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Exercise rooms have fast become an expected amenity for luxury homebuyers. Being able to stick to your daily fitness regimen or have a session with a private trainer without leaving your house is an extraordinary convenience. Besides, we dont all have time to get to the gym!

Some people hear the term home gym and picture a cavernous basement or garage with a set of weights. If youre looking to design an exercise room thats a cut above, here are a few tips to get started.

Locate the Space

Youll have to first pick out which part of the home can be transformed into your gym. In this case, the bigger the better, as youll appreciate having extra space to freely move around. Also consider the equipment required for your preferred type of exercise and how it can be accommodated.

Mind the Floors

Rubber flooring is typically the first choice if youre going to be weightlifting and potentially drop dumbbells on the floor. If thats not necessarily in store, however, hardwood floors are a more stylish option and you can always place small mats around the room to stretch or place equipment on.

Maximize Light

Ideally, youll have large windows and plenty of natural light, especially if you plan on using the space as a yoga or meditation studio. If youre going to put your exercise room in the basement, pay extra attention to lighting to ensure an optimal workout experience. Recessed or track lighting can be practical solutions for a well-lit workout area.

Mirrors Galore

Having full length mirrors are essential when working out and its not just so you can admire your physique. Mirrors allow you to observe your form and practice proper technique to avoid injuries. And, fine, maybe snap the occasional gym selfie!

Music Motivation

An audio system of some sort, be it built-in or portable Bluetooth, is a great way to get pumped up during each session. Or, if you prefer to get your news during your morning exercise routine, having a TV in your home gym is also a great option.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Feeling connected to nature has myriad physical and mental health benefits, from improved air quality to reduced stress levels. In our busy lives, however, it can be a bit challenging to cut down the screen time and immerse ourselves in the natural world. If youre looking to feel more in touch with the great outdoors, here are five ways you can bring it into your home and improve your living space.

Potted Plants and Trees
Theres really no such thing as having too many plants in the house. Studies have suggested that they can boost your immune system, decrease blood pressure and even improve your sleep cycle. Plus, they just look nice around the home.

Natural Materials
Using an abundance of organic materials, such as wood and stone, throughout the house can allow it to feel at one with the outside world. There are plenty of other ways to introduce earthy textures when decorating, like a Jute rug made from natural fibers or bamboo furniture.

Oversized Windows and Doors
Floor-to-ceiling windows and large glass doors are an excellent way to capture the sensation of having nature in your home. Theres a calming effect that comes about when natural light floods your living room, and you can enjoy a view that showcases your surroundings.

Outdoor-Inspired Decor
So you dont have a wide-open view of rolling hills and towering trees? Try decorating your home with a nature-inspired motif, like floral-patterned upholstery or wallpaper depicting a landscape. Surrounding yourself with scenes and colors from the outdoors can be the next best thing when youre feeling stuck inside.

Natural Aromas
Filling your home with the fresh scents of the outdoors is a surefire way to feel more connected to Mother Nature. That can mean keeping flowers around the house or using essential oils that are relaxing and have a positive impact on your mood, like lemongrass, eucalyptus or lavender.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Working out at home is incredibly convenient, but finding the perfect exercise styles for home can be a challenge.

These exercises are perfect for your next home workout.

Tabata

A form of HIIT (high-intensity interval training), Tabata utilizes body weight, making it a great choice to blast fat from your living room.

Yoga

Yoga takes minimal space and equipment. The quiet and low-impact nature makes it an ideal choice for those who wish to workout without disrupting their household.

Circuit Training

Circuit training’s built-in variety and fast-paced nature will guarantee that you don’t get bored. Grab your phone or watch and create a circuit of your own.

Pilates

A home workout go-to, pilates takes little space and can be easily modified depending on your fitness level. The best part? It requires minimal equipment.

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Affordability is a big issue for renters looking toward homeownership. Beyond the purchase price, putting together a 20 percent down payment is a big roadblock for many people.

It doesnt have to be, however. While 80 percent of millennial renters say they cant afford to buy a house, according to an Apartment List survey, there are various options that they may not be aware of.

Youve probably heard of Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans, and of Fannie Mae, a government agency that backs mortgages, but there are other programs to help buyer into their first home.

FHA / VA / Fannie
FHA loans are insured to give lenders a layer of protection if you default on the mortgage. They typically have competitive interest rates, smaller down payments and lower closing costs than conventional loans. A low credit score can still warrant only a 3.5 percent down payment.

The VA guarantees home loans that help active military members, veterans and surviving spouses. VA loans dont require a down payment or minimum credit score.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are government-sponsored entities that back home loans for low- and moderate-income families. Down payments can be as low as 3 percent.

USDA Loan
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA, focuses on homes in rural areas and guarantees the home loan. Borrowers dont have to buy or run a farm.

A credit score of 640 or higher typically gets an applicant streamlined processing. A lower score is allowed but may require extra documentation about payment history.

Good Neighbor Next Door
This program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development helps law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and K-12 grade teachers buy homes.

A 50 percent discount off a homes listed price is available through the program in areas labeled “revitalization areas.” Buyers must commit to living in the home for at least 36 months.

FHA Section 203(k)
If a fixer-upper fits more easily into your budget, a Section 203(k) rehabilitation program loan thats backed by FHA can help. It considers the value of the home after youve made improvements, and lets you borrow the money for these fixes, rolling it into your mortgage. The down payment can be as low as 3 percent.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.