that is perfect for you.

Adjustable furniture is an easy way to conserve space in your room while maintaining the space’s function. With a standing desk, you have better control over storage and other elements of your space!

Shape

Standing desks come in several popular shapes, though two stand out as the most popular. There is the more traditional, rectangular desk with two legs that either rises manually or automatically. Then, there is the L-shaped desk. 

While standing desks are always adjustable, the L-shaped desk offers a consistent hybrid experience. You can swivel back and forth between your computer and an open writing space while you’re sitting; when you need a change of pace, you can adjust one segment of the desk to stand while maintaining the position of the remaining section. No matter which shape you end up choosing, there are high-quality options available to meet your needs.

Price

A standing desk is a significant piece of furniture that should be considered with careful thought and planning. Once you have picked a color and shape for your standing desk, the only thing left to do is address the price. While you should never skimp on quality, it is also important that any purchase you make falls within your budget. 

Whether you are a college student looking to make your dorm a little cozier, or a seasoned professional, affordability is of the utmost importance. Take a moment to weigh the cost-benefit of a standing desk, then go ahead and pull the trigger.

The Bottom Line

No matter what your style is, having authority over your environment is beneficial to anyone’s workday. Whether you prefer a traditional seated desk or a standing desk, adjustable pieces are sure to fit right into your office. 

With a standing desk, you conserve space, maintain focus, and keep that blood pumping. Make sure that you always do your research before buying. Check for high-quality, sturdy materials, measure out your room, and pick the height that is right for you. With a few simple steps and a little bit of research, you can begin your office revolution!

Read More
Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

Options Worth Considering When Changing the Landscape of Your Yard

Knowing it's time to change the landscape of your yard is likely going to be more of a realization than a decision, but what you turn it into will be a choice. Knowing options worth considering when changing the landscape of your yard helps you find what will work out best for you.

Knowing it's time to change the landscape of your yard is likely going to be more of a realization than a decision, but what you turn it into will be a choice. Knowing options worth considering when changing the landscape of your yard helps you find what will work out best for you.

Tall Shrubs

Tall shrubs or even fast-growing plants such as bamboo are great ideas to plant around the perimeter of your yard. They won't keep people and animals out as effectively as actual fencing, but they can hide fencing fairly quickly while giving you visual privacy.

Water Feature

If you have natural water running through your property, such as a creek, then you should plan the landscaping around this. However, even if your yard is dry, you can still add a water feature as a focal point. A solar-powered fountain adds soothing sights and sounds without running up your power bill, and a koi pond brings a whole different world to your space.

Stone Gravel

Finding a good stone gravel supplier opens up a lot of options for you in terms of landscape design. Stone gravel is very useful in creating pathways throughout your yard. You can also use it for drainage purposes and erosion control. You might even use it for xeriscaping to comply with water restrictions in your area.

Butterfly Garden

Dozens of plants are known to be alluring to butterflies. Planting just one of them isn't a sure bet to get the magic of beautiful butterflies to call your yard home, but you can arrange a dozen of them in a central location to increase your chances of having something magical to witness at certain times of the year.

Native Plants

If you want a yard that requires minimal upkeep and thrives well on its own, then you need to choose plants that aren't just a match for your USDA hardiness zone but also native to your region. They'll be more likely to withstand local weather and climate with minimal attention on your part.

Choose the Change You Want or Need

Changing up your yard's landscape helps you keep things fresh around your home. You need to consider how long you will remain in your home, however. What kind of yard do you want to come home to if you'll be there for many years? Alternatively, what would boost the home value the most if you are going to move soon? However, all these options would increase your enjoyment of your own yard each and every day.

Read More
Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

Ways To Connect With Nature When You Live in the City

Know some ways to connect with nature when you live in the city to get your much-needed dose of the natural world, even when living in a concrete jungle.

Ways To Connect With Nature When You Live in the City

It’s common knowledge that getting back to nature is good for your health. Indeed, humans need a connection with nature, and we need its healing touch frequently to maintain our physical and emotional health.

That’s a bit of a problem for folks who live in the city, where there are far fewer trees and less grass and green space to enjoy. The fact is, millions of Americans live in cities and highly urbanized areas, far from open fields, refreshing forests, and majestic mountains. If that’s you and you’re looking for ways to connect with nature when you live in the city, you’re in luck! We’ve got the best of them below for your perusal. If the majesty of nature in your city setting is what you’re searching for, read on!

Join Your City’s Community Garden

Many cities and urban areas have community gardens that are, in a word, outstanding. Filled with lovely plants and flowers, they’re great places to get back to nature by digging in the dirt and watching something beautiful grow!

Go Crazy With the Indoor Plants

If you can’t be out in nature, bring nature inside! Potted and hanging plants make living spaces even more livable and add beauty and life to your city apartment or condo. Choose colorful or decorated pots to add a splash of color and class. A few of the easiest plants to keep in the city include:

  • Cactus plants (Cacti)

  • Succulents like jade and aloe vera

  • Philodendrons

  • Spider plants

Hang Beautiful Nature Art in Your Apartment

If you can’t go to the mountains, the next best thing is to see them in all their glory on your wall. That goes for other nature scenes too, like the beach, forest, and more. Even though they’re only photos, the feeling of inner bliss nature art brings can add some joy to an otherwise dreary day in the city. Never underestimate the power of hanging pictures of the natural world in your home; the vistas they offer can bring much-needed visual diversity to your home.

Get Acquainted With Your Local Park

One of the best ways to connect with nature when you live in the city is by visiting a local park. Most bigger towns have phenomenal parks, including Central Park in New York City. That said, even a smaller park can transport you to a place that, while city-bound, brings you closer to nature.

Visit Your City’s Farmers Market

Most cities have spectacular farmers markets offering plentiful piles of fresh produce and food creations. The aromas, colors, and tastes can be a splendid, nature-filled respite from the cold steel of the average city.

Read More