If you have an empty room in your home, why not turn it into a home gym? Having a gym at home is an easy way to get more exercise and live a life more focused on health. Here are six easy steps to help you make the transformation.
Choose a Space
The first step to transforming an empty room into a home gym is to choose the right space. You’ll want to find somewhere with enough space to store your equipment. Your equipment may include a treadmill, a rowing machine, an exercise bike, and maybe some weights. Remember that you also need space to use that equipment.
You should also choose a space that’s safe for a workout. Older homes may have structural issues you want to get checked out before transforming a room into a space for health and exercise. In fact, properties built between 1960 and 1977 have almost a one-in-four chance of containing lead paint, while those built between 1940 and 1959 have a 69% chance. Houses built prior to 1940 have an enormous 87% likelihood. So, be sure to check for issues such as lead paint before you decide on a room for your home gym, as lead paint can cause health issues.
When you’ve selected a safe space that’s free from dangerous materials, you should carefully clean it out and tidy it up before you add any equipment.
Paint and Decorate
Once you’ve chosen and tidied up the room, it’s time to decorate. Give it a coat of paint (a bright white color is a good option), and add decoration to your taste. It’s a good idea to include a large mirror, as this will help you check your form while you lift weights, helping you to avoid injury or other health issues.
You could also hang a calendar to schedule your workouts. This will help you stay on track with your fitness goals.
Add Equipment You’ll Use
Now that you’re happy with the room’s appearance, it’s time to fill it with equipment.
Don’t worry if you don’t have space for a lot of apparatus. The average home in the U.S. has three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, measures 1,800 square feet, and costs $200,000. It doesn’t matter if yours is bigger or smaller; just use the space you have well by only buying what you know you’ll use.
Design and Set Up the Space
Once you’ve added your equipment, you’ll want to rearrange it to set up the room. Play around with the layout until you find one that works. Make sure you leave enough room between the different types of equipment to move around. Also, give yourself floor space for arm and leg workouts, yoga, and stretching.
Add a Storage Bench and a Mini Fridge
Now it’s time to turn your home gym into a space you actually want to work out. An easy way to do this is to add a storage bench for your water bottle, towel, and any protein snacks you may have. Adding a mini-fridge to store cold water and other refreshing beverages is another great idea to consider.
Even small additions like this can make your workout more enjoyable, meaning you’re more likely to persevere and make the most out of your home gym.
Utilize the Outdoors, Too
Even when you have a home gym, you shouldn’t limit your exercise routine to just that space! Remember that you can also use the outdoors. Your backyard or driveway can easily be used for exercise.
Lay a towel and your yoga mat on the grass and get to work with some intense stretches, or play basketball or jump rope on the driveway. Just remember: You should seal coat your driveway or parking space every two to three years for normal use.
Turning an empty room into a home gym doesn’t have to be difficult. If you just follow these six steps, you’ll be on your way to an effective home workout station!
