Maintaining a workout routine can be challenging when you’re busy, especially with the extra time needed to commute to the gym. A great solution is to turn an unused store room or area in your home into your own personal gym. It’s not as hard as you might think, and it can even increase your home’s value.
You’ll likely want to keep your workout area separate from the rest of the house. A fantastic way to do this without making the space feel smaller is by using a mirror sliding bypass closet door. This not only sets the workout area apart but also gives you a mirror to check your form while lifting weights.
When it comes to flooring for your home gym, rubber flooring is your best bet. It’s incredibly durable, can handle heavy equipment, and absorbs the shock from weights and jumping. You can buy rubber flooring in rolls, mats, or interlocking tiles, available in various thicknesses and sizes. Foam flooring is another option, though it’s less durable and better suited for lighter exercises. It’s more affordable than rubber and also comes in tiles with various colors and designs.
Vinyl flooring is perfect for basement or garage gyms because it resists mold, mildew, and moisture. It’s durable enough to support heavy equipment but lacks shock absorption, making rubber a better option if you plan on dropping weights. Cork flooring is another viable option; it’s eco-friendly, fire-resistant, and offers excellent support and shock absorption.
Nobody wants to work out in a dark, uninviting space. If you’re setting up your gym in a basement or area lacking natural light, you’ll need to install proper lighting. One overhead light usually isn’t enough. If you can, install recessed lights to brighten the space without sacrificing overhead room. Alternatively, indirect LED wall mount lights are a great option as they provide ample lighting without complicated electrical work. Lamps or LED strip lights can also be used to illuminate darker corners.
To make your home gym more inviting but still energetic, consider painting the walls a soft white or warm gray. You can also add a vibrant accent wall with colors like blue, purple, or yellow for added energy but avoid overwhelming the space with too many bright colors.
You can personalize your gym with a few accent pieces, such as easy-to-care-for plants in hanging pots or wall planters, abstract art, or motivational quotes on canvas. Choose minimalistic decor that makes you feel both happy and energized.
Creating a modern home gym gives you a dedicated space to maintain your workout routine, even on busy days. Use durable materials that can handle heavy equipment, sweat, and constant use. If you’re thinking about adding a home gym, consult a local real estate agent to understand how it might affect your home’s value.