Do you find yourself skipping the gym even when you know you need and want to go? Gym membership fees, a long drive and no motivation after work can take a lot of energy away from what should otherwise be an energy booster and healthy habit. Fortunately, you don’t have to go all the way to a public gym to get a good workout.
By transforming your garage into a home gym, you can eliminate those stressors and create the perfect space for long-lasting motivation from the comfort of your own home.
Assessing your space for home gym goals
Your garage is an excellent location for a gym. It’s separated from the rest of your home so it can feel like a separate, special space, and you’ll probably see it every time you come home. Having a visual reminder helps maintain motivation because when you see the home gym and how accessible it is, you’re more likely to return to it.
Before transforming the space, evaluate several factors to determine how suitable it is for your needs:
- Mate: Make sure you have enough space for your workout and equipment. The ceiling should be high enough to allow for any overhead extensions.
- Equipment: Evaluate which workouts you want to prioritize – strength training, bodyweight exercises, endurance or cardio – and determine what type of equipment you can afford and can fit in the space.
- Comfort level: Assess how comfortable the garage space is and how you can adjust it. Is it stuffy and dark? Maybe keeping the door open will help. Is it too hot? Consider putting a fan in there to cool it down.
Once you have an idea of your space and your goals, you can start furnishing your home gym with the essentials.
5 must-haves for home gym
Prioritize safety, comfort and functionality in your home gym, no matter what workouts you do in the space. Consider these essential garage gym design ideas before making it your unique style.
1. Floors for safety and comfort
Your garage floor may not be ideal for a good workout, especially if you use heavy weights or do floor exercises. A yoga mat can help, but you can also consider rubber floors. Tiles, mats and rolls are easy and cheap to installnaturally waterproof, easy to clean and provide a nice soundproof cushion. Rubber flooring is a great cost-saving option for anyone wanting garage gym ideas on a budget.
2. Versatile equipment for all levels
Free weights, resistance bands and kettlebells are versatile pieces of equipment suitable for any fitness level. Consider at least one cardio option, such as a treadmill, bike, or jump rope. Depending on your space and budget, a bench and squat rack can also be worthwhile investments for strength training. Be sure to assess your specific goals and include the equipment you want to use and continue to use.
3. Storage and organization
Use shelves, hooks and racks to store equipment on the wall to save floor space. Consider space-saving ideas for a half-garage gym, such as transforming your old garage storage system by using bike racks and tire hangers to store equipment. You can make your own weight trees with a shoe shelf or even a wine rack. Be sure to perform installation with care and place heavy equipment carefully to avoid injury or structural damage.
4. Mirrors and lighting for motivation
Most gyms have plenty of mirrors to support proper form and prevent injuries, but mirrors can also open up your space. Garage gyms can be cramped, dark and stuffy, so consider working out with the garage door open to let in natural light and air. You can also replace old ceiling lights with softer, less bright lights, such as backlit mirrors, which are easier on your eyes.
5. Good air quality and climate control
Clean air is especially important for your home gym because it supports your lung health and allows for comfortable workouts. Smart garage door technology can do that monitor the temperature and adjust the climate settingsproviding ideal conditions and remote access so you can prepare the space for your workout before you even get home. Keeping the door open during workouts promotes ventilation, but during the colder or warmer months you can save energy with effective air quality monitoring and climate control.
Personalize your space for motivation
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can personalize the design of your home gym to meet your needs and keep you motivated. Some may find that bright colors and aesthetically pleasing equipment are what drives them, while others may want a sleek look or prefer a man-cave atmosphere.
Consider decor with motivational quotes, a whiteboard, or a calendar tracker to keep you accountable for your workouts. Try positive reinforcement tactics to encourage happier training that you’ll want to keep returning to.
Keep your space clean
Even though a home gym is your space, you should still properly clean the equipment as you would at a public gym. Your sweat and other bacteria can fester, so maintaining good hygiene will help keep the space clean and inviting. Definitely do it clean surfaces with commercial soap to remove bacteria before sanitizing or disinfecting with stronger products, such as bleach, to kill any remaining germs. Wipe down surfaces, wash fabrics and clean floors regularly to maintain a hygienic space.
Your home gym is unique to you, so take care of yourself and your equipment to maximize your experience. A clean, organized and personalized gym can be a great motivator.
Start strong and stay motivated
You don’t have to spend a lot of money and pay for regular memberships to maintain your fitness goals. Creating a home gym in your garage can help you personalize your workouts and improve your motivation for a consistent routine.
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