Having a fitness routine is essential, whether it is a bit of gentle cardio or a more structured workout. Half the battle of getting regular exercise is finding the time. But with a home gym at your fingertips, you can balance work, life, and staying active with ease. Even if you don’t have a lot of space, it’s easier to set up a home gym than you think.
So how do you do it? In this article, learn how to create a home gym that makes getting your daily workout a breeze!
Choosing the right space
So how will you decide where to put it? When it comes to choosing a space, there are a few things you’ll want to consider.
Firstly, make sure you have enough room for all your equipment by roughly measuring what you have. Make sure to take into account how you’ll move in your gym, including lifting objects over your head.
You’ll also want a room with good lighting, as a well-lit space will help keep you motivated. Natural light is great, but strong overhead lighting is important for early morning or late night workouts. You can even add smart lighting that allows you to switch up colours and even sync them to music.
Workouts can be sweaty work, so make sure to choose a well-ventilated space, as airflow will help keep the room cool while you work.
If you don’t have a lot of space, garages, spare rooms, or even basements can make great multipurpose rooms that can double as a home gym. Choose a room with durable floors that are low maintenance and easy to keep clean. You may also want to consider adding a mat to help reduce noise from the banging of your weights or even your own feet on the ground.
Flooring options that fit your fitness needs
Flooring is an important part of any home gym, so spend some time thinking about how you’ll use the space. You’ll want something that gives you stability while you work out, especially if you’re lifting weights or using cardio equipment. It also pays to choose flooring that’s scratch and stain-resistant. Heavyweights, skipping ropes, and other gym equipment can leave marks on your floor, so a durable floor that’s easy to clean will make it that much easier in the long run.
Luxury vinyl and hybrid planks are great options for home gyms as they’re long-lasting and easy to clean. Luxury vinyl and hybrid planks also come in a range of patterns and colours, so you can create the look you want for your home gym.
Essential equipment for a well-rounded workout
Of course, what’s a home gym without the equipment? Here are a few essentials to consider when you kit out your gym:
Strength training essentials
Strength training has many benefits, including improving your strength, flexibility, and more. With that said, you don’t need fancy machines or endless rows of weights to do it. A barbell with weight plates is a good place to start as this can be used for multiple body parts and exercises. You can also easily adjust them as your strength increases. Resistance bands and weight benches will also help increase the number of exercises you can do, with the added bonus of being easy to pack away when they’re not in use.
Cardio workout must-haves
Cardio (or cardiovascular) workouts are good for our hearts and bodies, as well as our mood and stress. If you have the room, a treadmill and/or stationary bike is great for getting in your daily kilometres, while building up your leg and core strength too. Or, if you want something fun and easy to put away, go for a jump rope and a hula hoop or two, as these are great for cardio exercises that take up very little space. Even something as simple as a step can get your heart rate up, so don’t be scared to start small. By having a range of cardio options, you can even get the whole family involved in exercising!
Creating a motivating atmosphere
You’ll be more likely to use your home gym if it’s an inviting and motivating space that drives you to push yourself. Take some inspiration from professional gym spaces, which use mirrors, motivational posters and quotes, and sound systems to push you through a tough workout and keep you coming back. You also want your space to feel and smell great, so having natural light and airflow will help keep you cool and feeling great.
If exercising more is on your list, then setting up a home gym will give you fitness at your fingertips. By ensuring your home gym has the right flooring, lighting, airflow, and equipment and sets the right mood, you’ll reach those fitness goals in no time.
