During the Covid lockdown, I have received many questions from my clients about home gyms as commercial ones were often closed. One of the most frequent ones was where to place their temporary workout zone.
So, back then, I organized a Zoom meeting with my team and colleagues to see where they had installed their home gym and why they thought it was the best location.
The meeting yielded a lot of useful insights, so let’s dive right in.
Quick Summary
- The best location for your home gym is one with proper ventilation and lighting, which also provides some privacy.
- The best location also depends on the unused space available in your home.
- The most common place for a home gym is an attic, garage, basement, office, or bedroom.
How to Find a Suitable Place for a Home Gym?
To find a suitable place for a home gym, you need to assess the available spaces in your home to see if any of them has enough room for working out and storing equipment, as well as proper ventilation.
You need to check if a particular room has good lighting and airflow that enables you to exercise and sweat a lot.
Also, you should pick a room with less foot traffic so your workout sessions will be uninterrupted.
It doesn’t have to be a large space, as practically any room could be transformed into a home gym with good design and a strong enough commitment to exercise.
You should also opt for home-friendly compact gym machines that don’t take up too much space, and that won’t break the bank, either.
What Are the Most Common Places?
The most common places are those that can be easily converted to a workout room, such as a garage, attic, bedroom, basement, office, etc.
The ideal location also depends on the size of your home, your budget, and your preferred workout methods.
Let’s explore these common places for home gyms more closely.
1. Attic
If you have an attic that’s big enough to be utilized as a living space (you can move without hitting your head on the rafters, and there’s no exposed insulation), you can easily transform it into a home gym space.
You’ll have to check if the floor joists are properly braced (especially if you plan to use heavy equipment and weights) and enclose the walls with drywall.
Ideally, you will need an air conditioner or at least a fan since it can become really warm up there.
2. Garage
The garage can be easily transformed into a commodious home gym space if you don’t use it for its original purpose.
And if detached, a garage gym can be a place that offers peace and quiet, free from family distractions.
The garage’s ample space allows you to accommodate large equipment pieces like a stationary bike, treadmill, or weight rack.
The ideal transformation includes adding rubber flooring and good insulation (it’s usually hard to regulate temperatures in garages).
If the weather is not too hot or cold, you can also open the garage door and enjoy the fresh air.
3. Basement
One of the best home gym solutions when you don't have a garage is your basement. Basements often have some leftover space since the basement’s square footage is usually larger than a single room in most houses.
However, lower ceilings may restrict some movements like jumping jacks or jump ropes.
In any case, to transform it into a gym, you should install adequate lighting, a few mirrors, and floor mats that are a must-have to cushion the joint-damaging concrete floors [1].
Ideally, you should add a dehumidifier to your list of fitness equipment to reduce any potential dampness in the air.
4. Office
If you have a small home and limited space, you might need to turn one room into a multi-purpose space to accommodate a home gym.
For instance, you can split your office space between two uses.
The office might be a suitable workout space since your brain doesn’t associate it with relaxation.
If you have a closet or some drawers in the fitness area of your office, you can use them to store some lighter workout equipment, such as resistance bands, yoga mats, and small weights.
5. Bedroom
If you are blessed enough to have an unused bedroom, it’s a prime candidate for a home gym area.
It’s an ideal gym space since it has a door for privacy, carpeted flooring, and closets to store small equipment.
You can always install some gym rubber flooring to ensure nothing gets damaged, as well as to lower the noise and increase the comfort for your feet and joints.
Related Article: How To Make A Home Gym
How to Store Workout Equipment at Home?
Once you determine how much space you have to work within your home gym, there are dozens of ways to organize and store workout equipment that is practical and efficient.
Efficient home gym storage solutions include various storage units, wall-mounted racks, and repurposed furniture. Choose storage options based on your gym's size and the weight of your equipment.
Organize items by category for easy access, using heavy-duty shelves for heavier gear and wall racks for smaller items. Utilize existing furniture like dressers or armoires for storing gear, and consider baskets and crates for smaller items.
These storage solutions not only keep your gym organized but also enhance its aesthetic appeal.
Is It OK to Have Home Gym on the Second Floor?
Having a home gym on the second floor is generally OK, but there are important considerations to ensure safety and prevent structural damage:
- Weight Limit: Check the weight-bearing capacity of your second-floor structure. Older buildings or certain designs may not support heavy gym equipment and intense activities like weightlifting.
- Floor Protection: Use protective mats to distribute weight and reduce noise.
- Noise Reduction: Be mindful of noise, especially if using heavy weights or equipment like treadmills. Rubber mats can help absorb sound.
- Equipment Placement: Place heavier equipment close to load-bearing walls or over structural supports.
- Vibration and Movement: Some equipment, like treadmills, can cause vibration. Ensure it doesn't structurally disturb the building or cause discomfort to others.
What Are the Best Methods of Moving Home Gym?
Moving a home gym requires careful planning and execution to ensure safety and efficiency. Here are the best methods:
- Inventory and Organize: List all gym equipment. Categorize them by size, weight, and fragility.
- Disassemble Equipment: Disassemble larger or complex equipment like treadmills or weight machines. Keep all screws and small parts in labeled bags for easy reassembly.
- Use Proper Moving Supplies: Utilize sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and moving blankets to protect equipment. For weights and dumbbells, use small, strong boxes to avoid overloading.
- Secure Loose Weights: Secure dumbbells, barbells, and weight plates with straps or wrap them in blankets to prevent movement.
- Proper Lifting Techniques: Use safe lifting techniques to avoid injury. Bend at the knees and lift with your legs, not your back.
- Rent a Dolly or Hand Truck: For heavy items, use a dolly or hand truck to move them more easily and safely.
- Load Strategically: Load heavy items first and distribute the weight evenly in the moving truck.
- Consider Professional Movers: For very heavy or bulky equipment, consider hiring professional movers who have experience with gym equipment.
- Reassemble with Care: Once in the new location, reassemble equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions.
FAQs
Is It Worth Setting up a Home Gym?
Yes, it is worth setting up a home gym. A home gym will save you money - no more gym membership fees (the initial investment will usually pay itself off in one year), and it saves time, as you don’t have to drive anywhere or wait for your turn.
What Do I Need to Know Before Building a Home Gym?
Before building a home gym, you need to know what type of workout you plan to perform, as that determines how much workout space you need, how to adapt it, and what equipment is necessary.
References:
- https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/feb/28/hard-living-what-does-concrete-do-to-our-bodies
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