Workout Room Ideas: Planning Your Home Gym
Before you dive into designing your home gym, the first step is deciding how to make the most of your space. Begin by drafting a layout that takes your fitness goals, available square footage and budget into consideration. This will help you decide what tools, storage and decor to incorporate. If another room in your home will flex to contain your exercise spot, come up with an arrangement that suits the room's dual functions.
No matter the size of your home gym, make sure to protect your flooring before you begin. Gym mats or rubber tiles provide a cushioned surface for floor workouts while preventing potential dents and scratches from vigorous exercises and heavy equipment. Alternatively, gym mats serve as convenient shock-absorbent flooring when you need it. They also are easily sanitized with wipes or sprays.
Then, be sure the space is adequately ventilated and well-lit. Well-lit environments help you feel focused and alert, while air filtration, fans and air conditioning help make longer workout sessions more comfortable. Flush mount ceiling lights or wall sconces provide an unobtrusive, clean aesthetic for spaces with low ceilings. If you have more vertical space, try a ceiling fan with a light instead. Then, consider adding wall mirrors that let you check your form (and snap a post-workout selfie) while also making the room appear larger and more open.
Set a reed diffuser on a nearby shelf to keep your exercise space smelling fresh. Another convenient addition: a beverage fridge keeps chilled water and sports drinks on hand.
As for equipment, a workout room ideally contains tools that allow you to target both cardio fitness and muscle strengthening. To begin, opt for machines and gear you're comfortable with and enjoy using, from classic treadmills and stationary bikes to weights and bands. Looking for a way you can enjoy the community of an exercise class conveniently at home? Consider modern devices featuring built-in screens for on-demand coaching and classes. Be sure to allocate space for post-workout stretching, too.
Remember to work visually-pleasing storage into the design. Having a designated spot for your accessories not only helps keep the space safe, it also lessens clutter and helps you focus on the task at hand. Look for cabinets, cube bookcases or shelving that accommodate rollers, towels, weights and mats. Or, use wall hooks to support lighter tools such as jump ropes and resistance bands instead.
Home Gym Decor: Creating a Space that Inspires You
If you have the square footage for a full-fledged workout room—whether in a basement, garage or bonus room—turn it into a motivating exercise area. After all, it's more than a spot to store equipment. Give yourself extra incentive to burn those calories or build muscle mass by designing a space that's just as visually pleasing as it is useful. Whether that means a bold paint choice or accent wall, engaging wall art or organized storage for your gear, modify the decor and color palette to fit your aesthetic.
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Calming Zen Yoga Studio
Adopt a zen-inspired color scheme by channeling the power of nature with light green walls. Or, go with a shade of blue reminiscent of the clear sky that symbolizes letting go of your limits. Sheer curtains and storage furniture made from teak wood bring a spa-like feel, while oxygen-giving botanicals breathe energy into the space. For a relaxing atmosphere, work in the healing scents of aromatherapy—sage, lavender, sandalwood and frankincense. Then, use a bluetooth speaker to play calming music or ambient sounds. When choosing wall art, opt for paintings or photographs of nature that inspire meditation. You might also devote a portion of the studio to serve as a meditation room. Either way, a chic at-home yoga studio allows you to exercise in private, or share photos of your passion and progress to inspire others. Another option: lean into the fitness community by hosting a yoga party or streaming your sessions online for friends and family.
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Adrenaline-Driving Gym
If you want workout room ideas that help you get pumped up for high intensity exercises, opt for bright colors instead. Try painting all four walls an energizing shade. For a more subtle take, create a single accent wall with teal or yellow, or add a bold pattern with graphic wallpaper. Wall-mounted speakers also personalize the home gym with music that gets your adrenaline flowing. Consider decorating with motivational phrases—either framed or stenciled directly on the walls—and photographs of your favorite athletes for inspiration. Prefer more functional decor? Use one of the walls to plot out your weekly workout. For instance, chalkboard paint turns the wall into a writing surface. Or, try a white board or easel as a removable alternative. Then, keep track of your sets and reps while strength training, or record the time of your latest run. That way, visual reminders of your accomplishments serve as motivation on days your energy flags. If your home gym accommodates it, boost your energy by inviting friends over for a group workout.
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Industrial-Inspired Workout Space
From cement floors to exposed ceilings, make the existing structure of a garage or basement part of your home gym's decor with an industrial aesthetic. Think grey or white walls along with a painted cement floor for a streamlined look. Or, take a different approach by offsetting neutral walls with wood flooring instead. When it comes to lighting, pendant lights made of glass or ones that feature exposed light bulbs fit with the theme. Just be sure you have enough overhead clearance for your favorite workouts. If you plan to use free weights in your home gym, consider setting up a corner of the room with rubber flooring in a charcoal hue. This durable option is strong enough to protect the floor from heavy dumbbells and kettlebells. Then, bring in metal shelves or wall racks to store the rest of your training gear while keeping with the room's theme.
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Kid-Friendly Exercise Studio
If you have big kids or teens who want to stay in shape, consider outfitting part of the home gym for their supervised use. A wall-mounted television and floor cushioned with exercise mats create a spot to practice video dance tutorials or motion control video games. An open layout allows you—and your child's friends—to join in on the fun. Alternatively, set up an area where big kids can find inner peace through child-friendly yoga and meditation videos. Whichever way you go, include storage furniture at their height such as stackable cube bookcases for shoes, video game accessories and exercise mats.
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Garage and Basement Gym Ideas
Larger rooms fit cardio equipment, such as treadmills, stationary bikes or rowers, in addition to a weight bench for strength training. Measure for your must-haves in advance to accommodate both aerobic and anaerobic workouts. It's okay to start small and add new gear over time. You can even use the promise of new equipment as an extra motivator to push through a fitness challenge. If you choose to go this route, be sure to position the electric equipment near a wall outlet, keeping cords out of the way. Then, incorporate decorative storage to keep the space clutter free. Unlike the racks at the gym, an on-trend cabinet adds more than just functionality to your workout room. Look for one that fits with your aesthetic and helps you feel at home in your personal gym.
Small Home Gym Ideas: Shared Spaces
Even if you don't have a spare room, you can still design a functional exercise space that works for you. Depending on your fitness goals, you can get away with housing only a few workout accessories. Yoga mats, light dumbbells and resistance bands easily fit into baskets or cabinets while not in use—making living rooms, bedrooms and even home offices multi-functional. If you enjoy dancing, indoor cycling or mat-based pilates workouts, think about adding a wall-mounted television where you can stream your favorite on-demand fitness classes. This affordable alternative to a larger machine provides a challenging workout with minimal equipment.
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Living Room
To make your relaxation space multifunctional, opt for lightweight furniture pieces that can be pushed out of the way when you exercise. Nesting coffee tables and rolling ottomans easily move to accommodate an exercise mat. Then, get the television involved with videos available for streaming. Consider rotating a wall mounted one away from the sofa to get your heart rate pumping with videos in a more open space. If your device rests on a surface instead, position it so you can follow along in front of or beside the sofa. For a different take, include furniture that plays an active role in your workout—for instance, a chair that holds steady as you use it for stretching. If you want a storage solution for exercise accessories, entertainment consoles stow small barbells, bands and accessories in addition to books and media. Yoga mats and larger items can be concealed behind a sofa or with an oversized storage ottoman.
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Home Office
Configure your home workspace to do double-duty. Sit on an exercise ball as an abdominal-strengthening alternative to a desk chair while working, and then use it for after-work exercises as well. A storage bench houses smaller gear and mats while maintaining a sleek appearance for your next video call. Alternatively, a rolling cart corrals your accessories and then slides easily away for storage. If you have the room for it, consider adding a treadmill or stationary bike. That way, you're free to end your workday with a workout. Another benefit: the next time you sign up for a webinar, you can stay active with a brisk walk on the treadmill as you watch. Or, add a desk treadmill to your space to stay active throughout the day.
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Bedroom
Whether in the master suite or a spare room, a bedroom provides a quiet environment to practice yoga or work on strength training. Store your exercise mat under the bed or inside a closet until ready for use. Take a different approach by using the space beside the bed for body weight exercises such as crunches, push-ups and planks, or a cardio workout that includes mountain climbers, burpees and invisible jump roping. Do you enjoy exercising with a machine? Consider using a room divider, such as a curtain or bookcase, to section off the space for fitness. Another option: a doorway pull-up bar allows you to work on your upper body strength. Consider adding one to a closet and storing it inside when not in use.
Whichever way you decide to structure your home gym, make sure the space works for your needs and fitness goals. Designing a place that appeals to your aesthetic tastes helps you stay motivated. Over time, consider refreshing the space so it's engaging and inspiring. For instance, treat yourself to a new piece of encouraging wall art, or update the room's paint color to keep yourself coming back.
Ready to design your own exercise room? Share your home gym ideas with us at the hashtag #CrateStyle.
