Turning your garage into a home gym is an alternative use idea we will review in this article. Not only do you save on a gym membership with this remodeling project, but you also get the opportunity to customize your set-up to match your fitness interests.
Below we outline six factors to keep in mind as you develop a plan and shop for the necessary supplies.
Your Aspirations
It might seem obvious but start with understanding what you want out of a home gym. Here are a few guiding questions to consider:
- Does it need to match a professional gym’s amenities or not?
- What are my must-have items?
- What is my budget for this project?
- What is the weather like in my area throughout the year?
Your Garage’s Layout
After you have clarity on your goals, be mindful of your garage’s size, existing flooring, any columns (for multi-car garages), doorways, and electrical outlets. These items will affect all other design aspects including:
- The flooring needed
- The gym equipment that can fit and how to store it
- How much storage is needed
- How much additional insulation is required
- Whether or not you need additional heating or cooling
- Whether you need to replace your garage door opener or not
Your Garage Door Opener
Depending on the gym equipment you’ll be using, consider the ceiling height of your garage and the position of your garage door opener. If you are doing overhead movements, such as pull-ups, presses, or jumping rope, consider installing a wall-mounted opener to avoid damage. You can also invest in a high lift garage door conversion, which provides additional clearance by allowing the garage door to open at a higher level.
Your Garage’s Insulation and HVAC
Ensure you get year-round use out of your new space by insulating your garage door, as well as incorporating ductless HVAC units into your design. Additionally, you’ll want to explore durable flooring options that can be placed on top of your garage’s existing floor and offer added insulation.
The Type of Fitness Equipment You Plan to Use
Once you’ve locked in the basic design elements of your new garage gym, it’s time to buy equipment. Get the most out of this space by making sure this gear is multi-functional to help you save on space and money. You’ll also want to verify that it can be stored easily using wall racks or elsewhere and can withstand your climate.
A homeowner can also save some money by shopping for equipment over time and that is used. Check out classified sites, such as Craigslist, Nextdoor, Facebook Marketplace, particularly after the winter holidays.
What Storage is Available or Needs to Be Installed
Depending on your existing garage storage and layout, you may require additional storage for your gym equipment. Basic hooks and pegboard work well for hanging jump ropes, TRX straps, resistance bands. Anchored wall mounts are a good choice for barbells and other, heavier equipment. Lastly, invest in some shelves for towels, cleaning materials, and light weights.
