Fitness is the new-age mantra; being fit means being healthy and less prone to lifestyle diseases. Studies have shown that even as little as fifteen minutes of a daily workout can have far-reaching effects on your body. If you can take an hour out from your busy lifestyle every day, then you will be in optimal health very soon. Typical commercial gyms are sweat-stained and crowded (and frankly, they stink!), and more often than not you will not get the time slot that works for you. Besides which, they charge an arm and a leg for their facilities.
Want to create your own personal gym right at home? Work out at your convenience, and get fit right at home. Our top designers have collated some tips and ideas for your personalized home gym, Let’s get started!
Pick the Right Space
First up, you need to pick the perfect spot for your ideal gym. Many people like to choose a basement room if they have one, but at HomeLane, we prefer a room that’s connected to the outdoors. A room that’s awash with natural light and has lovely views of the outdoors would be ideal. You can also convert a spare bedroom, a terrace or balcony, or even a corner of the family room into your dedicated gym space.
Remember: It’s essential to have a space that’s not cramped or cluttered, as that will kill your motivation. You need a free flow of energy and air within the room, so don’t overcrowd it with too much equipment. Ideally, the walls should be plain and free of shelves, pictures, or any form of artwork.
Fit a Large Mirror
Gyms have mirrors for more than one reason. When you can view the progress you’ve made, you will be inspired to work out regularly. And if you haven’t made progress, well, looking at yourself will make you feel like getting more in shape. You can also see yourself in the mirror and ensure that you are doing your steps right. It’s a great idea to have a mirror along the entire length of the wall, especially if your room is small, as it also visually doubles the illusion of space and makes your room appear much larger than it is.
Remember: The mirror should be straight up and not at an angle so that you don’t get a distorted view of your appearance. Also, make sure that you buy high-quality glass that doesn’t make you look too fat or too thin; both can put you off your exercise regimen.
Walls and Floors
We’ve already spoken about a mirror. The rest of the walls should be ideally painted white or in pastel creams, so that you feel refreshed and alive and don’t get tired quickly. Use washable paint that can be cleaned easily in case of sweaty palm prints. No matter what kind of flooring you pick, just make sure that it’s easy to clean.
Remember: Warm colours generate heat and make you feel tired. White is bright and energetic.
Design the Lighting Right
A gym should always be well lit. Open out the windows and let the natural light flood in during the daytime. If you need privacy, install translucent blinds that still allow the light to come in, even when closed.
You may often be using the gym at night, so plan the artificial lighting with care. This is one space where you don’t need shadows or flattering warm light. Install ceiling lights with cool white lamps. Flexible track lights can be installed that can be angled toward your equipment.
Remember: LEDs give off less heat and also consume less energy, which is a huge plus.
Plan for Proper Ventilation
You’re bound to sweat it out when you exercise. If you have the advantage of large windows, keep them open during your workout, so that fresh air can come in. If your gym is air-conditioned, make sure the settings allow fresh air intake and do not recycle the same stale air. You will be able to work out for a longer time and will not get tired as easily if you switch on the air conditioning.
Remember: You will feel more energised in a gym where there is fresh air and plenty of oxygen, so proper cooling and regular air exchanges are very important.
Pick Equipment You Will Use
There’s no use filling up your gym with fancy, expensive equipment that you are not likely ever to use. What are your fitness goals? Plan to do a bit of cardio as well as strength training. Check with an experienced trainer, and invest in quality equipment that does not need a lot of maintenance.
Some items you could think of buying include:
- Dumbbells and kettlebells
- A pull up frame and bar
- A yoga mat
- A medicine ball
- Rings
- A stationary bicycle
- Treadmill
- A punching bag
- Skipping rope
- Wrist and ankle weights
- Foam roller
When you’re equipping your gym, make sure you also buy a good sound system. Thumping tunes can increase your stamina and motivation and make your workout a lot more enjoyable. Also, think of whether you’d like a flat-screen installed so that you can watch workout videos or your favourite sports channel while you run on the treadmill.
Create Storage for your Sports Wardrobe
In any of the corners of the room or in the next room, you should ideally have a dedicated storage closet for your gym clothes. It doesn’t need to be a very large space; just a few shelves for his and her gym clothes, towels and deodorant. Don’t forget a laundry hamper for those sweaty gym clothes once you’ve finished your work out. For purposes of hygiene, the hamper should not be in the same space as your clean clothes.
Get on the road to fitness with your own personalised gym, in the comfort of your own home. Set aside a few minutes of exercise time every single day, and create some goals for effective workouts. Make sure that your exercise routine is approved by a doctor. For more home gym design ideas, connect with your HomeLane designer today.
