Balancing a workout routine with a busy schedule can be tough, especially when you’re spending extra time commuting to the gym. One great way to make fitness goals more achievable is by turning an unused storage room into a home gym. Believe it or not, creating a home gym isn’t that hard and can even increase your home’s value.
You’ll likely want to keep your workout space separate from the rest of the house. A good way to do this without making the area feel cramped is by using a mirror sliding closet door. This not only sets apart your gym area but also gives you a mirror to check your form while lifting.
When it comes to flooring, rubber is your best bet. It’s durable, can support heavy exercise equipment, and absorbs shock well. Rubber flooring comes in rolls, mats, or interlocking tiles in various thicknesses and sizes. Foam flooring is a cheaper alternative but isn’t as great at absorbing shock, making it better for lighter workouts. It also comes in tiles with different colors and looks.
For a basement or garage gym, vinyl flooring is a solid option because it’s resistant to mold, mildew, and moisture. It’s very tough but doesn’t absorb shock well, so if you’ll be dropping heavy weights, stick with rubber. Cork flooring is another choice that’s eco-friendly and resists fire, mold, and mildew, with great shock absorbency and support.
Nobody wants to exercise in a dark, depressing room. If your workout space lacks natural light, you’ll need to add your own. One overhead light probably won’t cut it. If you have the budget, consider installing recessed lights to brighten the area without using extra space. Alternatively, wall-mounted LED lights can do the job without requiring electrical work. You can also use lamps or LED strip lights to illuminate dark corners.
Your home gym should be inviting but not so cozy that you want to nap instead of work out. To create an energetic feel, paint the walls a soft white or warm gray. For a splash of color, add an accent wall in vibrant blue, calming purple, or bright yellow. Just don’t overdo it with the bright colors since you don’t want the small space to feel overwhelming.
While it’s not an art gallery, you can still add some stylish touches to your gym. Consider minimalistic accents like easy-to-care-for plants in hanging pots, abstract art, or a motivational quote on canvas. Pick decorations that make you feel happy and energized.
Building a home gym provides a convenient space to stick to your workout routine, even when life gets busy. Use durable materials that can handle heavy equipment, sweat, and impact. If you’re thinking about adding a home gym, talk to a local real estate agent to see how it might impact your home’s value.
