Just imagine it… Having your own personal wellness and fitness sanctuary steps away from your living room. A place where you can work out on your terms, without the distractions, fees, and hassles of commercial gyms.
Well, if you’ve ever wished for a workout environment that’s as convenient and comfortable as your own home, building a garage gym might just be the perfect solution for you.
In this blog post, we’re sharing our favorite garage gym ideas to give you inspiration. We’ll also explore the benefits of creating a home gym, from cost savings and privacy to the ability of incorporating recovery equipment such as saunas and plunge tubs. We’ll also include practical ideas for making the most of a small space along with budget-friendly DIY solutions.
Benefits of Having a Garage Gym
Building a garage gym will transform your fitness routine by bringing the gym experience right to your home. Here are some of the biggest perks that make it an excellent investment for anyone serious about their health and wellness.
Convenient and Flexible
One of the greatest advantages of having your exercise room is eliminating the need for a commute and having to stick to specific gym hours. A garage gym is more flexible and allows you to work out whenever. This convenience makes it easier to fit exercise into a busy schedule, so fitness becomes a seamless part of your daily routine.
Savings Cost
Although the initial setup of a garage gym may require some funds, it can quickly pay off by eliminating membership fees and other costs associated with going to the gym such as classes, gas, parking, and impulse purchases.
Privacy
The biggest problem many have going to the gym is overcoming their self-consciousness by exercising around others so that they can focus entirely on their fitness goals. With the gym right in your garage, you’ll have a level of privacy and comfort that is hard to find elsewhere. Not to mention no more waiting for that one piece of equipment or anxiously navigating gym etiquette.
Personalization
With a home gym, you can create your perfect workout environment. That means getting to listen to your favorite playlists, setting your ideal temperature, and designing a place that motivates you. Additionally, with your exercise room, you’ll reduce your exposure to germs, bacteria, and the sweat of others often found in commercial gyms.
Considerations Before You Build a Garage Gym
Before you start setting up your garage gym, it's important to consider factors to ensure your space is functional, comfortable, and conducive to your fitness goals. No matter your budget or the size of your garage, these considerations are essential for creating an effective and enjoyable workout environment:
1. Climate Control
Maintaining a comfortable temperature in your garage gym is crucial for effective workouts. The right climate control not only enhances comfort but also ensures safety by preventing overheating or extreme cold during workouts. To keep your garage gym cool in the summer, consider getting a portable air conditioner or a few fans. Inversely, to keep your garage gym warm in freezing temperatures an insulated door or small space heater can keep the area comfortable.
2. Lighting
Garages often lack sufficient natural light, making it necessary to install proper artificial lighting for both safety and. Proper lighting not only helps to prevent accidents, but it can also boost your motivation and energy levels. You’ll want to go for bright, energy-efficient LED lights that can provide the illumination you need for workouts at any time of day. Depending on your garage’s layout, you might even want a combination of overhead lights with task lighting for specific workout areas
3. Ventilation
One of the most important factors when building a garage gym is to consider how you provide ventilation. Garages can easily become stuffy and filled with odors, even more so during intense exercise sessions. Additionally, good ventilation will help reduce moisture buildup, preventing damaging mold and mildew.
To ensure your space is getting adequate airflow, keep your garage door or windows open. You can easily set up a box fan or two to point outside for exhaust. In addition, using air purifiers to remove dust and allergens will greatly improve air quality.
Small and Half-Garage Gym Ideas
To make the most out of the small space, you’ll want to thoughtfully plan out the area so it can be functional without sacrificing too much room. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your small garage gym:
Maximize Space for Vertical Storage
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One of the biggest ways to get the most out of a small space, whether or not it’s a home gym, is to utilize the walls for storage. By going vertical, you free up valuable floor space, making your gym feel more open and spacious. Here are some steps you can take to make the most of a small garage gym:
- Install heavy-duty shelves, wall-mounted racks, and pegboards to store weights, resistance bands, and other equipment.
- Use hooks and brackets to hold jump ropes, yoga mats, and even bicycles.
- Utilize dumbbell racks and storage cabinets to keep equipment within easy reach but still out of the way.
Explore Compact Equipment Options
These days, there are endless options for workout equipment that saves space without compromising functionality. For example, foldable benches, adjustable dumbbells, and resistance bands are perfect for half-gyms. Remember to think strategically when selecting equipment — adjustable kettlebells can replace an entire set and a collapsible treadmill can provide cardio options without taking up permanent space. And for recovery, consider our inflatable Plunge Air that can be set up when needed and stored away easily.
Create Dedicated Zones With Floor Mats
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Even in a small or half-garage gym, you can create “zones” using floor mats. Not only will you protect your flooring but this method makes your gym more efficient and visually appealing. For example, a corner with thick rubber mats can be your lifting area, while a section with softer mats can be reserved for stretching and bodyweight exercises.
Install Mirrors for Added Depth
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Mirrors can be a game-changer in a small garage gym by creating the illusion of more space and adding functionality. Install mirrors on one or more walls to reflect light and make the area feel larger and more open. This not only enhances the visual appeal of your gym but also allows you to monitor your form during exercises, which is crucial for preventing injuries and ensuring effective workouts. You can invest in one large mirror or, if you’re on a budget, you can build a mirror wall piecing together cheap full-length mirrors.
DIY and Budget Garage Gym Ideas
Despite what we might see on social media, creating a garage gym doesn't have to be an expensive endeavor. With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can build a fully functional workout space without breaking the bank! Here are some of our favorite budget garage gym ideas for DIYers:
Invest in Multi-Functional Gear
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When you’re building a home gym on a budget, you want to look for multi-functional equipment that can save you both money and space. By investing in versatile workout gear, you maximize your budget while minimizing costs and space requirements. Some pieces of equipment you might want to consider for your garage gym could include:
- An adjustable weight bench that can be used for bench presses, step-ups, and seated exercises, providing versatility in one piece of equipment.
- Resistance bands that can be used for strength training, stretching, and even cardio workouts.
- Kettlebells can be used for a variety of exercises, including swings, squats, and presses.
Look for Second-Hand Gym Equipment
Buying second-hand equipment is a great way to save money while still getting quality gear. You’d be surprised at just how many people are selling lightly used items at a fraction of the original price. Considering most gym equipment is heavy, you’ll want to keep things local and search through sites such as Nextdoor or Facebook Marketplace.
If you have a specific piece of equipment you’re looking for (for example, a rowing machine), you might find luck scoring a deal on one by connecting with a local rowing group. If you’re on the tightest of budgets, Buy Nothing Groups can be an incredible way to stock your home gym for free, especially if you’re not picky about specific gear.
Use an Affordable Cold Plunge Barrel for Recovery
Recovery is a crucial part of any fitness routine, and you don't need to spend a fortune to incorporate it into your garage gym. An affordable pop-up ice bath can provide the benefits of cold plunging without the investment of traditional tubs. These barrels are easy to set up and store, making them perfect for small spaces. Simply fill it with water and ice, and use it after intense workouts to reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery!
Add Personality with Paint and Inspirational Imagery
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Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t add some personality and color to your DIY garage gym! With a can or two of paint and some framed motivational quotes, you can create an energizing and personalized space. For instance, a bold accent wall in your favorite color can add energy, while a gallery of posters can inspire you during tough workouts.
Home Gym FAQs
How Big Should a Home Gym Be?
How big a home gym “should” be depends on your fitness goals and how you like to workout. A garage gym can be as small as 60-120 square feet if you’re using only a part of a one-car garage. If you’re able to dedicate a two-car garage for your workout equipment, you’ll have 360 or more square feet to work with.
How Much Does a Home Gym Cost?
The cost of a home gym varies widely, from a few hundred dollars for basic setups to several thousand for high-end or specialized equipment. We suggest starting with home gym essentials that you currently enjoy or use the most. Then you can gradually add more as your budget allows, focusing on multi-functional gear to maximize value.
How Do I Keep a Garage Gym Clean?
Just like a public gym, it’s important to clean your garage gym frequently both for your health as well as to keep your equipment in good shape. You’ll want to regularly sweep and mop the floor, wipe down equipment after use, and, as mentioned earlier, set up proper ventilation to prevent mold. You can use storage cubes and baskets to organize your gym-specific cleaning supplies so they’re right there when you finish your workout.
Turn Your Garage Into a Personal Wellness Paradise with Plunge
Ready to take the next step in building your dream home gym? Start by exploring our at-home sauna and range of cold plunge tubs to find the perfect recovery solution for your garage gym setup. Plus, check out our financing options or learn how your FSA/HSA dollars can help make your vision a reality!