Posted on 31 Aug, 2021

If you’re fortunate enough to have a spare room or guest bedroom at home that you’re unsure what to do with, converting it into a home gym is a cost-friendly solution that can help utilise your extra space and stay healthy. A home gym will not only help you meet your fitness goals from the comfort of your own home, but it will also save you time and money by cutting monthly gym membership costs and commuting time.

Dedicating a space specifically for home exercise will allow you to work out 24/7 without having to worry about peak times and packed gyms. No matter how small your spare bedroom is, any room can easily be converted into a gym with the proper preparation and space management. If you’re thinking about turning your bedroom into a mini gym, here are some tips to get you started.

Organise and declutter your bedroom ahead of time

Before you rush in and start purchasing exercise machines and dumbbells, it’s essential to take a step back and prepare the room in advance. Whether this involves throwing out some old furniture, giving the walls a fresh coat of paint, or giving the room a much needed deep clean, clearing the room completely is necessary.

Additionally, make sure to visualise the layout of equipment and exercise machine positions and plan the design of your home gym. When the preparation and hard work are out of the way, your spare room will be ready for all the workout equipment you’ve invested in.

Choosing suitable decor

Considering the type of exercise you'll be doing can help you to decide on the right type of flooring for your home gym. Carpeting with a low pile can be a viable option if you're on a budget.

If you're planning to do exercises that require jumping, opting for workout tiles or rubber flooring with shock absorbing properties can reduce the impact on joints. Laminate flooring is another option if you require a flat, firm surface for exercise equipment.

Paying careful attention to the colour of your walls can also play an important part in building motivation for home workouts. Pale colours such as whites, pinks, blues, and greens are calming and provide the perfect backdrop for yoga rooms. Brighter colours and colour pops provide an exciting space that adds motivation for more strenuous activities such as running on a treadmill or using a cross-trainer.

Adding motivational quotes or words like 'believe' or 'achieve' is another great way to decorate the space.

Add a large mirror and chalkboard wall to keep track of progress

If you’re able to install wall mounts to your bedroom, adding a large mirror and chalkboard to the wall can help you keep your workout space organised and less cluttered. A large mirror is a great addition that enables you to stay in good form and make the room feel spacious.

You don’t have to spend a fortune on a large mirror; you can easily find a suitable mirror at a used furniture store, charity shop or find yourself a bargain online.

Additionally, a chalkboard is a fun and convenient way to keep track of your progress. Invest in some chalkboard wall paint and paint one or multiple walls for a modern twist.

Invest in space-friendly body workout equipment

The easiest way to get started is to invest in callisthenics equipment to cover the basics. Pull up bars, push up handles and a yoga mat can get you well on the way and they cover the essential bodyweight workouts. They’re affordable, no mounting or drilling is required and you can easily store them away after your session.

With just a simple door frame and a bit of floor space, you can get a decent full-body workout and have plenty of room to get your stretching done. Other essentials to consider are free-weights, resistance bands, gymnastic rings, skipping ropes, stability balls and foam rollers that can elevate your home gym experience to the next level.

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