Exercise has been recognised as a way to uplift spirits, enhance joy, and aid in reducing symptoms of depression. Yet, due to obstacles like cost, unsuitable weather, and lack of accessible fitness amenities, over a third of Ireland’s populace don’t engage in regular physical activities. But what if you could remove these hindrances by setting up a custom-made fitness area right in your house? Here are some helpful suggestions for transforming your home into an ideal exercise sanctuary.
Locating the Perfect Area
Identifying the optimal place for your domestic exercise space is critical to maintaining consistency with your workout objectives. Though fitting gym equipment to match your home aesthetics can be challenging owing to its size, selecting the most suitable spot can bring about significant difference.
Instead of struggling to fit large equipment into your common living areas, mull over different areas like garden rooms that could be simply modified into a fitness centre. Alternatively, you could repurpose a vacant room, such as a spare bedroom or home office, into a special exercise space. This helps in reducing interruptions and in maintaining your living spaces neat and tidy.
Even though space may be scarce, a successful home exercise corner could be created with a variety of compact and space-conservative equipment. Resistance bands are flexible, facilitate all-body workout, and are convenient to store. Kettlebells are an excellent option as well, providing strength and aerobic workout options. Adjustable dumbbells save space by replacing numerous sets, allowing a broad spectrum of exercises. For convenient aerobic exercises, retractable exercise bikes can be put away when not in use.
Choose exercise gear that you enjoy working with and keep it in a noticeable, reachable place to keep you inspired and active. The primary aim is to set up a fitness space that is both accessible and attractive thereby ensuring an active lifestyle within the comfort of your home.
Lighting
For an inviting home gym, prioritise natural light by opting for a room with large windows or glass doors. This not only add to the space’s aesthetic but also immensely boosts mood and vigour. Arrange your exercise equipment to leverage daylight, which can significantly improve your overall marking and health.
If your space is devoid of natural light, utilise reflective materials and lighter shades to illuminate it. Opt for lighter floor finishes like pale timbers or tiles, which can greatly enhance a room’s brightness. Mirrors are an economical means to make a room feel larger and brighter. Position them near windows to maximise natural light and create an illusion of a more spacious area.
Ensuring appropriate artificial illumination is vital in your home gym set up, particularly when access to natural light is limited or when evening workouts are your preference. It’s advisable to consider full-spectrum LED lighting fixtures that simulate daylight, thus minimising eye fatigue and fostering a vivacious environment.
Complement your lighting solution with a blend of overhanging lights and focused task illuminations. Adjustable track light systems or spotlights work effectively to accent certain zones, for instance, your workout bench or yoga spot. Dimmer alternatives provide flexibility in setting a tranquil ambience for yoga routines or a high-intensity atmosphere for more aggressive exercises.
Advanced technology
To take your home gym to the next level, incorporate intelligent technology, transforming it into a state-of-the-art health and fitness refuge. Start with a smart speaker or voice-activated assistant to effortlessly manage workout music, time workouts and observe guided workout programs. Interactive fitness mirrors such as Tempo present live and specially curated classes, giving the luxury of a personal trainer experience in your home gym.
Revamp your equipment collection with intelligent machines like smart treadmills, stationary bikes, or rowing apparatus. These innovative machines usually track your performance, design customised workout routines and have accompanying applications to keep track of your progress, ensuring you maintain your fitness objectives.
To help motivate your exercises, consider adding elements of entertainment. Install a TV or music system to keep you entertained while working out. Even a straightforward addition like a Bluetooth speaker playing your favourite Spotify playlist, can greatly augment your workout atmosphere.
Final embellishments
Begin by integrating practical elements like storage solutions for resistance bands, yoga blocks, foam rollers etc. A wall-hanging rack or sleek storage containers can assist in keeping your equipment sorted and readily accessible.
Incorporate personalised additions that mirror your individuality and inspire your workouts. Decorative options could include artwork, whilst a whiteboard offers a more motivational choice for tracking your fitness targets and achievements. Adding plants not only assures cleaner air, but also generates a serene environment.
Setting up a suitable home-gym doesn’t have to be daunting. With some thoughtful planning and helpful guidelines, you can curate a space that facilitates your fitness objectives and also complements your home decor. No matter what your fitness preference, be it yoga, weightlifting or boxing, you can create the home gym perfectly tailored for your needs.
This advice is courtesy of Denise O’Connor, an experienced architect and design consultant at Optimise Design.