Home gym ideas are a great way to incorporate wellness and vitality into your own home without the hassle of an expensive gym membership. And there's no denying that a cleverly designed home gym that factors in key interior design elements, which are both visually appealing and fully functional, makes the prospect of a workout far more enticing.
From purchasing the right equipment to perfecting the layout, designing a home gym can be expensive. That's why it's important to create a space that lasts and doesn't follow transient interior design trends. Our ten ideas will help you prioritize your needs and create a stylish and practical gym that works for you.
1. Think about how you will use the space
In order to design a home gym that is perfect for you, first be honest about what you will actually do there and the equipment you need to feel at your fullest.
‘When drawing up the floor plan, be practical about the size of the room you have and what will fit in comfortably,’ says interior designer Kelly Hoppen. ‘You won’t enjoy exercising if everything is too close together and you are left with very little space for stretching.’
You also want to incorporate individual touches that will make the space personal and stimulate you whilst you're working out. Decorating with artwork that fits your style, adding greenery with indoor plants, or using mood-boosting colors, are bound to inspire you and increase your motivation to reach your goals.
2. Perfect the acoustics
The interior design and acoustics of your home gym are just as fundamental as the equipment you choose. Distraction is the last thing you want when you're halfway through a workout, so always prioritize peace and quiet when designing your space.
‘People often assume an at-home gym is all about the equipment; it’s not, just as an actual gym isn’t just about the equipment,’ says interior designer Katharine Pooley. ‘It’s about the music, the lighting, the atmosphere; the same is said for your at-home workout space. Make sure you’re creating an experience for when you exercise; much like they do in boutique gyms.’
A top tip, and really easy way to soften the sound in your home gym is to choose materials that absorb sound. That doesn't mean you have to totally soundproof the room, but even something as simple as a thick exercise mat makes a difference.
As designer Joanna Lavén from Studio Lawahl explains, 'To ensure a peaceful environment, choose a high-quality gym mat that dampens sound, reducing noise for both you and your neighbors.'
3. Create different exercise zones
'Functionality is key for your home gym ideas, spaces should be zoned to ensure all exercises can be undertaken with adequate space,' advises Katharine.
'Size is very also important – you need to have enough space to achieve your goals for the space. If you’re a regular gym goer, you’ll be in there a lot so it needs to be space you enjoy spending time in, and have enough space to feel relaxed and not cramped.'
'I find, especially in the current climate, that the equipment itself isn’t what’s vital; it’s having a space you like being in, and that works for your needs. If a simple yoga or meditation space is all you require from your home gym, don't be afraid to keep it as just that – no frills – just pure relaxation,' she adds. Find the key purposes of your space and zone them according to which exercise you'll be doing.
4. Don't be afraid to harness your design style
To make a space feel truly inspiring, consider your design style and use it as the inspiration behind the design of your workout space. In this space designer Leanne Ford has considered the function of the space by using calming colors, adopting a paired-back design approach which couldn't be more relaxing for a yoga studio.
We should all take a leaf out of Leanne's book when it comes to creating a peaceful space that feels authentic and well-designed. She tells us how she transformed an old shed into a workout studio.
'I went ahead and made myself a Yoga Studio in our old Tool Shed, because why not!? (Yes, this space was originally an old tool shed on our property that was beautiful but totally overlooked.) When a space is THIS beautiful you don’t need much in it! So we kept it simple and covered the floors, ceilings, and walls in lots of white paint and then carried some yoga gear over.'
5. Make your home gym double duty
We aren't all lucky enough to have an empty room at our disposal. However, if you have a guest room or study, why not transform it into a multi-use exercise room? Or utilize any dead space with a staple piece of equipment.
Resource Furniture collaborated with AphroChic to transform this extra bedroom into a multipurpose space that’s part home office, guest bedroom, and wellness room.
Proving that spaces can have multiple functions, the gym and guest bedroom hybrid is a great example of making the most of your space. By day, the revolving wall bed acts as a shelving unit with an integrated fold-down desk. At night, the wall revolves on a track to reveal a comfortable queen bed.
6. Incorporate rich wood accents for a stylish feel
Certain materials work well in home gyms. You typically see leather, glass, and metal incorporated in workout spaces as they're sturdy and feel streamlined and industrial. However, warm, natural materials like wood can be a great way of softening your workout space while bringing a touch of trendy quiet luxury.
In this space, Studio Lawahl has fused urban materials with high-end dark wood to create a midcentury-inspired gym space. Joanna, the studio's founder, explains, 'Incorporate rich wood accents throughout the room – on cabinetry, trim, or even the equipment. They bring warmth and elegance to the space, balancing the sleekness of modern gym apparatus.'
7. Integrate outdoor and indoor activities
While workout routines vary from person to person, many of us enjoy exercising outdoors. The benefit of fresh air is a given as it increases endorphins and cools you down.
Not all of us want to be outside when exercising, but a bit of a breeze is always nice. A sliding door has several perks as it can blend the outdoors with the indoors. Adding in this function will allow the space to be filled with fresh air and can provide you with pretty views whilst you work out. It will also facilitate access to any outdoor amenities.
8. Create the illusion of more space with mirrors
A mirror is another home gym essential. Mirrors are a wonderfully versatile design feature, adding instant luxury and interest while maximizing light and boosting the sense of space – perfect if your gym is on the smaller side.
Decorating with mirrors is more involved than you may think. ‘We always recommend going for the largest mirror you can afford to make the most of every ray of light from your mirror’s reflection,' suggests Kelly Hoppen.
Joanna from Studio Lawahl agrees, saying, 'A large mirror wall can amplify the sense of space while allowing for perfect form checks during workouts.'
9. Prioritize good quality, good looking equipment
Although it may be obvious, good quality, well-designed equipment will elevate your workout space and make it look both modern and slick.
'High-end, aesthetically pleasing equipment not only enhances performance but also complements the design, making the space feel like a personal wellness retreat.' says Joanna from Studio Lawahl.
Joanna designed the gym pictured above and filled it with bespoke equipment that's finished with high-quality materials. The wood and metallic combinations feel ultra-modern, inviting you to test them out and work out in the space.
10. Get the lighting right
'Functional lighting, including adjustable fixtures that brighten or soften as needed, adds versatility and sets the right mood for every workout,' explains Joanna. Getting the lighting right in a home gym is crucial to the overall ambiance and safety of your space. The best lighting for home gyms can be used to highlight architectural features and equipment, create illusions of space, and define zones. Lighting is one of the most versatile design tools that can be used to enhance any room in your home.
Classic lighting structures like pendant lamps and wall sconces have stood the test of time and can work in a home gym to add some elegance, but don’t be afraid to embrace new designs and smart lighting that can really help you enhance the feeling of your home gym.
These warm LED strip lights from Amazon would make the perfect accompaniment on your gym wall to bring some light and warmth to an otherwise empty space. Or if you like to switch up your lighting as you work out, try out this convenient voice-controlled bulb from Home Depot.
What are the benefits of a home gym?
The benefits of a home gym are endless. At a time when not only physical health but mental health are at the forefront of minds, it is important to exercise regularly, even if only in short bursts and doing that at home can be much easier than trying to get out to a gym.
If you can create the space for it you really should consider it – a home gym is such an asset, it actively encourages fitness and positivity in your life. There are so many areas in our homes that are underused; spare bedrooms, basements, and attics full of clutter, outbuildings, and garages sitting empty. By comparison, a home gym is something you and your family will use and enjoy every day and will be an uplifting and empowering addition to your home.
Remember that an effective workout space incorporates several key components. The right equipment, accurate layout, and bespoke touches will elevate your home gym but always consider your health goals before approaching the design process.
