Elements of an Inspiring Home Gym

 

“What gym do you use, Legs?”

She opened the bottle. “My own.”

Bed of Roses

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Photo by TNHometour.com - Browse home gym photos

It’s not so much the size of your workout area that matters — whether you have a corner devoted to yoga or an entire home gym. Finding the motivation to use your workout space is often the hardest part. Here are 10 elements to give your workout space (and you) a jolt of inspiration.

HOUZZ

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Two treadmills, an elliptical, a recumbent bike, Bowflex, free weights, a bench press—not to mention the huge flat-screen and the glass-fronted fridge holding bottles of water and juice.Towels, he noted, neatly folded, alcohol wipes, killer view.

“Convenient,” he said, “and efficient.”

Happy Ever After

What it Feels Like to Ride a Motorcycle

She enjoyed the feeling of the bike-the freedom of it, and the risk.

Captivated

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By Abhijeet Somvanshi abhijeets06 - 
https://unsplash.com/photos/RmRprMIyDzkImage at the Wayback Machine
 (archived on 4 July 2017)Gallery at the Wayback Machine (archived on 4 May 2017), 
CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61736942

Motorcycle riding is a combination of exhilaration, fear, relaxation, and pleasure that changes you forever. It’s physical & emotional pleasure, with a layer of anxiety & adrenaline.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to ride one, read on…

Medium

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“You ever ride a Harley, Legs?”

“No.Why would I?”

“Then you’re in for a treat.You’re going to want to hold on. To me,” he added after a beat.

She put her hands lightly on either side of his waist.

But when he revved the engine again—she knew damn well he did it on purpose—she swallowed pride and wrapped her arms around him.

Why, she wondered, anyone would want to drive something so noisy, so dangerous, so—

Then they were flying down the road, and the wind blew cool and balmy and gorgeous over every inch of her.

Okay, a thrill, she admitted, and her heart skipped as he leaned into a turn. A terrifying sort of thrill. Like a roller coaster, which was another thing she could admit was exciting without being a necessary experience in a well-rounded life.

The landscape whizzed by. She smelled the rain, the grass, the leather of his jacket, felt the throb of the bike between her legs.

Sexual, she admitted. Add arousing to that terrifying thrill. Which was surely the reason people rode bikes.

When he swung onto her drive, she had to resist flinging her arms up in the air to feel the wind give her palms a slapping high five.

Happy Ever After

We Can Dream

“Hey, what’s said in the—What is this room?”

“Butler’s pantry.”

“No shit?” He let out a half laugh as he scanned

the space again. “Okay, what’s said in the butler’s

pantry stays in the butler’s pantry.” That got a smile

out of her, a faint one.

Happy Ever After 

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Beautiful Butler’s Pantries

Photo by McCarthy Homes QLD - Browse wine cellar ideas

These stylish butler’s pantries are the ultimate accent piece for any dream kitchen — butler not included

HOUZZ

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His eyes narrowed as she slipped into the butler’s pantry for the wine. 
“Are you looking for a kick in the ass?”

“Actually, I’m looking for a nice pinot grigio,” she called out. 
“Ah, here we go. I hope I’m invited to dinner,” she continued as she brought 
the bottle back to the kitchen.

Whiskey Beach

How to Create a Home Gym You’ll Actually Use

Struck with admiration and not a little envy, she stopped at the base. The slope of the hill

opened the lower level to the rear of the house through wide glass doors and windows, and a

small and pretty slate patio beyond, where the dog currently sprawled on his back, feet straight

up, sleeping.

But inside, on safety mats over the wide-planked oak floor, stood the machines. In silence, she

wandered, studying the elliptical trainer, the weight bench, the rack of weights, the recumbent

bike, rowing machine.

Serious stuff, she mused.

An enormous flat-panel TV covered one wall. She noted the components tucked into a builtin,

and the glass-front bar fridge holding bottles of water. And in the corner where the wood

merged with slate rested a whirlpool tub in glossy black.

"Matt's work?"

"Yeah. Mostly."

"I'm more and more pleased with my instinct to hire him. You never have to leave here."

"That was sort of the idea. I like to hole up for long stretches. It was designed as a family

room, but since my family doesn't live here, I figured why haul myself to a gym when I can

bring the gym to me? And, hey, no membership fee. Of course, it cuts out being able to ogle

toned and sweaty female bodies, but you've got to make some sacrifices."

"I have a basement," Cilla mused. "An actual underground basement, but it's big. I gave some

thought to finishing it off eventually, but more for storage and utility. But with the right lighting..."

Tribute 

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Photo by Studio 133 - Browse home gym ideas

Start the new year off on the right foot with expert tips on designing a home fitness space you’ll stick with

Year after year, getting more exercise tops New Year’s resolution lists. And while the number of people committed to this popular goal often plummets by February, experts say having a dedicated space right at home that will inspire you to stay active can help.

HOUZZ

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He stopped in the doorway. He’d seen their setup

at their beach house in the Hamptons, but that was

small change compared to this.

Two treadmills, an elliptical, a recumbent bike,

Bowflex, free weights, a bench press—not to

mention the huge flat-screen and the glass-fronted

fridge holding bottles of water and juice.Towels, he

noted, neatly folded, alcohol wipes, killer view.

“Convenient,” he said, “and efficient.”

Happy Ever After

Team Thought Tom Cruise Died While Shooting the Crazy Helicopter Stunt

“How messed up?”

“Broke a lot of bones, bruised a few organs, sliced

some skin.” He shrugged, but Parker didn’t buy it

had been that simple, that casual.

“It sounds serious. How long were you in the

hospital?”

“Put me out for a while,” he continued in that same

careless tone.

Happy Ever After

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/greg2600/ [CC BY-SA 2.0 
(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

This exclusive behind-the-scenes clip from Mission: Impossible – Fallout details how the actor did one of his most harrowing scenes.

"There was an audible gasp from the crowd. That's a huge drop," says Henry Cavill.

Cruise himself is pretty cavalier about the whole thing, having done crazy stuff like this for years.

"You know it's going to be a big impact. It really knocks the wind out of me," Cruise says.

Esquire

The Joy of All-Female Gatherings

"I've got the wrong equipment to be Nell's girlfriend, Rip. 

Just… just see if you can spend some time with her. 

Go out on the boat, or go shopping or…" He gestured vaguely. 

"Paint each other's toenails."

"Excuse me?"

"Give me a break. I don't know what you 

people do in your mysterious caves when men aren't around."

"We have pillow fights in our underwear."

He brightened because she wanted him to. 

"Really? I was afraid that was a myth. So, be a friend, okay?" 

Dance Upon the Air

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By Michael Vincent Photography for Bride's Night Out, Inc. -

 Contact us/Photo submission, CC BY 3.0,

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In the newsletter Dolly Mail, London-based writer Violet Hudson made the case for lady-only gatherings. “There are covens all over this city,” she says. “The libations we make are spilled red wine. The spells we cast are conversation. And the potions we brew are pasta or roast chicken. The Wiccan religion that we all practice is simple: girls-only hang outs.”

A Cup of Jo

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“She said she had some things to do, and you’re 

supposed to keep me company. So what does the

Quartet do after pizza when the guys are away?” 

She sat across from him, took a sip of wine. “Oh,

we have slow-motion pillow fights in our underwear.”

“Another fantasy come true. Want a cookie?”

Happy Ever After

🌽 Happy Thanksgiving 🍂 Quoting Nora 📖

The Changing Roles of Men on Thanksgiving

She handed him a plate to dry. "Did your father do dishes?"

"Only on Thanksgiving." Rafe polished off the plate, set it aside.

"Buck MacKade was a man's man."

The Return of Rafe MacKade 

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By A1C Kyle Gese - h

ttp://www.defenseimagery.mil/imageRetrieve.action?guid=5d01193ee49c132dc03465377c8f0934d389153b&t=2, 

Public Domain, 

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My father was a couch potato. My husband makes the whipped potatoes.

In her exploration of gender roles at Thanksgiving, author Linda Lowen asked:

“Could a holiday so clearly rooted in patriarchal traditions ever evolve into a more gender equitable celebration?”

The Good Men Project


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“The pie looks great. Did you make it, Ma K?”“I did. If Maureen’s in the kitchen, I’ll take it back to her.”“We’ve got the women in the kitchen where they belong.” He winked. “The men are in the media room watching the game as per Brown family tradition. Let me take you back, get you a drink.”


Happy Ever After

Who needs small talk?

“I might do that. So, how did you go from doing stunt work in LA to owning a garage in Greenwich?”

“Is this small talk, or are you interested?”

“It can be both.”

Happy Ever After

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When I was single and dating, my friends made fun of me for jumping into deep  conversations with guys I just met.

I've never been interested in small talk, or its cousin, flirting. I'm genuinely curious to get to know people, and I'd rather not talk if it's going to be about nonsense. Turns out, I have something in common with the "silent Finns" who are also known for not talking small, but diving into meaningful conversation — or none at all.

Mother Nature Network

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He’d expect conversation, and she wasn’t sure she had any more. 

Between him and his mother, she was out of what struck her 

as appropriate small talk.

The Witness

Things Mechanics Have Found in Cars

“In your business you get to know a lot of secrets. In mine, too.”

“How’s that?”

“People want their car detailed, for instance, and don’t always make sure everything’s out of it they don’t want other people to see.”

“Such as?”

“That would be telling.”

She elbowed him. “Not if I don’t know who left the what.”

“We have a running contest at the garage. Whoever finds the most women’s underwear in a

month gets a six-pack.”

“Oh. Hmmm.” 

Happy Ever After

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By Blueck (talk) - Own work (Original text: I created this work entirely by myself.), 
Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4850556

Think French fries on the floorboard and stinky gym shoes in the back seat of your car is bad? That’s nothing compared to what these mechanics have found!

Family Handyman

What area of your house were you afraid of as a kid?

“Where . . . Oh God, Del, not one of the basements.”

“How many attics and basements are in this place?” Mal whispered to Emma.

“Three attics, two—no, three basements if you count the scary boiler room where the demons who eat the flesh of young girls live.”

“Cool.”

“Sure, if you’re a young boy like Del was.” Emma narrowed her dark eyes as she glared across the table. “But if you’re a young girl playing Treasure Hunt, you could be scarred for life by a certain mean boy with a flashlight with a red bulb, a shambling walk, and a low, maniacal laugh.”

She picked up her wine, shuddered a little. “I still can’t go down there.”

Happy Ever After

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By Paolo Neo - http://www.public-domain-image.com/public-domain-images-pictures-free-stock-photos/photography-studio-public-domain-images-pictures/macro-photography-public-domain-images-pictures/cactus-flower-in-dark-room.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24916063

With Halloween approaching, we'd love to hear your stories about the creepiest part of your house growing up. 

HOUZZ

CELEBRATE 💮

“They’re wonderful. Charming and fun. Batman and Robin?”

Kay strolled over. “Mal gave me those for Mother’s Day back when he was about twelve. 
Gave me those humping dogs, too—didn’t think I’d put them out. 
He was sixteen then, I think, and trying to get my goat. I got his.” 
She glanced back, grinned at him and the

memory. “Embarrassed the hell out of him when I put them on the shelf.”

Happy Ever After

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By Scott Darbey from Canada - Mother's Day Flowers, by Melody, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42235841

We’ve also got 10 great ideas to treat your mom right—from a yummy breakfast in bed to a beautiful bouquet made of symbolic flowers.

ALMANAC

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"Right after I find something tasteful for my mother," she promised, and she proved as good as her word.

Some fifteen minutes later, she chose an ebony pin crusted with pearls. It was a very mature, very elegant piece in faultless taste.

Loving Jack

17-Year-Old Teen

Parker cocked an eyebrow as the girl walked off.

“She’s got a crush on you.”

He leaned back, leather jacket open, a day’s scruff on his face, green eyes lit with cocky humor. “What can I say? Women flock to me.”

“She’d like to break the carafe of Cab over my head.”

“Maybe.” He leaned forward again.“She’s seventeen, just started her first year at community

college. She wants to be a fashion designer. Or a songwriter. Or.”

“There should always be ors at seventeen. And crushes on older men.”

Happy Ever After

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By MarnieP 29 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50281875

Emotional and Social Development of Your 17-Year-Old Teen

Here's what you can expect from your 17-year-old

verywellfamily

Finger Food for New Year's Eve

With a sigh of pure sensual greed, Shelby popped a chilled shrimp into her mouth. 
"I don't know what this is," she murmured, giving a tiny hors d'oeuvre a close study. "Have a taste and tell me." 
Intrigued, Alan bit into the finger food she held to his mouth. 
"Pate wrapped in pastry with a touch of chestnut." 
"Hmm. Okay." Shelby devoured the rest of it. 


All the Possibilities

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Holiday Appetizer Buffet Recipes

Ranging from elegant seafood nibbles to hearty picks like meatballs, hot dips, and deviled eggs, these Christmas appetizer recipes were chosen specifically for this season's most festive gatherings. Find finger buffet ideas for easygoing holiday nibbles-and-sips parties, Christmas appetizer ideas to kick off a grand holiday feast, and more ways to irresistibly celebrate the season, bite by bite.

BHG

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“With a little class. I made fancy hors d‟oeuvres.” 

“Pigs in a blanket?”

 When she laughed, tossing back her head the way she did, he poked her. 

“I like pigs in a blanket.” 

“You‟re not getting them tonight.” 

Happy Ever After

New wedding gown trend

With her hand still on her heart, Parker stepped in. And her hand simply slid down to her side. 

The bride-white silk flowed from the strapless, sweetheart bodice, down the narrow torso to a full skirt.The classic ballgown style shimmered with intricate beadwork and embroidery, sparkling on the bodice, trailing down the side, circling the sweeping hem and train. 

Its lines, its style, would, unquestionably, suit her. But that wasn't what blurred her vision. 

“It's my mother's wedding gown. It's Mom's.”

Happy Ever After 

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By 4028mdk09 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18186060

Women wearing their mother's wedding dresses will give you so many feels

There’s a new wedding gown trend, ladies, and it’s AWESOME. Brides to be are snapping pics of themselves in their #momsweddingdress, and the results are hilarious, and so, so sweet.

HELLO GIGGLES

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“It's beautiful,” she managed. 

“Absolutely beautiful. I've only seen it in pictures, only seen how wonderful she looked in it, how happy she and Dad looked. She married my father in that dress, and now I'll have both of them with me when I marry Malcolm. It's the best gift you could give me.The best.”

Happy Ever After