It's no secret that quality exercise can do wonders for your mind and body, but if you're unable to make it into your local gym on a regular basis, carving out a workout area right in the comfort of your own home is the next best thing. Whether you have an affinity for yoga or enjoy the variety of Peloton classes, you can't go wrong with considering these home gym ideas that make use of everything from a garage to a basement.
A well-designed home gym can help you reach your fitness goals, whether that may be as simple as improving your upper body strength or working more cardio into your exercise routine. What's more, studies have confirmed that making time to exercise can help reduce stress and even enjoy a good night's rest. And who doesn't want that?
That said, browse through our roundup of inspiring, budget-friendly home gym ideas with setups for just about any type of exercise you prefer. You'll even discover a few useful pointers from Good Housekeeping Institute's registered dietitian Stefani Sassos, who also happens to be a personal trainer.
Design firm Interior Impressions turned a basic gym into a statement space with the addition of an accent wall, featuring floral wallpaper. Don't stop there, though. If space allows, incorporate a small sofa and accent tables to give the room a homey living room vibe.
Want to be inspired the minute you walk into your workout space? Add motivational words right by the entrance to give you a boost to achieve your fitness goals.
When you utilise all space to store your workout gear (like the walls!), there's still plenty of room left in your garage for other items.
If you're not afraid to take a design risk, go bold with your paint colour choice. Here, cherry red walls energise this home gym.
There's no reason why your home gym shouldn't have a spa-like vibe. A great place to start is with a compact wood sauna.
Less is more, so outfit your gym with your most-used equipment and a wooden bench that'll come in handy when you need to take a break between exercises.
Embrace your workout area's natural light with a neutral paint colour that can work seamlessly with just about any type of window treatments and wall art.
A black-and-white tray ceiling steals the show in this spacious basement gym.
Take a cue from this home gym by North Carolina-based design firm, Design Lines Signature, and stick to the basics. Keep the focus on your workout routine with a neutral space, complete with sleek wood flooring and shelving for towels.
Once you have the right yoga mat, think about simple ways to create a calm vibe in your space. The best place to begin? Fill your workout area with a variety of potted plants for some colour and texture.
Rock-climbing is perfect for adventurous types and a great way to engage your muscles (it will also be a hit with the kids). A garage can easily be transformed with a set of rock-climbing holds.
Reimagine a drab basement into a functional home gym, like this look from Kirsten Kaplan of Haus Interior Design. Make the walls a focal point with a bold paint color, statement art and an inspiring quote that will encourage you to give your workout 100%.
Miss your boxing class? Bring the fun right into your home by hanging a punching bag in your living room. For this compact space, designer Vanessa Alexander paired a the bag with sleek seating and inspirational wall art.
If you can afford to give up your garage, why not convert it into an exercise room? This space from designer Marie Flanigan proves that a pair of dumbbells, a good-quality mat and a chair for moments of rest are all that's needed to maintain your daily workout routine. "The space has a Murphy bed that comes down if people need to sleep there, but otherwise the floor is clear for exercise equipment," Flanigan says.
There's nothing like outfitting your home gym with colorful equipment to keep you motivated. Interior designer Kammi Reiss crafted a home gym in New York City that played up her client's love of vibrant hues and contemporary art. "I had the pilates equipment made in colors of the Haruki Murakami plush flower ball," Reiss says. "Using these bright, cheerful colors, rather than the standard black, made the room a fun and happy place to exercise."
If you're lucky enough to have a home with a breathtaking view, designate a small area in it to exercise. Designer Taniya Nayak recently transformed an space in her living room outside of Boston into the perfect exercise spot. A simple mat "is the foundation of your workout haven," says Sassos. But don't fret if you don't own a mat. "You can also use an area rug with a non-slip backing for this," says Nayak. "A towel or rug that might slip are not great options if your floors are a hard surface like wood or tile."
If you can't turn an entire room into a gym, use a corner of your bedroom! You don't need a lot of space to lay down a yoga mat or place your favorite workout machine. Sassos also recommends adding a foam roller to your collection to help relieve muscle tightness and soreness — it's small but mighty!
Keep your form in check by making an oversized floor mirror a part of your gym's design scheme, as Los Angeles-based designer Vanessa Alexander has done here. It can even help to brighten up your space.
Rather than overlooking an unused attic, take a cue from designer Benjamin Johnston and transform it into a gym. Make sure it's well-lit and equipped with simple essentials, like a wall-mounted TV, an exercise bike, and some weights.
Don't let a small apartment prevent you from breaking out a sweat. Set up an exercise bike in a corner, fill a wall with words that'll push you to make the most of every session, and you're all set.
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