How to Build a Home Gym

Your home may be where you relax and spend time with family… but it can also be where you break a sweat! Whether you like to start off your day with a refreshing workout or you prefer to unwind by exercising in the evening, you can easily set up a private gym from the comfort of any open, flexible room in your home.

The best part? No gym membership fees, lines, and crowds. (Oh, and no one else’s sweaty towels or loud music either…) Your home gym is all yours to enjoy whenever you want, so you can exercise the way you like to — on your own time. If you are thinking about turning a flexible space like a game room, loft, or guest bedroom into a personalized gym, here are a few ways on how to build a home gym:

Find the Right Fitness Equipment

You know the feeling: you walk into a crowded gym and the equipment you want is already being used… or maybe they don't even have what you’re looking for. Not the ideal way to start your workout. The fun part about creating your home gym is filling it with all of the equipment you love to use! 

If you don’t have a lot of experience with traditional gym equipment, not to worry. There are a few essential home gym setup items — no matter your current level of fitness — that can help you get acclimated to working out and find out what you enjoy most.

Strength/Cardio

• Dumbbells
• Kettlebell
• Pull-up bar
• Workout bench
• Resistance bands
• Compact strider
• Step machine
• Exercise ball
• Folding treadmill (much cheaper than the regular kind)!

Yoga

• Mat
• Block 
• Bolster 

Set The Scene

The only “rule” when it comes to what your home gym design looks like? There are no rules. If you like the setting of a particular gym you have visited before, try to replicate it — you can do this with the amount and type of lighting, accessories for your walls, a mirror, certain music playlists, etc.

Don’t like the traditional setup of gyms? That’s okay too. You can create your own! Turn your space into a retreat with calming houseplants, warm lighting, incense, and soft music. Or try a bold, vibrant space with bright walls, posters, and motivational signs. It’s all up to you.

Add Easy Storage

With a personalized home gym, you can keep your “workout life” separate from the rest of your home. Organize your workout clothes, shoes, and towels in bins, shelves, or even on a stylish ladder shelf. You can even keep a laundry basket handy for sweaty clothes. If you like to keep your drinks cold, shop around for an affordable mini fridge for an added level of “gym luxury.”

When it comes to your home gym, all you need to get started is a flexible room with open space! Then you are free to design and decorate however you wish. When you don’t have to drive to get to a gym or pay high membership fees, you will enjoy the fun and freedom that comes with your favorite workouts.