If you're looking to design a home gym and work on your fitness goals in your own private space, it can be hard to know where to start.
But whatever form your home gym design takes, it must be a space you want to work out in. There's no point in creating a beautiful home gym that you never use.
So when planning your dream gym, it's worth investing in products and equipment that you'll love for years to come.
Working closely with interior designers, and being lovers of all things design and wellness, we’re always thinking of new design ideas to create the perfect workout space at home – so all you'll need to do is start planning your workouts.
Home gym ideas for the ultimate workout space
There are many reasons why working out in your own gym can be rewarding. You'll avoid travel time, giving you more time to work on your goals, and you'll never have to queue for workout equipment.
Designing a dedicated space for cycling, yoga, and other exercises doesn't have to be purely functional; instead, it can combine practicality and style.
The rest of your home is a carefully curated, luxury space. Your gym can be, too. We've put together 4 easy steps to how you can create your ultimate luxury home gym space.
1. What home gym equipment will you need?
The workout equipment you need will depend on what exercise(s) you intend to do, and from a design point of view, naturally, it will come down to a matter of personal taste.
For instance, you might want to create a simple and minimalist studio feel with just an exercise mat and a wide, full-length mirror for your wall, or enjoy cardio and functional fitness with a selection of free weights and cardio equipment such as a treadmill or stationary bike.
Once you know what equipment you need, you can get started on the important part: your interior design.
2. Consider natural light to achieve peak performance
Weights may be heavy, but did you know natural light could make them feel... lighter?
Research has shown that exposure to bright and natural light enhances physical performance. So, try and let the light in where you can – it could be the secret to your next personal best.
But even if you have a basement gym, it doesn't have to feel like a cave. There are lots of options for indoor lighting that can mimic sunlight, helping you smash your goals, or find your zen.
So, no matter the time of day or year, you'll be able to get the most out of your workout.
Bring the outside in with folding or French doors
One way to get more light into your home gym is by making it both an indoor and outdoor space.
If you can, build your home gym with doors that open out onto your garden. French doors are perfect for this, as they let the light in even when closed, as well as allowing you to step outside to continue your workout when open.
In the warmer months, working out in your garden is a great way to add variety to your workout routine, get some fresh air, and soak up Vitamin D. You don't need much equipment. Just take some resistance bands, or your yoga mat, and enjoy a few moments in the great outdoors.
Or... turn your home gym into an outdoor gym
There are plenty of easy but effective ways to build your entire gym in your garden – from different stations for callisthenics and bodyweight fitness to climbing and bouldering walls.
If you enjoy exercising outside, consider some or all of your home gym elements being located in the great outdoors.
3. Listen to your body... and your music
A great perk of a home gym setup is that you can be the DJ. Install a sound system in your home gym so you can choose your own backing track – no more having to drown out heavy gym tracks with headphones.
Listen to a podcast on the treadmill, sing along to pop hits while you lift weights, or embrace the sounds of the ocean while you meditate.
4. Consider a sauna for ultimate post-workout relaxation
Have you thought about adding a sauna to your home gym? Regularly using a sauna has many health benefits, such as improved circulation, lower blood pressure, and stress reduction.
Aside from the health benefits, the beauty of a home sauna is that you can step in at any time,
without needing to go to the gym first.
How to get the most out of your dedicated workout space
A home gym or workout studio doesn't have to feel commercial. It's possible to keep things simple with minimal equipment, while still creating a space that feels like your own.
Here are 6 tips to help you get the most out of your home gym.
1. Prioritise workout equipment you'll actually use
If you've never enjoyed weightlifting, but love finding your inner yogi, don't create clutter with weight racks and dumbbells that you might not use.
Instead, keep it simple. Set down a mat, yoga blocks, and stretching straps for your yoga practice. A workout space doesn't have to be complicated, and a minimalist gym is a calming space for meditation.
2. Choose the right flooring for your workouts
When designing a home gym, it's important to consider floor space first and work from the ground up as it will hold all of your equipment.
Depending on the exercise you plan to do, you'll want to select a floor that's both practical and timeless. For a yoga studio, hardwood flooring is a perfect option, as it will create a good surface for a yoga mat to sit on.
Whereas, if you're going to be using weightlifting equipment for squats, deadlifts, and other compound movements, then you'll want to opt for rubber flooring, which will help absorb impacts and maintain its integrity.
Sounds boring? It doesn't have to be. Black rubber flooring offers a great contrast against a separate, light-coloured floor or colourful storage unit, while still offering a clean and modern finish.
3. Add wall art to give your home gym some personality
A subtle way to create a beautiful home gym is to add wall art. If you're curating a yoga studio, then opt for calming imagery that makes you feel at peace.
On the other hand, if you're looking to excel at a specific sport, or push yourself in your routines, framed typography in a minimalist style and a quote of your choice is a statement piece that can also be a great source of motivation.
A statement feature clock is another great way to add form and function to your home gym, bringing it more in line with your personal sense of style.
Opt for a mirror that suits your aesthetic
Mirrors are essential in any gym – you will need to check your form, and they create the illusion of space at the same time.
But mirrors don't have to look modern or commercial, if that's at odds with your taste. Instead, look for a mirror that matches your personal style.
A vintage gold-framed mirror, for instance, will not only stand out beside workout equipment, it will also make a beautiful focal point in your room.
Make storage a stylish wall feature
Wall art can also be functional. By using one wall as bicycle storage, for instance, you can display your prized possession, while also saving storage space in other areas like sheds or garages.
4. Make your home gym family-friendly
A home gym doubles as a great space for the whole family. Your gym could also stand in as a dance studio for the children – or even as a playroom – as long as they can't reach anything they shouldn't!
The beauty of a home gym is that you get to decide who your workout team is. Spend time as a couple, invite friends and family, and work on your fitness together.
5. Experiment with colourful design elements
A good colour scheme can make a home gym feel coherent and styled, while still fitting in all of the gym equipment you'll need. Don't settle for a typical black and grey workout bench if your style is more maximalist – it's worth spending time searching for a bench that will be the perfect contrast to your feature wall.
It doesn't have to be the big equipment either; consider gym towels that match your bathroom, or monogrammed towels for added luxury; use house plants to add a natural pop of colour. You could even colour-code dumbbells, mats, and bands.
6. Install a water or drinks station to stay hydrated
Wherever you're working out, you'll want to have water on hand. Or, ideally, on tap.
You lose a lot of water when exercising, especially if you're working hard, so it's important to replace this water as soon as you can.
Recently, we compiled our ultimate guide to hydration, which explains all of the science in more detail, if you're interested in learning more. We won't go into detail here, but in short: the more exercise you do, the more water you should drink.
Our HydroTap range includes options for anywhere in the home. The HydroTap Classic Plus, for instance, is available in seven different finishes, and installation can be over a font, meaning you can have perfectly filtered hydration on tap. Literally...
It's important to feel at home in your home gym
As with any interior design project, the most important thing to consider is how to make a space truly yours.
Although we've compiled our top home gym tips, there are no rules. If you want to create a space you'll want to spend time in, it's got to be somewhere that feels like you – so you make the rules. You can create a home gym in your preferred ways ensuring you will utilise the space as much as possible.
If you're interested in experiencing HydroTap's instant filtered boiling, chilled, and sparkling water throughout your home, get in touch. We'd love to offer a bespoke solution.