A Guide To Creating a Home Gym In Your Garage

Since Covid, home workouts have exploded in popularity. Having a dedicated home gym has become a desirable upgrade for many fitness enthusiasts.

Garage gyms save time and money on gym membership and commuting. They also provide a comfortable and private space for exercising at your own pace.

If you have a garage and are considering converting it into a gym, this is the guide for you.

In this blog we're going to give you lots of garage gym ideas, and a lot of useful tips. We'll also also walk you through the exact steps for transforming your garage into a gym.
 

Find a Garage

 

Browse garage spaces for rent

Find a Garage

1. How Do I Plan My Garage Gym Conversion?

Measure, Inspect, and Budget

Measure the dimensions of your garage (length, width, and height).

Knowing exactly how big the space is will help you plan the layout and choose the right equipment.

While doing this, inspect your garage for potential challenges such as structural issues, dampness, and pests.

Also, consider insulation and temperature control needs. Finally, set a budget, taking into account factors like construction costs, equipment, and flooring.

Research Local Building Codes and Permits

Before diving into the conversion, research local building codes and apply for any necessary permits. This step ensures you comply with local regulations and avoid potential issues down the line.

Create a Detailed Layout

To help you imagine how your garage gym could work, create a detailed layout using online tools like LucidChart. These tools allow you to experiment with different configurations and make the most of your available space.

2. How to Convert A Garage Into a Gym

Insulate and Weatherproof Your Garage

To create a comfortable workout environment, make sure your garage is properly insulated and weatherproofed. This includes sealing any gaps, insulating walls and ceilings, and installing weatherstripping on doors and windows.

Address Flooring and Lighting

Choose suitable flooring for your garage gym, taking into account factors like shock absorption, durability, and slip resistance. Rubber tiles, foam mats, or interlocking PVC tiles are popular options. Additionally, ensure you have proper lighting, which may involve adding extra fixtures or installing brighter bulbs.

Ventilation and Electrical Systems

Lastly, consider your garage's ventilation and electrical systems. Install a ventilation system to maintain air quality and temperature, and check your electric supply can handle your equipment's power needs. You may want to upgrade your wiring or add outlets as necessary.
 

 

Related

How to Insulate a Garage

 

Read article

 

3. What Equipment Do I Need and How Can I Save Money?

Essential Equipment

When selecting essential equipment for your garage gym, consider the types of workouts you prefer and your fitness goals. Here are some recommendations based on different workout styles:

• Strength training: Power rack, adjustable bench, barbell and weight plates, dumbbells, kettlebells.
• Functional fitness: Medicine balls, plyometric boxes, TRX suspension trainers, battle ropes.
• Cardio: Treadmill, rower, exercise bike, skipping rope.
• Flexibility and balance: Yoga mat, stability ball, foam roller, balance board.

Remember to factor in the available space in your garage when choosing equipment.

Saving on Equipment Costs

To save money on equipment, consider the following tips:

• Buy second-hand equipment from sites like Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, or local classified ads. Make sure to inspect the items for wear and tear before purchasing.
• Keep an eye out for discounts at fitness equipment stores, particularly during holiday seasons and end of year sales.
• Start with essential equipment and gradually build up your gym as your budget allows. This will allow you to get started quickly without overspending
• DIY gym equipment is a great way to save money. There are lots of great video guide for this on youtube, like this one for making your own plyo box.

Organising and Storing Your Exercise Equipment

Maximise your garage gym space by efficiently organising and storing your equipment. Here are some storage solutions to consider:

• Wall-mounted storage systems: Install wall-mounted racks or pegboards to store your weights, resistance bands, and other small items.
• Floor racks and shelves: Use floor racks for dumbbells and kettlebells, and shelves to store medicine balls, yoga mats, and other equipment.
• Ceiling storage: Install ceiling-mounted hooks or pulleys to hang items like suspension trainers or gymnastic rings.
• Cable management system: Keep cords organised and out of the way with cable clips, zip ties, or cable sleeves.

4. What Flooring Should I Use For My Garage Gym?

Factors to Consider

When choosing flooring for your garage gym, consider the following factors:

• Durability: Your flooring should be able to withstand the impact of dropped weights and heavy equipment.
• Comfort and support: A good flooring option should provide cushioning and support for your joints during workouts.
• Slip resistance: Choose a material that offers a non-slip surface to prevent accidents during exercise.
• Ease of maintenance: Opt for flooring that is easy to clean and maintain.

Flooring Options

If you don't want to stick with a standard concrete floor, here are some popular flooring options for garage gyms:

Rubber flooring:

• Pros: Highly durable, impact resistant, slip-resistant, easy to clean, and available in a variety of thicknesses.
• Cons: Can be expensive, may have a strong odour when new, and may not be suitable for high-traffic areas.

Foam tiles:

• Pros: Affordable, easy to install, lightweight, and provide good cushioning for workouts.
• Cons: Less durable than rubber, can be damaged by heavy equipment or weights, and may require more frequent replacement.

Carpet tiles:

• Pros: Affordable, easy to replace individual tiles if damaged, and offer a soft, cushioned surface.
• Cons: Less durable than rubber or foam, may absorb moisture, and can be difficult to clean.

Epoxy flooring:

• Pros: Durable, easy to clean, and provides a smooth, seamless surface.
• Cons: Can be slippery when wet, may not provide as much cushioning as other options, and requires professional installation.

 

Related

Garage Floor Epoxy - What You Need To Know Before Going DIY

 

Read article

 

Budget-friendly vs. Priced Solutions

Depending on your budget, you can choose between more affordable or pricier flooring options:

• Budget-friendly solutions: Foam tiles and carpet tiles are affordable options that provide cushioning and can be easily replaced if damaged.
• Pricier solutions: Rubber flooring and epoxy flooring are more expensive but offer greater durability and can withstand the impact of heavy weights and equipment.

Make sure to measure your garage's floor area accurately and factor in any additional costs for installation when selecting your flooring.

5. How To Design and Personalise Your Home Gym to Stay Motivated

Create an Inspiring Atmosphere

• Wall decor: Add motivational quotes, posters, or your favourite athletes' photos to your gym walls. You can also paint a feature wall with a bold colour or pattern that energises you.
• Lighting: Make sure your gym is well-lit. Natural light is ideal, but if that's not possible, use bright, energy-efficient LED lights to create an inviting environment.
• Music setup: Install a sound system or a Bluetooth speaker in your gym to play your favourite workout tunes. Music can boost your motivation and make your workouts more enjoyable.

Personalise Your Space

• Choose your favourite equipment: Invest in the workout gear that you enjoy using the most. Prioritise equipment that aligns with your fitness goals and preferences.
• Functional zones: Organise your gym into designated zones for different activities. For example, one are for cardio, another for wrights, and another for stretching.
• Storage solutions: Keep your gym tidy and organised by using storage solutions like wall-mounted racks, hooks, and ceiling storage

 

Related

Garage Ceiling Storage - Everything You Need to Know

 

Read article

 

Add Comfort and Convenience

• Ventilation: Ensure your gym has proper ventilation to keep the air fresh and prevent overheating. If natural ventilation is limited, consider adding an air purifier, a fan, or a portable air conditioner.
• Mirrors: Install mirrors on the walls to so you can check your form during exercises and make the space feel bigger
• Hydration station: Set up a mini-fridge or water cooler so you can stay hydrated during your workouts. You can also store healthy snacks and post-workout supplements here.

Do you have a spare garage? You can easily rent it out to someone local in exchange for extra cash.

-

Need more garage space? Browse thousands of spaces available to rent on Stashbee.
 

Find a Garage

 

Browse garage spaces for rent

Find a Garage