Since I was in middle school, I’ve made physical fitness a big part of my life. I gained weight during puberty and got determined to lose weight and get in better shape. Since then, I’ve made an effort to exercise every day. In my local area, inclement weather limits the opportunity for outdoor activities. When the temperature drops down to negative twenty-five degrees and there’s three feet of snow on the ground, I’m not eager to head out on a run. The excessive humidity, extreme heat, high winds, torrential downpours, freezing rain, sleet, snow and sub zero temperatures are a constant challenge all year round. I’ve had to develop a fitness routine for indoors. I tried joining a gym, but this required a thirty minute drive each way. It was inconvenient and not feasible over the long-term. I decided to research the various options for workout equipment in hopes of setting up a home gym. I was able to purchase a range of dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, a jump rope and yoga mat fairly cheap. The bigger, more complex machines are rather expensive. I saved my money to buy a weight bench and a stationary bike. I am fortunate to have access to a home gym. It allows me to workout whenever I want, without any worry over the weather. It does get a bit stale working out with the same equipment every day. I am currently saving up to buy a treadmill. My goal is to keep adding to my gear and eventually have an elliptical and rowing machine as well.