Do you find yourself skipping the gym even when you know you should and want to go? Gym membership fees, a long commute and no motivation after work can take a lot of energy out of what should otherwise be an energy booster and healthy habit. Luckily, you don’t have to go to a public gym to get a good workout.
By turning your garage into a home gym, you can banish those stressors and create the perfect space for lasting motivation from the comfort of your own home.
Assess your space for home gym purposes
Your garage is an excellent place for a gym – it’s separated from the rest of your house, so it can feel like a separate, dedicated space, and you’ll be able to see it every time you get home. Having a visual reminder helps keep you motivated because when you see your home gym and how accessible it is, you’re more likely to come back to it.
Before moving the space, you need to evaluate several factors to determine how suitable it is for your needs:
- Cut down: Make sure you have enough space for your workout and equipment. The ceiling must be high enough to accommodate any extensions above.
- Equipment: Evaluate what workouts you want to prioritize – strength training, body weight exercises, endurance or cardio – and determine what type of equipment you can afford and 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 can help. Is it too hot? Consider putting a fan in there to cool it down.
Once you have a sense of your space and your goals, you can start furnishing your home gym with the essentials.
5 Home Gym Must-Haves
Prioritize safety, comfort and functionality in your home gym, no matter what workouts you end up doing in the space. Before you make your own, consider these essential garage gym design ideas.
1. Flooring for Safety and Comfort
Your garage floor may not be ideal for a good workout, especially when using heavy weights or floor exercises. A yoga mat can help, but you can also consider rubber flooring. Tiles, mats and rolls are easy and inexpensive to install, naturally waterproof, easy to clean, and provide a good soundproofing pad. Rubber flooring is a great cost saving option for anyone who wants garage gym ideas on a budget.
2. Versatile equipment for all levels
Free weights, resistance bands and kettlebells are versatile pieces of equipment that can work 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 a squat rack can also be a worthwhile investment for strength training. Be sure to evaluate your specific goals and incorporate the equipment you want to use and continue to use.
3. Storage and organization
Use shelves, hooks and racks to store equipment on the walls to save floor space. Consider half garage gym ideas to save space, like transforming your old garage storage system using bike racks and tire hangers for equipment storage. You can DIY weight trees with a shoe rack or even a wine rack. Be sure to install carefully and place heavy equipment gently 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, dim and stuffy, so consider working out with the garage door open to let in natural light and air. You can also exchange old overhead lighting for a softer, less harsh light, such as backlit mirrors, which is less taxing on your eyes.
5. Good Air Quality and Climate Control
Clean air is especially important for your home gym, as it supports your lung health and allows for a comfortable workout. The smart garage door technology can monitor the temperature and adjust the climate settings, providing the ideal conditions and giving you remote access so that you can prepare the space for your workout before you are even at home. Keeping your door open during exercise helps 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 established the basics, you can customize your home gym design to fit your needs and keep you motivated. Some may find bright colors and aesthetically pleasing equipment that drive them, while others may want a clean look or prefer a man-cave vibe.
Consider incorporating decor with motivational quotes, a whiteboard, or a calendar tracker to keep you accountable for your workouts. Try positive reinforcement tactics to encourage a happier workout that you’ll want to keep coming back to.
Keep Your Space Clean
Even if a home gym is your space, you still need to clean the equipment as well as in a public gym. Your sweat and other bacteria can infect you, so maintaining proper hygiene helps keep the space clean and inviting. Be sure to clean surfaces with commercial soap to remove bacteria before sanitizing or disinfect with stronger products, such as bleach, to kill any remaining germs. Clean surfaces, wash fabrics and clean floors regularly to maintain a hygienic space.
Your home gym is uniquely yours, 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 need to spend a lot of money and pay for regular memberships to maintain your fitness goals. By creating a home gym in your garage, you can personalize your workouts and improve your motivation for a consistent routine.