Crafting Your Ideal At-Home Gym
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when many gyms across the country closed temporarily, people had to get creative with their fitness routines. We saw the rise of home gyms during that time, and there are plenty of people who have chosen to stick with home workouts. Thanks to inexpensive equipment availability and countless online workout options to guide you, working out at home is easier than ever.
Maybe you like exercising at home but haven’t made the jump to transform your space into a personal gym yet. There’s no time like the present. Having access to a personal gym space at home can be a game-changer for maintaining fitness goals.
So, whether you’re just starting your wellness journey or you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast, it’s easier to craft a home gym that’s tailored to your needs than you might think – especially if you have a garage.
With a bit of planning and repurposing, you can transform your garage into a functional and eco-friendly home gym that saves you time and money while helping you reach your goals and prioritize everyday wellness.
Prepare Your Space
If you’re transforming your garage into a gym, one of the first things you should do is make sure you’re not going to disrupt anyone in the rest of the house. Soundproofing your workout space is a great way to make it feel “different” from other areas. You won’t bother anyone with your early-morning workout routines, and you won’t be distracted by sounds coming from your roommates or family in the house. Soundproofing can help you stay focused, and you can crank up your motivational music or workout video to get the job done.
Start soundproofing by focusing on the garage door[1]. You can either add soundproofing material directly to the door, or hang a blanket or rug behind it to capture sound waves. It all depends on the type of door you have and how it opens.
When it comes to the walls and ceiling, add insulation or soundproofing foam to absorb sound waves and reduce echoes.
Finally, focus on the floor. Your garage floor is probably made of concrete, and you’re not going to want to redo it completely. So, the easiest way to absorb sound is by adding an area rug or two. Doing so will soak up echoes and make a more comfortable space for you to work out.
Eco-Friendly Upgrades
You might not immediately think of sustainability when it comes to a workout space. But, there’s no reason why you can’t make your new gym space eco-friendly, giving you something to feel good about while you break a sweat every day. Plus, if you ever plan on selling your home, an eco-friendly home gym can add a lot of value!
Eco-friendly home upgrades are an investment[2], but they’re often very worthwhile. Not only will many of them help you save money on utility costs, but you’ll also reduce your energy usage and could even become inspired to live more sustainably in other areas of life.
Some of the easiest and most eco-friendly upgrades you can make to your home gym include:
- Energy-efficient doors and windows
- LED light bulbs
- Solar panels
- Energy-efficient water heater and HVAC system
Obviously, some of these swaps are more of an investment than others. If you’re really trying to transform your space into a sustainable environment, you can tap into personal savings or use your home equity to make the changes you’re passionate about
It’s also a great idea to use houseplants to clean the air in your gym space[3]. This will save you the expense of buying an air purifier, and it’s more eco-friendly, as you’re minimizing the use of resources that would otherwise be necessary to produce the purifier.
Storing Your Equipment
If you’re keeping expensive workout equipment in your garage, it’s essential to know how to store it properly. Even if you’ve completely transformed your space, it could still be at risk of things like water damage or extremely hot or cold temperatures causing problems. Caring for your workout gear – big and small – will extend its lifespan and allow you the convenience of working out from home for years to come.
First, if you have any small pieces of equipment, including weights or resistance bands, wash them immediately after each use. This will help to prevent bacterial growth and mold, especially in warmer months when your garage might become stifling during the day. When it comes to large equipment like workout machines, make sure to wipe them down after each use.
It’s just as important to wash your clothing after a workout, separating colors and investing in quality detergent that will get rid of harmful bacteria and prevent sweat stains. It’s often worth it to have a washer and dryer in your garage to make washing your workout clothes more convenient.
When it comes to equipment you don’t use every day, storage solutions that keep your equipment safe and organized will make life easier. Consider installing shelves and dumbbell racks on the walls, have a few round baskets in the corner for things like resistance bands and balls, and put a pegboard on one of the walls to easily find and access your smaller pieces of equipment as needed[4].
Crafting your ideal home gym is an effective, affordable, and time-saving way to motivate you to work out every day. No matter what your fitness goals are, this is a wellness trend that’s worth getting behind.
[1] https://alansfactoryoutlet.com/blog/how-to-soundproof-garage/
[2] https://www.creditonebank.com/articles/how-to-affordably-invest-in-eco-friendly-home-upgrades
[3] https://theacdoctors.com/using-houseplants-to-improve-your-homes-indoor-air/
[4] https://www.bhg.com/how-to-store-workout-equipment-7852270
