How to design a home gym: Ideas to inspire

by Bob Hummer 04/16/2024

home gym featured image

As it becomes more common for people to work from home, so has the desire to design a home gym. For many, finding the time to get a good workout is tricky enough without the added hassle of traveling cost. In this case, a home gym can make an enormous difference by allowing a dedicated space to exercise away from the distractions of household life.

But how do you get started designing a gym for your home? Here are some ideas to consider:

What kind of home gym should I have?

First, it's best to decide what type of exercise you'd like to bring into your home gym. If you want a dedicated space for a treadmill or other large equipment, you may need to think strategically about storage and floor space.

If you want everyone in the household to enjoy a relaxing time in a room where there are many fitness activities, you can keep the room mostly empty and add large mirrors. Add a few fitness mats and a small weight bench, and you'll have flexibility to engage in multiple forms of exercise in the same room.

Workshop to home gym makeover

One great way to refresh an underused space is to convert a workshop or garage into a home gym. Add some large floor mats to create an ideal surface for weightlifting, calisthenics and stretching. Whiteboards can be used to plan your workout routines, and you can also keep yourself motivated with posters, slogans and other fun decor.

Space-saving CrossFit corner

A simple but organized setup can often fit into space you didn't even know you had at home. For example, you can build a miniature CrossFit gym in a tiny attic or basement space. With wall storage for weights and hanging ropes, you have plenty of options for an intense workout without needing an entire room.

Modern gym, lounge & custom juice bar

If you prefer a home gym to double as a place to hang out and relax, try combining the fitness equipment with comfortable seating and convenient snacking. You can set up a practical and minimalist space with all the equipment needed to get a good workout, and add a simple wet bar with a mini fridge and a low-profile sectional sofa to complete your personal fitness lounge.

While you might not be able to spring for floor to ceiling mirrors in your home workout room, taking the time to dedicate a space to exercise will benefit the entire household. Whether you convert a spare room into a workout space or carve out a tiny bit of precious floor space in a common area, these ideas can serve as inspiration for your own home gym goals.

About the Author
Author

Bob Hummer

Bob Hummer brings a wealth of experience with him; a practitioner in real estate in Northern Virginia since 1978, a Life Member of both the Million Dollar Sales Club and the Top Producers Club with over 2,500 Satisfied Families and President, Prince William Association of REALTORS in 1991. His experiences range from helping buyers and sellers attain their goals; to renovating historic homes on Capitol Hill; to counseling and assisting homeowners facing the loss of their home due to foreclosure. Since 1996, he has presented his free monthly Home Buyer and Home Seller seminars at the Woodbridge campus of Strayer University. In June 2023 he completed the Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist course and was awarded the designation CPRES. His goal is to assist individuals who inherited real estate and wish to sell. A former "Military Brat" and a retired Air Force Hospital Administrator, Bob has made more than 26 moves during his life and is extremely familiar with all aspects of a family relocating - whether it is across the street or across the nation.