If your garage isn’t being currently used to store your car or other items, you may be wondering how you can utilize this space. While there are various options when it comes to transforming your garage, these areas are ideal to turn into a home gym. Although the initial costs to do this might seem steep, if you are someone who enjoys working out, you could save a lot in gym memberships elsewhere in the long term. You might also find it easier to stick to a workout routine during the week if you don’t have to make an additional journey to the gym, and instead, take a few steps from your main house into your workout space. If this sounds like an appealing idea to you, here is a quick guide to how you can do this.
1. Clear Out Your Garage
The best place to start is to clear out your garage of any belongings that aren’t needed or can be stored elsewhere, like a garden shed, for example. The more room you have for gym equipment and workouts, the better. You should then proceed to give the garage a deep clean to make sure it is a comfortable and hygienic space for you to exercise in. Once you have done this, take measurements of the garage and use these when planning your home gym layout.
2. Make Sure There is Good Ventilation
Improving the insulation in your garage could be beneficial, particularly for workouts during the cooler months. However, once you get your heart pumping, this will certainly keep you feeling warm! You should certainly ensure that there is good ventilation in your garage space, as this will help to reduce condensation after your exercises and also help you maintain a comfortable temperature when you are working out, especially in the summertime. If you live somewhere with a warmer climate, you might even want to look at getting air conditioning in your home gym for improved comfort.
3. Upgrade the Flooring
Most garages have a basic cement floor, and you might be happy to keep it that way in your home gym. However, larger pieces of equipment or areas to work out might benefit from some gym mats to protect the floor and reduce the risk of slips. Alternatively, you could look at putting in a better floor in the garage altogether, similar to these garage floor tiles that can provide good grip.
When considering the best coating for your garage floor, factors like durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetics come into play. Exploring options such as epoxy, polyurethane, or polyaspartic coatings can offer enhanced protection and a polished finish, ensuring your garage floor not only looks good but also stands up to daily wear and tear.
4. Investing in the Right Equipment
You will need to be considerate of the space you have in the garage before you start filling it up with heavy-duty gym equipment. Think about the kind of workouts you will be focusing on in this space, such as strength training or cardio. Investing in equipment that will fit in this space is key, but also equipment that you will get regular use out of. For example, will it be better as a space to lift weights and get your cardio from running around the block? Make sure you have thought this through before you start spending money on more expensive items for your home gym for a practical and budget-friendly approach.
If you want to commit to more exercise in 2023, consider transforming your unused garage into a home gym to help you reach your fitness goals.