You might be determined to get in better shape for 2020, or maybe you’ve always dreamed of working out in the convenience of your home. Either way, you want to convert your garage into a home gym.
So how do you begin the process? After all, you’d like an inviting space that’s comfortable to exercise in, not a harsh, oil-stained room you can’t wait to leave. Follow these directions and you have nothing to worry about.
Step One: Plot Your Space
Before you rush off to the hardware store, you need to evaluate the space you have available. Consider the other purposes for which you use your garage. Do you need to park your vehicle there as well? Do you use it to store large equipment or an extra freezer?
You can still create a garage gym if you use the space for storage. However, you do want to get out the tape measure and determine your floor surface area as well as height. You don’t want to discover your automatic garage door opener leaves inadequate room for your lat pulldown machine.
Also, if you plan to do plyometric jumping, you need sufficient space so you don’t bump your head.
Step Two: Clear The Clutter
You can create additional room when you clear away the clutter in your garage. This process gives you the bonus of knowing the location of each of your belongings. No more searching through dusty piles of boxes to find the right-sized handsaw. Your neighbours will drool when they see your well-organised space.
Start by investing in slotted walls. These walls add a ton of versatility to your storage by allowing you to keep things in baskets and hooks you can hang. You can store anything from rakes to smaller hand tools this way.
Make use of any overhead storage you have, or erect shelves if you have the space to do so. You can also install cabinetry but be sure to leave adequate floor space for the equipment you want.
Step Three: Manage Climate Control
Depending on where you live, you might freeze in the winter and roast in the summer if you don’t have adequate insulation. Both conditions can adversely impact your workout.
You might think, “Once I get my blood flowing, I’ll warm up,” on a freezing day. However, when it’s cold, warmth concentrates in your body’s core, leaving your fingers and toes ripe for frostbite. Likewise, extreme heat and humidity can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Take the time to insulate your new workout room properly. You can also install ceiling fans and space heaters to help with climate control. If you have the budget, opt for ductless heating and cooling. These units heat and cool within a single device, saving you valuable space. They’re also an eco-friendly option because they meet the highest energy-efficiency guidelines.
Step Four: Install Appropriate Lighting And Flooring
If you perform high-impact exercises, such as burpees, you should pad your floor. Even standing on concrete can lead to plantar fasciitis, let alone bouncing on the surface. The substance has zero give, meaning your body absorbs the full impact.
Inadequate lighting can result in serious injury. If you can’t see that you haven’t secured your weights on the bar, one could drop on your foot. Furthermore, if you’re prone to migraines, avoid fluorescent light fixtures. These contain invisible pulsings, which can trigger attacks. LED lighting makes for an eco-friendly and headache-free alternative.
Step Five: Select Your Equipment
Finally, you get to the fun part — choosing your workout equipment! First, you’ll need to evaluate your fitness goals. If you’ve resolved to run a marathon in 2020, a treadmill is an obvious choice. However, they can take up considerable space so keep that in mind as you search.
When it comes to weights, exercise physiologists disagree on whether free or machine-based versions are better. Both offer multiple advantages.
Free weights allow for a broader range of motion, but this feature also increases your likelihood of injury. Machines help improve your form and isolate muscle groups, but they take up considerably more space than dumbbells. Ultimately, the choice depends on a combination of pragmatics and training goals.
Whatever equipment you decide, make sure to leave adequate space to stretch. When you exercise, your muscles contract. Stretching after each workout preserves your range of motion and helps prevent injury.
Transform Your Garage Into Your Workout Studio
With a bit of ingenuity, you can transform your garage into a workout studio. Now, nothing will stand between you and the body of your dreams.
Author Bio
Dylan Bartlett blogs about health and wellness on his site, Just a Regular Guide. Follow him on Twitter @theregularguide for frequent updates on his work!