With the emphasis on physical fitness and health these days, a daily workout of some sort has become a vital part of most people's lives. And though the neighborhood gym provides all the weight training and aerobic equipment one might need, sometimes a better alternative is to have basic workout riggings right at home.
Bathrooms have become more than just a place to clean up. They are being constructed much larger than they used to be and to afford the extra space for gear such as a treadmill or stationary cycle or any other favorite workout accoutrements.
One way to accommodate the equipment without sacrificing the integrity of the bath is to designate one area of the bath as the workout center by building a half wall to separate the exercising space from the rest of the bath. The wall could be ceiling-to-floor glass block extending about 3 feet from the supporting wall, or it could be from the floor up to 30 or 36 inches high, depending on the shape of the room. And this exercise area would do well by a large, ceiling-to-floor window with a nice garden view.
The tub can be an oasis from daily stress by simply equipping it with water jet streams for that therapeutic whirlpool effect. There's also an extra deep soaking tub called a "furo" available that allows the user to luxuriate in bubbles, oils or aromatic herbs while completely immersed up to the shoulders. Bliss!
Then, of course, there's the quick and instant gratification of a good shower. Today they are available with special hydrotherapeutic massage heads offering a variety of water jet sprays to stimulate circulation and revitalize muscles.
How about a sauna? It's a great way to open and cleanse pours while relaxing the muscles. And a steam room? Some showers can be dual-purpose if set up correctly so they can be used as regular shower and also as steam rooms.
Space is about the only limit to what can be done to turn a simple, utilitarian bathroom into a home spa.