Since most people are spending more time at home these days, staying fit has become a higher priority. However, not everyone is able to join a gym, making it a little more tough to stick to a workout regime. If you are looking for a way to increase your fitness with a new workout routine, you may want to create a gym that extends beyond a simple pull up bar and doing occasional sit-ups. It is important to know that the size of your home doesn’t matter when creating a home gym. Whether your space is large or small or you place it inside or outside, you can create the perfect workout area get some exercise, clear your head, and get your fitness routine back on track. For those of you who think you don’t have space for a home gym, think again. The options for a homemade gym are almost endless. Whether you create a backyard gym, a garage gym or a basement gym, read the step-by-step instructions given by our sample homeowner on how to DIY a relaxing, fully stocked home workout station in a small space for very little expense.

DIY Home Gym Checklist

Before you begin the process of creating a dedicated home gym, it is important to get all your ducks in a row. Set a budget for yourself and make a checklist. Perhaps you can start with a few main pieces of gym equipment such as kettlebells, a squat rack, or a pull up bar, and add more later. Be sure to make a list of the items you’ll need to buy, along with any improvements you'll need to make in order to create your home made gym. Ask yourself if you want to paint the workout room first. Do you need to create a room that will serve multiple purposes such as a guest room and a home gym? Figure out what fitness equipment you already have and what you need to purchase for your favored gym workouts.
List the must-have gym room items, as well as any decorative accessories that will put the finishing touches on your home gym and make it the perfect workout space.

The Makeover Process

For her own home gym, the first thing our homeowner did was clear out a small spare bedroom that acted as more of a junk room than anything else. Then she painted an accent wall with a dramatic green color called “Forest Nightfall” by Valspar, which added warmth to the gym. Some people shy away from dark colors, but they go a long way toward making your home gym decor more appealing.

Once that was done, it was time to choose the gym equipment that best fit her specific workout needs. Whether you buy a pull up bar or crossfit equipment, your purchases will be dictated by the type of workouts you plan to do. Some examples of fitness equipment our homeowner chose was an adjustable weight rack and dumbbells, a portable total workout system with resistance bands, an aerobic high step, yoga mats, and a simple exercise bike.

After painting the accent wall and setting up the workout equipment, she added the necessities that every home gym needs. She created a mirror wall by attaching simple full-length mirrors with Command hooks. She also added a fan, a television, and some heavy-duty interlocking foam tiles. These types of tiles will be especially useful if your room has hard floors, and they can even be used to cover the entire floor.

Our homeowner also gave some existing cabinets a simple DIY makeover with peel-and-stick wallpaper. They serve as storage in this small multifunctional room while adding the wallpaper helps to create a cohesive space. Having dedicated storage solutions will ensure the home gym stays tidy and easy to use at all times. She used wall hooks for resistance bands, a floor rack for dumbbells, and baskets for storing yoga mats.

Once the main pieces were in place, she completed her design by adding some inspirational artwork and fun touches that make her want to stay in the gym. After all, if you have a refrigerator with cold water, then you won’t be tempted by the other distractions in the kitchen! Our homeowner also added a Murphy bed, so her home gym is able to serve as a guest bedroom when needed.

Creating a workout space in your home, garage, or backyard doesn’t have to be difficult. Use the space you already have, add some color, and include everything you’ll need to ensure that you can complete a workout without the distractions from the rest of the house.

Tania Pelletier is the do-it-yourself blogger behind littlevintagecottage.com which she’s run for over 10 years. She has a passion for sharing the journey of fun crafts and upcycling projects. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook to see more of her ideas.