How to make a home gym

If you're serious about your fitness routine, the most important thing is to have a space that motivates you. For many people, that means creating a home gym. But before you buy every piece of home workout equipment under the sun, you need to do some planning.

We spoke to experts in interior design, home gym design, and personal training to help those interested in building a home gym meet their budget and fitness goals and achieve their vision of improved fitness. We've explained how you should approach the process in a way that helps you. space.

Step 1: Talk to an expert

If money isn't an issue, you can also hire someone to design and build a luxury home gym for you. Tanya Ryno, owner and designer of New Jersey-based Iron House Design, has worked with a variety of clients, many of whom chose to build their home gyms from the ground up. But she says it's entirely possible to create a functional and beautiful home gym on a budget.

New York City-based interior designer Evelyn Lee recommends thinking about your space. and equipment at the same time. For example, if you know your client only wants a stationary bike, it can easily be placed in a corner of a spare room (or master bedroom), but a built-in gym requires its own room or renovated space. is.

Tanya's other half, Jim Rhino, is a certified personal trainer. Gym The New Jersey gym owner and author of exercise plans for national magazines says he likes to understand his clients' main goals before advising them on what equipment to buy for their home gyms. Masu.

This is “important,” Jim explains. “This goal-oriented approach ensures that the equipment we recommend fits not only their space but also their lifestyle and aspirations, leading to a more personalized and effective home gym experience. .”

Step 2: Choose a space

When choosing a room or space for your home gym, Lee says you need to create a budget. The budget isn't the most glamorous part of the design, but it should include the cost of any equipment you ultimately want to purchase or renovations to the space. (If you're looking for a super splurge, Lee recommends this fitness equipment that's more than Instagram-worthy.)

Tanya, who has a portfolio of high-end projects, says a 250-square-foot to 300-square-foot room is a good size for a home gym, but just because you think you have the space doesn't mean Warnings have been issued against loading equipment.

“The footprint around the machine is large. Treadmills need at least 6 feet behind them for safety,” she says. “People don't always consider safety factors.”

These rooms can be guest rooms or combined offices and gyms, where you can work hard or train. Basements and garages also make great options for large home gyms.

“The basement is a big option right now,” says Tanya. “Someone with a three-car garage might use one bay, which is a good size.”

But you don't need a completely separate room to enhance your training space. “Small gyms work, you just have to compromise a little more on what's in there,” says Tanya. “Even if your home is small, the master bedroom may be large.” [with room for home gym equipment]”

Step 3: Define your fitness goals and choose your equipment

When designing a home gym, gyms consider key factors that align with their clients' fitness goals and routines.

“Age, gender, and activity level are fundamental considerations because they greatly influence your workout needs and preferences,” he says. For example, someone who works out regularly and wants to maintain fitness will need a different training plan and equipment than an experienced athlete who trains consistently.

Jim and Tanya said they've never outfitted their home gym with cardio equipment unless their clients regularly run, ride or swim outside. The gym features home gym staples for a wide range of fitness goals and activities.

• Durable, ergonomic, adjustable bench with wheels
• Complete set of weights from 5 lbs to 75 lbs
• Aerobic exercise equipment (treadmills, bikes, rowers, ellipticals)
• Comprehensive strength and flexibility systems like Matrix Gym and Rogue Fitness Stall Bar 3.0
• stretch mat

“These items provide a well-rounded training experience, whether you're a runner, cyclist, or weightlifter,” says Jim. “You are guaranteed a home gym that is functional and adaptable to different fitness journeys.”

Of course, you can mix and match and choose your priorities depending on the size of your space and your budget.

Step 4: Create the flow

In a perfect world, your home gym would be equipped with a variety of equipment to help you flow from one exercise to the next. While that's not always possible in small spaces, Tanya says that by being creative with placement and avoiding clutter, you can bring calm and visual appeal to your home gym space. Masu.

When creating a floor plan, Lee says blue painter's tape is an effective way to figure out the layout, such as the footprint of a treadmill. actually teeth. She also says that she can enhance her personal space, large or small, by placing her cardio equipment in front of her window for natural light and a great view.

Or, if you plan on watching TV during your workout, place the machine at a suitable distance from the TV wall. On a related note, make sure your room or space has an electrical outlet (extension cords are not recommended on treadmills) and that you're within range of your WiFi router if you need a connection.

Lee explains that unless a client has a specific need, they group equipment by type. He puts weights, benches, and all-in-one units in one group, cardio machines together, and stretches and yoga in another.

Even if you're not on a budget, Lee says some clients have private bathrooms with steam showers and saunas outside the gym.

Step 5: Shape the look

A big benefit of building your own home gym is that you have complete control over the look, including paint colors, lighting fixtures and brightness, flooring and walls, and more.

For example, black painted walls can add a sophisticated, upscale gym look, but softer colors better match the tranquility of your workout, especially for recovery sessions. Regardless of the paint color, Lee recommends an eggshell finish that can be easily wiped off.

A full-length mirror, or a wall mirror if you have the space and budget, is a great addition to your home gym, especially if you focus on weight training. Tanya also loves the mirror wall (and barre) for the dancers.

Unlike commercial gyms with harsh overhead lighting, you can choose a softer route with fun light fixtures.

“I like recessed lighting that is dimmable for flexibility,” says Lee. “Adding a soft pendant to your yoga area will keep you from looking up at bright lights when you're lying on your back.”

Flooring can be a little tricky depending on your space. If you have a dedicated room (or basement or garage), you may have more flexibility in choosing gym-friendly flooring, like rubber with padding underneath.

Lee often uses boron on wood floors in weight areas and yoga and stretching areas. There are inexpensive rubber flooring options that can be placed over your existing flooring, and in a pinch, you can add extra cushioning with a yoga mat (though it won't protect you from falling weights).

Step 6: add the finishing touches

Whether you're dedicating one corner of your bedroom to a stationary bike and yoga mat, or creating a home gym across an entire room or basement, personal touches and accessories can go a long way, says Lee.

“We're not building a commercial gym, so it doesn't need to look like one,” she explains. “It should reflect your personal aesthetic. Have fun with it.”

She recommends adding fun accessories like plants, vinyl wallpaper, and fun or motivational signs.

Recommended exercise equipment

Building a home gym is an exciting adventure with endless possibilities. From dumbbells and weight benches to treadmills and ellipticals, the options are virtually endless.

However, the real challenge lies not in the abundance of options, but in choosing the right equipment for your space. This is where our expertise comes in handy. We understand that choosing the perfect fitness gear can be overwhelming. That's why we've carefully curated a list of top-notch recommendations. Whether you're looking for strength training, cardiovascular training, or a holistic fitness approach, the options below have something to suit your needs.

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