Whether you call it a home gym, family wellness center or workout room, exercise areas at home have become more and popular since the isolation of the Covid 19 pandemic created our “new normal”.
These energizing spaces have become sanctuaries where all ages can retreat to improve their mental and physical well-being. Almost any extra space within a home or other dwelling can be converted to an area where individuals can “pump it up” and “feel the burn.” Extra bedrooms, a garage, attic or even outbuildings have the potential for providing workout areas. Portable sheds and modular units are other viable alternatives for working out in your own backyard.
Your Own Gym?
According to the American Exercise Council, the space required for a dedicated exercise room depends to some extent on the equipment being used; free weights require 20 to 30 square feet to use properly, treadmills need about 30 square feet and a multi-station gym necessitates 50 to 200 square feet. Other equipment that is popular for home gyms includes stationary bikes, foam rollers and pull-up bars.
Of course, more elaborate home gyms may take up as much square footage as the budget allows. However, even a small or “island” created within a room can serve as a portable fitness area. Just roll out an exercise mat, bring in equipment like dumbbells, an exercise ball, jump ropes and resistance bands, turn on some music with a beat and carry out your exercise program. Roll up the mat, stow the equipment in a basket and whisk them off to a storage area once you are done with your routine.
Rubber flooring and carpet tiles and interlocking floor mats are good options for flooring in-home exercise areas. Installing flooring designed specifically for aerobic exercises is especially important to help prevent damage to joints when doing high-impact exercises. Mirrors can be additions that are especially useful for monitoring your exercise routine as well as visually opening up the exercise space. They can transform a dark space into an airy studio that reflects light and expands the view.
When determining the best color paint to use in a home gym, green is a good choice. Refreshing and restorative, green can be soothing and relaxing and allow you to concentrate on your task at hand. Add artwork or wall décor such as decorative posters that inspire you to take action on your fitness goals.
When planning your exercise area, think about amenities that will invite you to be disciplined and intentional about taking care of your body’s fitness needs.
Looking for a home with a gym? Maybe space to add your own? Contact me anytime for tips on buying homes in Wheat Ridge, Denver, Arvada, and Edgewater.
