Can she join a gym now and you can postpone the basement gym until later when the house sells? You've probably seen me talk about Crossfit but I'm also a member at Anytime Fitness. It's like 35 bucks a month and is really nicely equipped. Plus if I'm traveling for business I have a fob that gets me into any AF club around the country so I can work out no matter where I am (even most small towns have one).
Regarding the new house, maybe do some cheaper things to help her feel like something is getting done and save the more expensive stuff for later. Painting doesn't cost much, maybe that's a good project to get started on.
