Designing a home gym requires more than just piling equipment into an unused room. It’s essential to create a plan for the space that reflects your personal style and fitness goals.
Fortunately, stylish workout gear is more affordable than ever before. Companies like Forme and Tonal have fashioned exercise machines that look just as stylish as furniture.
Choose Your Equipment Carefully
It’s important to choose your equipment carefully to make sure it fits your space. Everybody knows that person who bought a fancy new stationary bike that they never use because it’s taking up too much room in their house, making it hard for them to get exercise. Make a list of what you’re going to need and a budget before you head out shopping, and try to avoid overspending or buying items that aren’t worth their price tag.
It’s also worth investing in a few pieces of good quality equipment that will last longer than cheaper ones. Cheaper gear will break more easily and won’t keep its resale value as well, so stick with reputable brands when you can. It’s also a good idea to purchase some equipment that mounts or folds back into the wall, so you can save even more space in your home gym. This includes things like wall-mounted pull-up bars or a bench that retracts into the wall when not in use.
Make Sure It Fits Your Space
When building a home gym, make sure you consider the space you’ll be using. If you have a spare bedroom, basement or garage, you’ll have more options to accommodate bulky exercise equipment like treadmills and stationary bikes.
If you’re limited to a small space, opt for equipment that can fold or be easily tucked away when not in use. For example, a squat/bench combo rack offers multiple workout options such as bench presses and squats without taking up much floor space.
You can also keep bulky equipment out of sight by installing a room divider. Or, use a closet or repurposed dresser to store items like balance balls and extra towels. If your space is too cramped to hold a fitness mat, add shock-absorbing foam tiles. Also, if wall space is limited, look upwards for storage solutions. Floating shelves, for instance, can hold things like resistance bands, yoga blocks and woven plastic bins to hold smaller exercise accessories.
Organize It Well
If you’re going to invest in a gym space, make sure it has plenty of storage solutions. Owens recommends bins that can be labeled for everything from storing spare yoga mats to holding extra resistance bands and foam rollers. “They can also make for a cute way to hold your clean workout clothes,” she says.
Cabinets are another good choice, as they can fit a lot of equipment without consuming too much floor space. Look for cabinets that can also be locked to keep your belongings safe when you’re not using them.
You can also use wall-mounted storage, such as a set of metal garage hooks designed to support heavy weight. These can be used to hang things like jump ropes, resistance bands and kettlebells, so they won’t take up valuable floor space. You could even get a second set of these to hold your cleaning supplies and other items that you don’t use on a regular basis.
Invest in a Jump Rope
In addition to saving money, building a home gym saves time by eliminating the need to commute to and from the gym, and reduces the need for expensive membership fees. However, for some individuals, switching to a home workout routine requires additional motivation and accountability, which can be challenging to find without the help of a group or personal trainer.
Thankfully, thanks to the popularity of garage gyms, it has become easier than ever to get high quality equipment for cheap. There are a ton of companies out there making budget-level home gym equipment that is as good as what you’d get at a gym.
The space you need to create your home gym can be a converted spare bedroom, a garage, a basement, or even just a corner of your living room. Ensure that the area you choose is well-ventilated and has enough natural light for your workouts. Also, consider investing in some foam tiles or rubber mats to protect your floors and reduce the noise and vibration of your equipment.
