Working from home has grown in popularity, and post lockdowns, we've brought a lot of what we used to outside the house; the same goes for working out. Not too long ago, companies like Peloton were making a killing selling exercise bikes, while home gym equipment peaked around 2020-2021.
Now like all things fitness-related it is seasonal, and eventually, some give up, but for those who made fitness part of their routine, having a dedicated space to crush your fitness goals is an attractive proposition if you have the resources and space on your property.
You don't have to spend a fortune on a home gym; you can scale it as you like, and turning a spare room into a fully-equipped home gym is easier than you might think.
Why would you want a home gym?
Before we go into depth on how to get started with your home gym renovation, let's look at some of the key motivations behind it; like all investments into your home, there's a cost and you need to weight up if it will pay off in the long term or if buying that yearly gym membership is the better option for you.
Some of the top motivations to build a home gym are as follows:
- Convenience: A home gym is open 24/7, eliminating travel time and the need to schedule around gym hours. You can squeeze in workouts whenever your schedule allows, even for short bursts of activity.
- Privacy and Comfort: Work out in your own space, free from distractions or the judgment of others. Create an environment that feels comfortable and motivating for you.
- Cost-Effectiveness: While the initial investment can be significant, a home gym can save you money in the long run by eliminating monthly gym memberships.
- Customisation: Design your gym around your specific fitness goals and preferences. Choose equipment that aligns with your workout routine and create a space that inspires you.
- Family Fitness: A home gym can encourage family fitness by providing a convenient space for everyone to stay active together.
- Improved Consistency: Having a dedicated workout space at home can make it easier to stick to a regular exercise routine.
- Increased Safety: During times of illness outbreaks, a home gym offers a safe and controlled environment for exercise.
- Stress Reduction: Exercise is a fantastic stress reliever, and having a gym at home makes it easier to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, even during stressful times.
- Boost in Self-Confidence: Achieving fitness goals in your own space can be incredibly empowering and boost your self-confidence.
- Increased Property Value: A well-equipped home gym can be a valuable selling point when it comes time to sell your home.
Having a dedicated home gym isn't just a luxury – it's a game-changer for your fitness journey.
Whether you're converting a spare bedroom, garage, or basement, this guide will walk you through creating a functional and motivating workout space that rivals any commercial gym.
Planning Your Space
The first step is probably the most obvious: pick the area you'll use for your gym. This could involve repurposing an old room or part of your garage or extending your home to accommodate the gym.
If you're fortunate enough to have a good climate for most of the year, you can even have your home gym set outside in the backyard with an overhead covering; this gives you access to natural light and fresh air, which might be important to you.
But if you plan to go the indoor route, you are limited by space, so before purchasing any equipment, take these crucial steps:
- Measure your room's dimensions, including ceiling height
- Check floor strength and stability
- Assess ventilation and temperature control
- Evaluate electrical outlet locations
- Consider natural and artificial lighting
Preparing the Room
Now that you have the area you're willing to allocate, it's time to start planning the renovation process.
Flooring
Your floor is the foundation of your gym.
Install:
- Rubber gym flooring tiles or rolls (minimum 3/8 inch thick)
- Extra padding under heavy equipment areas
- Non-slip surfaces for high-movement zones
Walls
Enhance your space with:
- Mirrors to check form
- Reinforced walls for mounted equipment
- Light, energising paint colours
- Adequate soundproofing if needed
Essential Equipment
Start with these fundamentals:
Strength Training
- Power rack or squat stand
- Olympic barbell and weight plates
- Adjustable bench
- Dumbbells (adjustable or a basic set)
- Resistance bands
Cardio
- Jump rope (cost-effective option)
- Treadmill, exercise bike, or rowing machine (based on preferences)
- Open space for bodyweight exercises
Accessories
- Foam roller
- Exercise mat
- Weight storage solutions
- Timer/clock
- First aid kit
Organisation and Storage
Maximise your space with:
- Vertical storage solutions (wall-mounted racks)
- Mobile equipment carts
- Corner storage units
- Wall-mounted folding equipment
Safety Considerations
Prioritise safety with:
- Proper equipment spacing (minimum 2 feet between pieces)
- Non-slip surfaces
- Good ventilation
- Easily accessible first aid supplies
- Clear emergency exits
- Proper electrical setup for equipment
Creating the Right Environment
Set the mood with:
- Adequate lighting (natural and artificial)
- Bluetooth speaker or sound system
- Fan or AC unit
- Full-length mirrors
- Motivational elements (posters, goals board)
Budget Considerations
Allocate your budget wisely:
- Invest heavily in foundational pieces (flooring, rack, bench)
- Buy quality versions of most-used items
- Consider buying used equipment from reputable sources
- Plan for future expansions
Maintenance Tips
A room full of equipment where you're made to sweat and push yourself can take a lot of wear and tear as well as a considerable amount of dirt and bacteria, so keeping it clean and up to code is a must.
Keep your gym in top shape:
- Clean equipment after each use
- Regular equipment inspections
- Periodic floor cleaning and maintenance
- Air filter replacement if applicable
- Equipment lubrication as needed
Final Touches
Once you've kitted your gym out with everything you feel you would need to stay in shape and work the muscle groups you want to focus on, there are a few extras you can consider.
These details make a difference:
- Water station
- Small towel rack
- Device charging station
- Storage for gym clothing, gloves, shoes etc
- Whiteboard for tracking progress
Get pumped about pumping iron at home
Creating a home gym is an investment in your health and convenience. Take time to plan and execute each step thoughtfully.
Remember, you can start with the basics and gradually add equipment as your needs evolve. The key is creating a space that motivates you to work out consistently and safely.
As for the renovation front, ensure that you check local building codes, and if you are renting, get landlord approval before making any permanent modifications to the space.
Happy lifting!
Create the ideal home.
Future-proofing your home should not have to be a stressful experience; with professional guidance, you can create a space that's not only functional but also adds value to your home and quality of life.
If you're still unsure about your renovation plans and want to speak to a professional, please feel free to reach out to our team for a consultation, and we'll be happy to walk you through some of the options and even create a 3D model of possible ideas.
Once you're ready to move from the idea phase to the building phase, our team will be ready to support you, source materials from high-quality suppliers and help you build your dream space.
