Various studies indicate that people have turned to at-home workouts as a replacement for gym sessions or studio classes. However, it can be difficult to find the motivation and time to exercise without a dedicated space for it. The good news is that you do not need an entire room to create a personalized home gym. Whether it is a portion of your garage, a small corner of your bedroom, or an outdoor patio, your workout space should inspire you to exercise and make you feel great while doing it. These expert tips will help you create and design a functional workout space regardless of the size of your home.
Make space a priority
The first thing is to determine where to set up your gym. However, it’s important to note that you don’t need a large, dedicated space for this purpose. Many people like to have a workout area in the corner of their living room or a nook of their home office. A modest room can work, but it must be designated as a home gym. It helps to establish an enticing atmosphere if you want to develop the habit of exercising everyday, so keep this in mind.
If you wrap up your mat and store it beneath the bed or conceal your resistance bands in a desk drawer, you will almost certainly forget they are there. If you plan to exercise in a multi-purpose room, set up a privacy screen to conceal your Peloton or disguise your treadmill. This addition can be especially helpful for activities like yoga or Pilates where you have to get in the “zone.” This will also help you maintain focus and achieve your fitness goals.
Bring in the light
Natural light in any interior area can have a significant impact on mood. That said, if you can set up your home gym near a window, take the opportunity to do so. Because the human body reacts to light, a good morning workout by your window will seem much more energizing. For instance, the presence of natural scenery to admire can make running on the treadmill feel less tedious. Moreover, access to a window can be really helpful if you prefer outdoor workouts but have to switch to indoor workouts during the colder, darker winter months.
However, many individuals exercise in the corner of their houses, such as the basement, gaming room, or laundry room. That said, having a home workout room with natural illumination is not always practical. If you are in this category, make sure you use high-quality artificial lighting for your training area. You should also note that a bright environment is both stimulating and motivating. Therefore, your workout space should seem powerful and exhilarating as opposed to a bedroom where you want to create a sense of serenity and leisure.
Consider flooring
There are several factors to consider when selecting flooring for any room in your house. Of course, natural is always preferable when itto less toxic flooring solutions. Durability and flexibility are also crucial concerns when it comes to heavier home gym equipment. Hardwood is a good option for gym flooring. It is ideal for yoga and dance studios because they are smooth and simple to move on.
Another mostly natural flooring option with low VOC off-gassing is Marmoleum, a linoleum-type substance. Many individuals are drawn to rubber mats, which are available in recycled varieties. Cork mats are still another option to consider. Both gym flooring options contain some chemical ingredients, although they are less harmful than many other flooring options. For a more comfortable workout, you can also place rubber gym floor tiles underneath larger gym equipment in your workout area, so feel free to consider this.
Adapt the space to your personality
Many individuals make the mistake of creating a place that reflects their perception of what a home fitness studio should look like rather than one that is suitable for their training preferences and style. In other words, there is no reason to put a spin cycle in your workout area if you don’t love spinning. Extra unused workout equipment can eventually become demotivating and create a clumsy and cluttered environment.
Consider thinking about various characteristics of your favorite training place, whether it is a gym you used to belong to, your favorite outdoor running path, or your childhood dancing studio. What about the location and space inspired and motivated you? You may enjoy having a full-length mirror on the wall to guarantee good form, or you may enjoy the continuously changing views and subtle noises and sights on your summer walks.
You can personalize your home gym by adding certain items like a full-length mirror, a plush mat, or some soft towels. Many treadmills, cycles, and ellipticals now come with displays and programs that simulate outdoor environments, which can make your workout more enjoyable. You can choose from a variety of locations, such as running on a beach in Hawaii, cycling through the English countryside, or hiking the trails of Costa Rica, all from the comfort of your home gym. Consider how these items and features can enhance your workout experience.
Increase airflow
Plenty of air is required in training and workout areas. A box fan is an old-school staple in many gyms, but an air purifier can really help eradicate sweaty odors and keep air flowing in your home gym. You may have an air filtration system as part of your HVAC system, but if it doesn’t completely cover your workout area, you may acquire an excellent quality air purifier for less than $1,000. Alternatively, you can also open the windows in your training area to provide natural ventilation. You can also invest in natural features such as a small water fountain or a few houseplants.
Finally, if you are worried about musty odors and scents in your home gym, apply natural perfumes to freshen it up. Baking soda is a natural and safe deodorizer, so feel free to use it. Also, diffusing essential oils in your training environment can help boost your energy and even enhance your mood. Peppermint, rosemary, and ginger are among the energizing scents you can utilize.
Make it inspiring and motivating
By designating a workout room, you are already taking measures to keep yourself motivated and dedicated to your health. However, there are a few additional strategies to help you create a compelling home gym. One thing you can do is decorate the area or room with motivational items. Choose wall art for your gym that will help you get into a good mood. As stated earlier, a mirror in your gym as well. You may have won an award, medal, or other memento of a significant physical accomplishment; find a way to include this trophy in your home gym. Even photographs of you crossing a finish line can help motivate you.
Another way to maintain motivation is to engage in a phenomenon called temptation building. Allow yourself to indulge solely in your likes, such as watching celebrity news or listening to true crime podcasts. Make a dance hit playlist that you can only listen to during your workout routine. Then, in your home gym, integrate auditory and visual resources (iPad, good speakers, TV) so you can pamper yourself every time you work out.
Add a recovery space
Recovery is one of the most enjoyable aspects of working out! Make sure your home gym has everything you need for a fantastic post-workout experience. Add a meditation cushion if you want to refresh your mind after your workout. Those who thrive on cardio should foam roll after their session. Include an inversion table, and stretching bands in your home. If you’re looking for a way to enhance your post-workout recovery and relaxation, an infrared sauna is worth considering. There are several small-sized home saunas available that require a modest investment. By improving circulation, infrared heating can help you achieve your fitness goals, so feel free to consider this.
Include storage for exercise equipment
Keep your home gym clean and tidy, so it’s ready to be used whenever the need to exercise strikes. Experts recommend storing towels and yoga mats in baskets and bringing in a shelf to organize weights and other equipment. Hooks and shelves are ideal for storing lightweight equipment such as resistance bands. While at it, use concealed options like lidded baskets and bins or an ottoman with an inside storage compartment to help camouflage a small workout area.
Exercising should be an enjoyable experience for yout body and a step towards taking care of your overall well-being. It should not be a painful or uncomfortable activity. While building muscle and increasing strength may require some level of pushing yourself and improving endurance, creating a friendly and welcoming environment can make you feel motivated and inspire your health and fitness goals. Moreover, the convenience of working out in your home is unmatched. Hopefully, you’ll consider these tips to create the right area to stay in shape.