2002 FitHouse, Hoover, Alabama

Tour Cooking Light's idea house in Hoover, Alabama.

Cooking Light FitHouse 2002

From the magazine: Every aspect of Cooking Light's first-ever FitHouse, from the design to the building materials to the furnishings, encourages a healthy lifestyle―this house makes it easy to eat smat, be fit, and live well.

John O'Hagan

Master Bedroom

Soft, blue-green walls create a serene, calming space that promotes relaxation. To improve air quality and cut down on allergens, minimal window treatments are used, and paint with reduced amounts of volatile organic compounds was selected. Natural-fiber bedding and pure wool carpeting also contribute to the healthy environment.

Master Bathroom and Closet

Glass encloses both the tub and the shower, creating a home-spa environment. The pine cabinetry in the water closet conveniently stores linens, toiletries, and a phone.

Extra exhaust fans installed in all the house's bathrooms and laundry areas improve air quality and moisture control. Large tiles and gray grout make cleaning a breeze. Time saved can be spent soaking in the whirlpool tub.

The custom organizing system in the closet makes it easy to select an outfit -- or a week's worth of them. The space is broken up into a his-and-hers setup, which simplifies routine. Natural-fiber clothing, such as the robes shown below, doesn't require dry cleaning.

Upstairs Bathroom

Efficiency is key to the bathroom that joins the boy's and girl's bedrooms. Water-efficient showerheads and toilets conserve water and reduce utility bills. Each bedroom has its own sink area.

Boy's Bedroom

The nautical theme in this room is mixed with natural color tones. Natural-fiber linens and antique furniture enhance the space. And the slanted ceilings give an attic feel.

Girl's Bedroom

Furniture, accessories, and natural fiber linens, all of which are made from recycled pure materials, soften the girl's room. The wool carpet used here and in other parts of the house provides an inhospitable environment for dust mites and is a renewable, biodegradable resource.

Workout Room

Exercise equipment in the fitness area includes two treadmills, a workout bench, a multigym, a recumbent bike, and an elliptical machine. A mirrored wall provides a visual reminder to maintain good form.

The workout space opens up to the hobby room's glass doors, which let in abundant natural light, and provides a fun, attractive area for exercising. The right equipment -- including a juice bar with a built-in water filtration system -- and the right atmosphere are motivating.

Fitness Suite

Ample storage space in the locker room  keeps workout gear neat and organized. Cubby holes store towels, water bottles, and weights. There's even room for a foot massager. This area also includes a stackable washer and dryer, which beats having to lug used gym towels upstairs.

A personal sauna  uses gentle, penetrating heat to relieve muscle aches and pains; an invigorating steam shower rewards a workout well done. A massage room doubles as a place to rejuvenate. Once the portable massage table is put away, the natural-fiber sea-grass flooring provides firm footing for yoga or tai chi.

Patio and Spa Area

Visible through the glass doors of the craft/hobby room, the patio offers an inviting spot for post-workout relaxation. Just off the patio is a spa tub, complete with full back and wrist jets, where two people can soak comfortably.

Craft and Hobby Room

Play and entertainment are important parts of a balanced, fit life. The Craft/Game room, which extends from the workout room, can be used for many activites, such as painting, sewing, listening to music, or watching movies.

The wool carpeting resists dirt and stains. Glass doors, which open to the patio and outdoor spa tub, flood the room with natural light.

Melanie J. Clarke

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