Social Workout

Home Gyms

Shh...The Ottoman is a Weight Bench in Disguise

(via popsci)

Let's not mince words. Gym equipment is fugly. Try as you might to upgrade your home gym with swanky designer dumbells or an artsy rowing machine, when all is said and done, camouflage may be the best recourse. Enter the hidden home gym....

We've applauded Italian home fitness equipment before, and the Italians strike again with the X-Fit. This unit by Angelo Dall'Aglio Design looks like a wardrobe, but opens up to reveal a treadmill, TV, and weight bench. The unit comes in twelve different finishes, and could be yours — straight from Italy — for €4,649. (Act now while the Euro is weak!) Want to see how it opens? Watch the X-Fit video, with sexy Italian model.

Next up: Gabriel Pero sounds Italian, and he did manage to bury a weight room inside an ottoman (see image at top), but this guy is actually from Chicago. Sadly, the unit isn't currently for sale, but we bet you could commission a knock off with an "inspired by" Etsy Alchemy request.

Let's not stop at Ottomans! This totally respectable-looking armoire from Hidden Groove opens up to reveal either a treadmill ($1899) or a weight bench and dumbells ($1499). Available in multiple finishes.

And here's a final word of caution: Just because it's fold-up, doesn't mean it's pretty. Take the Fold Away Strength Trainer. Yes, it tucks tidily into the corner, and yes, it's potentially effective. But it still looks like a.) an ideal place to carbonite-freeze Han Solo, or  b.) you invited Gold Gym's to decorate your bedroom.