Whether working out is an activity you dread or it’s your favorite way to escape life’s stresses, the atmosphere where you’re breaking a sweat can impact your overall mood. A few additions can convert your run-of-the-mill home gym into a world-class training facility or zen-like studio. Read on to find out the updates you can make to your home gym to create a space to which you look forward to escaping.
Set the Scene
Figure out what motivates you to workout and lean into that scheme. If bright, vibrant colors inspire you to move, then colorful, energy-stimulating wall and floor colors will give you the boost you need to start your workout. Selecting rubber flooring or luxury vinyl plank flooring will help absorb shock, while wood flooring prevents odor absorption and gives you the option to lay down a rubber mat.
Natural lighting is also a major energy booster. If your space allows, installing floor-to-ceiling windows will help you feel like you’re working out outdoors, even if the outdoor climate is less than ideal for an outdoor workout. If calming exercises, such as yoga, pilates or meditation are more your speed, sticking to a neutral, soothing color palette will create the zen-like atmosphere you need.
Think Beyond the Treadmill
A home gym with a basic treadmill and hand weights is efficient, but it can make you lose interest pretty quickly. Investing in various equipment options will help you break up the monotony that comes with sticking to the same workout.
An indoor or outdoor lap pool, which is usually a narrow, rectangular 40 foot long pool, provides great overall conditioning opportunities. An indoor climbing wall offers strength, agility and mental focus benefits. A Pilates reformer machine will help you develop the all-important core strength. Of-the-moment equipment, such as a Peloton or the Mirror, are small enough to fit in an urban high-rise condo’s exercise room or a workout space in a sprawling single-family home.
Outdoor Workout Space
If you live in a climate that allows you to be outdoors year-round, then an outdoor workout space will let you get your vitamin D in while you break a sweat. Creating an outdoor gym with pull-up bars, climbing bars, a punching bag and a balance beam—essentially an adult playground—will let you soak in nature while elevating your heart rate. An outdoor shower will complete the outdoor home gym experience.
Team Sports
If team sports are more your speed, an at-home sports complex will let you show off your competitive side while burning off some steam. An indoor basketball court, racquetball court, squash court, bowling alley, hockey stimulator or golf simulator will give you a complete workout, while engaging in friendly competition.
Creature Comforts
Cut down on your water bottle usage or pauses in your workouts by installing a water bottle filling station. A water bottle filling station is installed directly into the fall, so you can easily refill your water bottle with fresh, cold water whenever you’re running low.
Installing a beverage refrigerator to store cold beverages and crisp, chilled towels is the perfect way to cool down after an intense workout. At the same time, a hot tub and sauna will help you conclude your workout feeling refreshed and centered.
Whether you like to swim your stresses away or prefer to show your competitive side on the basketball court, a home gym provides the luxury of private workouts without ever leaving the house. Selecting the equipment that will motivate you to invest in your health is the biggest luxury of all.
