Outtahere said:
I don't have a gym membership but spent that money buying equipment for my home. I'm very good about working out on my own, maybe once I'm retired I'll think about joining again but right now being there when it's crowded irritates me.
Our kid is fascinated by working out-- reading the books, learning different exercises, and all the cool gear. Mostly the cool gear.
When she started lusting after the machines we parentally dismissed that consumerism almost by reflex. Then we realized that going to the gym is at least 20 minutes each way-- plus bringing towels & water bottles, changing clothes, the crowds, and dealing with staff who don't think kids should use machines or weights no matter their size. She's also not too good about planning ahead & following through. I'm not impressed with some of the behavior we see at the gym nor with the blaring TVs.
So we patiently shopped Craigslist for a year and fully equipped a storage room with a small Weider version of a universal gym, a weight bench, an elliptical machine, a treadmill, a pullup bar, and a heavy bag. $285. We carpeted it with a neighbor's leftovers, put up radiant foil insulation (to keep the heat
out), and we're even bringing in electricity from the main house. (That requires all sorts of teen-friendly skills-- a trench, waterproof conduit, remodel boxes, wiring, and a bigger circuit breaker.) That was another $200 of home-improvement entertainment supplies that needed to be done anyway when this place reverts from a home gym to Dad's workshop.
She added all her workout books, her MP3 electronics, her speakers, inspirational posters, and a lot of sweat equity. I'm sure that once we hook up the receptacles she'll start shopping for a beer icy beverage fridge.
She now uses that "home gym" at least four times a week and frankly she's gettin' pretty buff. The best part about it is being able to work out on the spur of the moment, getting her away from us after a temper tantrum or too much homework, or having the neighborhood kids hang out there instead of in front of the TV. I enjoy the convenience too, and spouse enjoys being left alone in the house. When we're working out we can actually have a conversation about techniques & programs or about all those other things teens really want to discuss with their parents without actually being seen together in public, let alone making eye contact.
It's amazing what a desperate seller will put on Craigslist.
Rich_in_Tampa said:
The little things make for a nicer life. Sunday paper, movie channel, gym, whatever. I hope I can retire with enough cushion that I don't have to give them up.
Don't need a BMW or a country club, but sure do enjoy sitting on the porch with a good cup of (high end) coffee and the Sunday paper.
We're drowning in paper, and getting rid of the newspaper was surprisingly easy.
I don't miss hearing the package thunk into the garage door at 4 AM, having it blow around the house, ink on my fingers/walls/doorframes, and the relentless upselling pressure to go daily.
I did miss the comics, but then I found them online. So we've kept all the things I like while getting rid of (admittedly minor) hassles.
But it's always a good time to sit on the lanai with a warm cup and a good book on a cool morning.
BTW a subscription to "Family Handyman" is not an extra, it's a tax-deductible rental-property expense!
in about 40 years 
![:-\](https://www.early-retirement.org/sk/forums/images/smilies/undecided.gif "Undecided :-\")
