It’s the new year, and that means one thing: it’s time to start on your New Year’s resolutions. New year, new me. Right? The top 2 most common New Year’s resolutions are to exercise more and lose weight. If you’re looking to live a healthier lifestyle in 2023, consider adding a home gym.
For many people, half the battle of regular exercise is finding the time to physically go to the gym or anxiety around others watching you work out. With a home gym, you eliminate those barriers and can create a space suited to your needs. Wondering what the must-haves are for a home gym? Here are some ideas on ways to deck out your home gym that will not only keep you motivated but will also keep with the aesthetics of your home.
1. Add a feature wall
Adding a feature wall to your home gym will provide a focal point for the space and give you something nice to look at while you work out. A wood plank wall can add texture and warmth to the room. Or consider adding a funky wallpaper that will detract from that unsightly treadmill. You want your home gym to be a space you enjoy looking at and being in, so choose a feature wall material that matches your personal style.
2. Durable flooring is key
Gym floors take a beating, so you want to ensure your home gym flooring is durable. Materials like vinyl, rubber, foam, and turf can be great options depending on what type of exercise you do. If installing new flooring isn’t in the budget, you can add rubber mats underneath your home gym equipment. This will create traction and prevent damage to your floors. No one wants to be the cause of scratches and scuffs, especially in an apartment space.
3. Install sliding doors
Sliding doors are a great way to stylishly hide a home gym. Sliding doors allow light to flow into the space while providing privacy, and they can be easily closed, so your equipment is out of sight when you have guests. There are many types of sliding doors out there, including barn doors, metal sliders, and doors with frosted glass, so you can choose what will best match the style of your home. Clear window doors might be a little creepy, though.
4. Mirrors make a space appear larger
Adding mirrors to your workout space can serve multiple purposes. Mirrors are great for checking your form while you are working out and helping you make sure your hips aren’t piked while doing planks or your knees aren’t hyperextended during your squat reps. Mirrors can deceive the eye and make a workout room feel larger, so they are a great addition if you are working with a smaller footprint for your home gym. They also help to brighten up the space, especially if your home gym is in the basement, where it tends to be dark and stuffy.
5. Pegboards are decorative AND functional
Pegboards aren’t just for garage and tool storage—they are also great for home gyms. You can hang yoga mats, jump ropes, exercise bands, and other pieces of equipment from the pegs and install simple shelving to display plants, photos, and other decorative accents. Add lighting behind the pegboards as a detail that further elevates the space!
6. Don’t be afraid to add color
A lively gym with vibrant colors can alter your mood and help you push through to the end of a workout. Need some paint color inspiration? Check out this article on The 10 Happiest Paint Colors to Add to Your Home. Some suggestions include yellow, which inspires cheerfulness, and green, which is considered an energizing color. And if you can’t or don’t want to paint the walls, you can add pops of color with your décor and gym equipment. Whether you want warm colors, cool colors, or neutrals is up to your personal preference. It’s just recommended that you stay away from overly vibrant shades and “muddy” colors.
7. Words motivate us
Hang a framed print or stick up some vinyl lettering of your favorite motivational mantra to keep your mindset positive and to help you push through that last rep of pushups. Neon gym signs also provide a unique and vintage touch. Need some ideas? Check out this list of 12 must-read mantras for the ultimate workout motivation. Some of our favorites include “No one has ever regretted a workout” and “It takes four weeks for you to see your body changing; eight weeks for your friends and family to see it; and 12 weeks for the rest of the world.”
8. Be thoughtful about equipment purchases
Chances are you are working with a limited footprint for your home gym, so you will want to be thoughtful about how much equipment you purchase. Cardio is key to any workout plan, so consider purchasing a treadmill or spin bike to get your heart rate pumping. A workout mat is essential as well and can simply be rolled up and moved out of the way when not in use. You may also consider getting a set of dumbbells or a kettlebell for weight training—both are compact and won’t take up a lot of space. Need some ideas on what to get? Check out this article from Forbes featuring must-have equipment for your home gym.
9. Set a budget and stick to it
You’re probably asking yourself how much does a home gym cost? The answer is that it varies, but the average home gym costs around $2,000. It all depends on your fitness goals and how complex you want your home gym setup to be. Set a budget that works for you, and stick to it! You can always upgrade equipment and make additions to your home gym setup as your fitness routine evolves.
10. Use outdoor space
If you don’t have enough room inside for a home gym, consider utilizing outdoor space for your at-home workouts (if you have one and the climate you live in allows for it). You can easily install a Peloton or exercise bike on your back patio and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while working up a sweat. Weights are also small and easy to bring outside with you while getting some fresh air or sitting by the pool.
Whether your New Year’s resolutions include meeting a fitness goal, living a healthier lifestyle, trying out a new hobby, reading more books, decluttering your home, or making more time for family, we wish you well! According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, only 46% of people who made New Year’s resolutions in 2002 reported success at sticking to their resolutions after six months. So, stick to your goals and know that Prime Storage is here with home storage solutions when your life demands space®. We have a variety of self storage units near you, including climate controlled storage, in case you need to clear out some unused furniture or a closet for your new home gym equipment. Happy New Year and happy motivating!
