During the last decade as mortgage rates dropped to historic lows and housing prices climbed the new construction in the Connecticut Shoreline towns have mainly been McMansions. Many of these homes include a large bonus room above the 3-car garage that is typically sparsely furnished or cluttered with an abundance of 
toys.
As the aging Baby Boomer's re-evaluate their housing need the Home Fitness Room is becoming increasingly popular. According to the American Institute of Architects Home Design Trends Survey the Exercise Room has moved into third position as desirable amenities in a home. The Number One feature on the list of specialty rooms is a Home Office and in second place the Media/Theater Room.
As the children age and you are looking for ideas to transform the newly found space in your home designing a personal fitness room may be a good solution for your health as well as your resale value.
Downsizing is also an option, Contact Dan Cummings "The Running Real Estate Agent" to further discuss the housing market.
Dan:
Really great post!!!! Not your usual writing. Must be that new attitude you keep telling me about : )
Sandra
Dan, I had not thought about this before reading your Post, but you are right, more and more of the Open Houses that I stop at, especially the larger ones, there is dedicated space as a fitness area.
Sandra, you crack me up........LOL
Dan - I find it odd how much we put into media equipment and rooms in our homes... no wonder obesity is such a growing issue in America
Dan,
Everyone needs a fitness room! That space( bonus room )above the garage is a perfect place, love it! :)
Wish we had room to have a major work-out space!! Maybe it's time to up-size instead! Thanks Dan.
BTW - mine are 10, 15, and 20....I am all of those combined and if I don't stop blogging and start jogging, I may need to hire you as my personal athletic assistant!! LOL! SERIOUSLY!!
Good idea. I hate McMansions on priciple but this is a great suggestion. I like the idea of downsizing and joining fitness club or walking more but that is not going to be attractive to everyone and these homes already exist so using the space for something constructive is. a good option.
Thanks for this post