Meetings. Hurry-up-and-wait projects. Kids who have to go to school and practice and a litany of other functions that take precedence over yours because you’re a good father. Home and office life can weigh down on a man’s efforts to get to the gym.
Solution? Make the gym come to you, by building one in your basement.
But since this is your home we’re talking about — and not some monochrome, cookie-cutter den of sweat and sanitary wipes — we recommend aiming a little high-minded with your fitness accoutrements.
Luckily, there are a growing number of companies that focus on workout equipment that is every bit as handsome as it is functional.
Here are some of our favorite museum-quality pieces.
The gentlemanly boxing setup
Boxing will tone your arms while working on your balance and core. It’s also a helluva stress reliever. Go vintage, though, with this killer speed bag and a pair of gloves that look great hanging on a wall mount. They’ll also let your daughter’s boyfriends know that you mean bidness.
Magical wheel-ism
You only need 10-20 minutes to get a good cardio workout. Rather than braving the wilds, hop on the Cicolette, a big wheel-inspired bike so attractive it’s on display at the Italian Design Museum. The gel seat is comfy, and there’s a place to put your tablet so you can read while peddling.
Just what the doctor ordered
Medicine balls are great for compound movements — i.e., those that require squatting and rising over and over. Leather Head makes them like they used to, with handsome weathered leather and contrasting laces.
Kettlebell or centerpiece?
A kettlebell’s funky shape is why it’s a great workout: the unwieldy quality requires you to use your core to balance while lifting them. Team Do W custom-makes its marble kettlebells so in your preferred weight — not that you need to use it. Set it on the mantle and your guests will mistake it for a Roman artifact.
Have a toss
If you work on a campus, hit the grounds with this leather football by Shinola. Put it on your desk when it’s not in use. Compliments will ensue.
Tread dapperly
Treadmills are typically a sight for sore eyes (and thighs). But the TechnoGym treadmill sports a polished, chromed-out look. It’s also a great coach: connected to the proprietary interval app and it’ll walk you through 90 seconds at walking speed followed by 30 seconds of a dead-on-sprint.
Erg-onomics
Rowing is cardio meets compound movements, and will get the ticker going while also strengthening your back. Water Rower makes their rowing machines in walnut and pine combined with a waterflywheel that’s quite pleasing on the eyes. It’s also easy as pie to store. Just tilt it upright and wheel to a wall.
Smart bells
There’s a reason dumbells have been the gold standard in weighlifting since Ancient Greek tiems: they get you toned, and fast. HOCK’s Diskus Series weds gleaming stainless steel weights with walnut handles and a walnut racking tower. It’s a good look.
Now get moving, fella.
More Like This
We're always on the scene eating, drinking and traveling near and far to bring you the best of what's happening out in the real world. Sign up for IRL now.
