Sharyn Wright coaches her mum, Jean.

SPRING is here and it’ll soon be time to break out the bikini – a thought that for many gets the nerves (and other bits) wobbling in all the wrong places.

So, is it better to cough up a gym membership, read up on celebrity diets, set the alarm for 5am for yoga sessions, or enjoy the comforts of working out in your own home?

Sharyn Wright of Dannemora is a personal trainer and has her own sophisticated gym set up inside her suburban double garage.

Being a devotee to a healthy lifestyle, it makes sense for Sharyn to have a dedicated space in her home for exercise. It’s delightfully comfortable, with no queues for the shower or lengthy waiting for equipment – it’s all hers, anytime day or night.

“I train here at least two to three times a week – I love it.”

Since her teenage years, Sharyn has been a ‘gym, fitness and health’ junkie. Now, as a qualified and licensed personal trainer, she takes private clients at her home gym and works part time at a local gym where she also exercises when not at home.

This lady has spoilt herself by decking out her double garage with a fully set up at-home gym, which is well enough away from the main family area not to disturb anyone. She says those thinking of buying a piece of equipment need to be mindful of where to locate it within the home.

The family may get slightly annoyed as the all revealing lines of dialogue from their favourite TV soap are masked by thudding footsteps and heavy panting on the treadmill.

“But a rowing machine in the baby’s room might be all right,” she laughs. “It sort of makes a ‘whooshing’ noise.

“You can start off nice and simple, something like a Swiss ball isn’t going to take up too much room.”

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Or try the stringy and stretching genius of resistance bands that neatly roll up into the size of a pair of socks.

Where home exercises can – Sharyn recommends using the TV, and music as a distraction or motivator. It’s common for those lined up in a row of treadmills at the gym to stare blankly almost hypnotised by the television – and hey – anything to make it easier, right?

“Anything that can make the exercise enjoyable to you is a plus, as long as it’s not eating,” she laughs.

Equipment like Sharyn’s doesn’t come cheap, and although she says she’s never looked back, she does advocate, “try before you buy” attitude.

“I get my gear from Body4U and they’re quite happy for me to be on their shop floor every Saturday for half an hour trying out the gear. It’s an investment, but you’ve got be sure it’s right for you.”

And optimists have to be sure they will use it. Like too many households – a lonely exercycle sits in a corner gathering dust yearning to be pedalled. In times of tight purses, Sharyn says cutting costs for those just starting out with home gym gear is very achievable.

“You can use things like a two-litre milk bottle and fill them up with water. That’s your 2kg weights or dumbbells.”

Sharyn loves to exercise, but working out in her own home is really satisfying. “I don’t have to drive anywhere. I don’t have to pack up all my gear or run to the car if it’s wet.”

For Sharyn, it’s a stroll down the hallway and then in to it.

“When you’re working out on your own at home it’s important you have a clear goal in mind as to what you want to achieve, or else you’ll be the typical person that goes like a bull at a gate for the first two to three days and then stops.”

She recommends posting a picture on the fridge of that pair of jeans you want to wear in winter, or the bikini you want to flaunt in summer.

“Also, I’ve found it helpful if you share that goal. Tell your friends or family and they’ll help keep you true to that goal.”

And one piece of parting advice: If you’re thinking about reaching for the ice-cream – a Magnum equals about 45 minutes to an hour of high intensity exercise on a cross trainer, so, is it worth it?