Hip Home Gyms Get Hearts Pumping
Has your workout plan hit a plateau? Snap back into gear with these stylish home exercise rooms
Shane Inman
July 16, 2012
Houzz contributor and senior principal interior designer of The Inman Company. Under Shane's leadership, The Inman Company is committed to raising the standard of business to incorporate the highest-quality customer service with unwavering excellence in design.
Houzz contributor and senior principal interior designer of The Inman Company. Under... More
If weather, distance and high membership fees keep you away from the gym, try setting up your very own right at home. Don't worry — you don't need a ton of professional equipment to make it work. Setting up an inspirational space with a yoga mat or a simple set of weights could be all you need to get in shape. Use these professional photos and tips as motivation to get off the couch and onto the treadmill.
1. Inspirational gym. Stay motivated while working out by surrounding yourself with favorite memorabilia, photos and posters to maintain your positive attitude.
2. All-inclusive workout. Having an entertainment center is not just for your living room anymore. Use a console to organize weights, towels and water bottles for easy cleanup. Install a TV for your favorite workout DVDs as the main focal point.
3. Visual transformation. Add floor-to-ceiling mirrors against one wall to make your home gym double in size visually. Plus, you can perfect your form during your workout.
4. Yoga studio. Use a spare bedroom or office to create a simple yoga studio. Ambient lighting, yoga mats and a mirror are all you need for this zen oasis. It's an easy way to exercise at home, and the cost is minimal.
5. Stair workout. Tuck a small workout space right beneath that awkward area under the stairs to your basement. Remember, you don't need an entire room to devote to exercising. Place your favorite equipment into the tightest spaces and you'll never have an excuse to miss a workout again.
6. Cool down. Working out is hard, but cooling down is essential. Design a spot to rest by creating a seating area in your home gym. A bench with built-in storage is perfect for hiding free weights and towels too. Add a cushion and some pillows for extra softness.
7. Family workout. Make working out a family affair. Use chalkboard-painted lockers and a craft area so your kids can have fun with while you break a sweat. You can take your time working out, knowing that your children are staying out of trouble.
8. Small gym. You'd be amazed at the places a treadmill can fit. An unused storage space could become your new gym — mount a TV on the wall to keep your eye on the ball, and you're halfway there.
9. Gym addict. Clear out your attic and make room to stretch, do yoga or follow along with a workout DVD. This is a great excuse to get rid of some clutter and start a regular exercise routine.
See more attic conversions
See more attic conversions
10. Office break. If you're convinced you don't have any extra space for your favorite exercise equipment, try squeezing it into your office. It's a constant reminder to stay in shape, and using it can help you de-stress.
More:
Inspiring Spaces: A Place to Work Out
Gyms for Every Home
12 Colors to Pump Up Your Home Gym
More:
Inspiring Spaces: A Place to Work Out
Gyms for Every Home
12 Colors to Pump Up Your Home Gym
Related Stories
Basements
30 Fun and Creative Ideas to Elevate Your Basement
See how home bars, golf simulators, craft rooms, saunas and other fab features turn lower levels into top attractions
Full Story
Storage
25 Hidden Doors and Secret Spaces
Sneak ideas from pantries, playrooms and other spaces concealed behind bookcases and camouflaged doors
Full Story
Photo Flip
25 Home Bars Stashed Under the Stairs
These home bars make refreshing use of the awkward spaces under stairs
Full Story
Basements
Semifinished Basement Remade Into a Chic Family Lounge
By Becky Harris
The transformed space features a black-and-white palette, a stunning bar countertop and a wine bottle display
Full Story
Basements
Denver Basement Adds Family-Friendly Living Space
By Becky Harris
A designer and a contractor convert a crawl space into a smart and stylish place for playing, relaxing and entertaining
Full Story
Basements
Shiplap, Oak Accents and Layers of Light Warm a Basement Design
By Becky Harris
The lower level of this New Jersey home has a TV lounge, home gym, pingpong room and bathroom-locker room
Full Story
Outbuildings
We Can Dream: Ultimate Sports Barn
This newly built barn in the upper Northeast features a private bowling alley, basketball court and movie theater
Full Story
Bedrooms
5 Things You Didn’t Know Your Bedroom Needed
Don’t miss out any longer — these additions to your sleep space can make life so much lovelier
Full Story
Room of the Day
Room of the Day: Storage Space Turned Classy Dressing Room
In this vintage-inspired space, Mom can get ready for the day or take some time for herself
Full Story
Laundry Rooms
Dream Spaces: 10 Ideas for a Get-It-Done Utility Room
Boost a laundry or utility space with design ideas that will make the room as good-looking as it is useful
Full Story
These at home gyms are incredible!
This is very refreshing. Excellent ideas for an in-home gym and a personal space.