TOP 5 HOME GYM IDEAS

Keeping healthy lifestyle now is more important than ever before. Because of COVID-19 people started to train at home, because they needed to. What was born from hardship, became a habit for many and they actually started to enjoy it. Although the benefits of a health club are evident, working out at home can be a great addition to keeping up a healthy routine more easily. Investing in a home gym seems a right decision to make in the light of the things that keep on everything happening around us.

But how can that gym set up at home possibly look like and where should it be? We have put together 5 home gym ideas, that hopefully will not only serve as an inspiration but also as a first step into a healthier life.

1. BEDROOM GYM

When space is on the count, home fitness equipment can end up in a bedroom. While this doesn’t give you a dedicated space to train, it can be all you need to keep your workouts top of mind. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making a bedroom gym.

BENEFITS OF A BEDROOM GYM

• Easy access to the fitness equipment makes it easier to start training.
• If your bedroom has a TV it can take your mind off of your cardio workouts at home.
• A room away from common areas provides privacy during workouts and keeps gym equipment out of sight.

EQUIPMENT IDEAS

• One piece of cardio equipment. Consider more compact options like foldable treadmills, hometrainers, spin bikes, rowing machines, ellipticals or compact cross trainers that tend to occupy less space.
• Yoga mat or exercise mat for stretching and yoga sessions.
• Gym accessories for example stability balls, gym balls, medicine balls, resistance bands or dumbbells. They provide plenty of added workout options, don’t require a large amount of storage space and can be easily stored out of sight in a closet or under the bed.
• If you have a little more space at your disposal, consider adding a functional training rack to your configuration for more workout options and built in storage.

ADDED CONSIDERATIONS

• If noise is an issue, consider cardio equipment like cross trainers that have nearly silent operation.
• Avoid hanging clothes on your cardio equipment because it’s easy to decide not to work out when you have to clear off your treadmill first!

2. THE BASEMENT GYM

Basement gyms range from equipment placed off to the side of an entertainment center to full rooms dedicated to training. Basements are great for strength training and weightlifting due to the resiliency of the space. With a basement gym you often have the rugged durability needed for serious training but in a space that is more refined and better temperature controlled than e.g. a garage.

BENEFITS OF A BASEMENT GYM

• Basements can offer a dedicated workout space that allows for multiple equipment options and larger fitness equipment such as treadmills, smith machines (squat racks), rowing machines, etc.
• This part of the house is generally cooler than above-ground floors, which is a plus during strenuous workouts.
• Basements often have a concrete foundation, meaning they can handle a fair amount of weight.

GYM EQUIPMENT IDEAS

• One or two pieces of cardio equipment. Consider a treadmill and a rowing machine or spin bike.
• Weight training tools like a squat rack, bench, kettlebells, dumbbells and barbells.
• Other accessories like stability balls, medicine balls, an exercise mat and a foam roller.

ADDED CONSIDERATIONS

• Additional flooring is ideal for basement gyms outfitted with rugged strength training and weightlifting equipment. Rubber flooring can be purchased online or at most hardware stores. Standard 50 x 50 cm square interlocking tiles vary in thickness and are easy to install.

3. THE LIVING ROOM GYM

When space is tight, home gym equipment can end up in the living room. While this doesn’t give you a dedicated space to train, it can be all you need to keep your workout routine intact and top of mind. Here are a few things to keep in mind while creating a fitness space in your living room.

BENEFITS

• A living room may be full of entertainment options like TV and music, which can take your mind off of your cardio exercises at home.
• Easy access to your gym equipment makes it easier to get workouts done.

GYM EQUIPMENT IDEAS

• One piece of cardio equipment. Consider a foldable treadmill, indoor cycle or rowing machine, all of which can be easily moved out of the way when not in use.
• Strength training tools like kettlebells and dumbbells that can be stored out of view, and an exercise mat for stretching and yoga.

ADDED CONSIDERATIONS

• Consider the aesthetics of the equipment. Cardio equipment like an IC5 indoor cycle or Row HX trainer have design elements that you might not mind showing off.
• If noise is an issue, consider cardio equipment like cross-trainers that have nearly silent operation.

4. THE GARAGE GYM

The garage is a great place for strength training, functional training and bodyweight training. It’s an ideal area for a home gym as it allows you to have serious workouts and throw around some weights without damaging your home. A garage can be large enough to create an impressive, dedicated space for home workouts. And you can create a motivating environment with music, lighting and whatever design elements you can think of.

BENEFITS

• Excellent for a large functional workout zone or strength training area.
• Allows you to exercise in a separate part of the home away from distractions.
• Ample space gives you the opportunity to add equipment over time and slowly build up your home gym.

GYM EQUIPMENT IDEAS

• One or two pieces of cardio equipment
• A half rack or Smith Machine
• Dumbbells
• Weight bench or crunch bench
• Barbells and weight plates

ADDED CONSIDERATIONS

• Additional flooring is ideal for garage gyms outfitted with rugged strength training equipment. Rubber flooring can be purchased online or at most hardware stores. Standard 50 x 50 cm square interlocking tiles vary in thickness and are easy to install.

5. THE LOFT GYM

We know this option might rarely be for everyone, however, if fitness is your lifestyle and you live in a loft that still needs some functional decoration fitting your sportive needs, this is just what you have been looking for! Putting up a gym in your loft literally has the boutique feel to it and helps you to keep your fitness routine top of mind. Being part of your extended living room, this type of home gym provides you with all the entertainment options you need for a good workout.  

BENEFITS

• A living room may be full of entertainment options like TV and music, which can take your mind off of your home workouts.
• Easy access to your gym equipment makes it easier to get workouts in.

GYM EQUIPMENT IDEAS

• Depending on space various pieces of cardio equipment. Consider a mix of powered and non-powered devices like a treadmill, Indoor Cycling bikes or rowing machines to add some variety to your workout routine.
• Strength training tools like kettlebells and dumbbells that can be stored in a functional training rack which provides with numerous options for additional functional exercises and keeps the space tidy. A CMDAP can help working out dedicated muscle groups that need extra attention, while still being multifunctional.  

ADDED CONSIDERATIONS

• Consider the aesthetics of the equipment. Cardio equipment like an IC5 indoor cycle or Row HX trainer have design elements that you might not mind showing off.
• If noise is an issue, consider cardio equipment that have silent operation.