Working out at home has never been more popular. And with good reason—it’s convenient, cost-effective, and you don’t have to worry about wearing the latest athleisure trends to fit in. But before you start shopping for dumbbells and a Peloton, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure your home gym is set up for success. Here are our top tips:
1. Find a Dedicated Space
One of the biggest mistakes people make when setting up a home gym is putting it in a spare room that’s already crammed full of other stuff. This not only makes it harder to stay motivated but also makes your bedroom cluttered. After all, who wants to work out in the bedroom? It’s out of sight and out of mind, and your equipment is gathering dust pretty soon.
If you want to make working out at home a regular habit, finding a dedicated space for your gym is important. This could be a place like your basement. Hire an experienced basement contractor to help you convert this space into a functional workout area.
2. Invest in Quality Equipment
When it comes to working out, you get what you pay for. Cheaper equipment is often flimsy and uncomfortable, which makes working out less enjoyable and more likely to cause injuries. Spend a little extra money upfront to buy quality equipment that will last; your workouts will be much more enjoyable (and effective!).
You can buy equipment as you can afford it piece by piece—a good set of dumbbells, a yoga mat, and a stability ball are all great investments. If you’re looking for something more high-tech, treadmills and Peloton bikes are also great options (just be sure to have enough space to store them!).
3. Fill Your Gym with Natural Light
One of the benefits of working out at home is that you can take advantage of natural light instead of fluorescent bulbs. So if possible, set up your gym near a window or skylight to get some Vitamin D while you sweat it out. You’ll not only feel better physically but mentally as well.
If your gym is in a basement or another room without any natural light, make sure to invest in some good quality artificial lighting. This will help you see what you’re doing and make your workouts more enjoyable.
4. Consider Soundproofing
If you live in an apartment or close quarters with your neighbors, soundproofing your gym is important both for their sake and yours. No one wants to hear the thumping bass of someone else’s workout playlist through the walls—trust us! There are plenty of easy and inexpensive ways to soundproof your space, like hanging tapestries or placing rugs on the floor.
While at it, consider investing in good-quality headphones so you can listen to your music without disturbing anyone else. No need to add to the noise pollution!
5. Make It Your Own
Make sure your home gym reflects your personality and style. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time there, so it might as well be a place you enjoy being in. Choose a color scheme you love, add some motivational quotes or posters, and play your favorite music to get pumped up for your workout.
You can also personalize your space with photographs of family and friends or mementos from your travels. These little touches will help make your gym feel like a second home—somewhere you want to spend time. You can also use these items as motivation to stay fit and healthy, so you can get back to doing the things you love with the people you love.
6. Keep It Organized
Last but not least, it’s important to keep your gym organized. This means putting away your equipment after each use and keeping the space clean. A cluttered gym is not only an eyesore but can also be dangerous, as you’re more likely to trip over things.
A good rule of thumb is to put away each piece of equipment as soon as you’re done using it. This might seem like a hassle, but it’s worth it in the long run. You’ll save time (and your sanity!) in the long run. If you need help staying organized, consider using labels or baskets to keep everything in its place.
There you have it—expert tips for setting up your own home gym! Creating a home gym doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By following these simple tips, you’ll create a functional and stylish space—somewhere you enjoy working out. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
