Working out from home is becoming more popular. With access to state-of-the-art equipment, you can get a gym-worthy workout without having to leave your house, whenever and wherever is convenient. You can remain consistent and reach your goals more easily and choose equipment that suits you. Whether you’re looking for cheap treadmills, space-saving racks, or a range of dumbbells, you’re going to need to think about the area you have to work out in. Read on as we take a closer look at how you can maximise small spaces to create the perfect home gym.
Benefits of home workouts
Over the last couple of years, more of us have had to get used to working out from home, and now some of us even prefer it. There are a few notable benefits that are worth thinking about if you’re still not convinced when it comes to creating a workout space in your home, such as:
- You can work out whenever is best for you. Many of us make the excuse that we simply don’t have the time to work out – we might struggle to fit a workout into our busy schedules, but with a space and equipment to workout at home, you could squeeze in a workout before you head out in a morning, or when you get home from work without having to travel to and from a gym.
- You can choose which equipment suits you best. Creating your own home gym means you can focus on the equipment that’s going to help you achieve your goals, whether that’s improving your cardio fitness or building strength.
- You can work out in private. Gyms can be intimidating, especially if you’re just at the beginning of your fitness journey – the thought of others watching and judging you can put you off, and make you feel self-conscious. Working out from home allows you to perfect your form and work out at your own pace without having to worry about others watching you.
These are just a few of the benefits that come with creating a home gym to work out from – it’s both convenient and tailored to suit your needs. Not to mention, you won’t have to wait in line to use a machine! There are a few factors to consider when it comes to maximising a small space to use as your gym, if you live in a flat, or if you’re having to double up a space. Here are a few ways you can maximise a smaller space for a home gym.
Identify your space
Firstly, you need to choose a space that could work. If you have a spare room – perfect! But where can you work out if you don’t? Depending on the type of equipment you prefer, you can choose almost anywhere to exercise. If you have an office, you could use a section of that room to use for exercising. If you have a garage, you could use this as a workout space. If you are really struggling, you could even use your hallway to add movement to your day – which works perfectly if you have somewhere to store your equipment.
Think about storage
If you would like to store your equipment out of sight, you’ll need to think about how you’re going to do this. If you are using cardio machines like treadmills and bikes, you could choose a product that is slim, folds or has wheels to help you store it more easily. If you are using weights, think about using a rack, or purchasing adjustable weights to save space and help you make the most of the area you have available. Keeping everything organised takes up less valuable space.
Add a mirror
This is one of the oldest, and most useful tricks when it comes to interior design. Adding a mirror can make a small space seem larger by bouncing light around the room and giving it more depth. When adding a mirror to your workout space, make sure you think about what it’s reflecting. If you’re reflecting a plain wall, you’re not likely to make it look any larger – but if you’re reflecting equipment or furniture around the room, you can add depth more easily. Not only can a mirror help your space look larger, but you can also use it to perfect your form to help you get the most from your workout and avoid injury.
