Key Things to Consider When Carving Out Space to Exercise
Time to step up your fitness program? Find out how to create the best home workout space
Whether you’re a fitness fanatic or a sporadic exerciser, these ideas will help you to carve out the perfect space to meet your workout goals. The area doesn’t have to be big, but it does have to be carefully considered. From quiet yoga corners to energetic Zumba zones, there’s a style to suit everyone. Here’s how to plan yours.
If you’re more likely to roll out the yoga mat once or twice a week, then a corner of a communal room is probably all you’ll need. See if there’s a space that can be cleared easily and stake that out as your spot.
2. Keep It Airy
Any kind of workout will require a well-ventilated room, and the more intense the workout, the more important this becomes. Ensuring your room has a good airflow will help to keep your workout space cool and hygienic, so make sure you can easily open windows and doors to prevent the space from getting stuffy.
Any kind of workout will require a well-ventilated room, and the more intense the workout, the more important this becomes. Ensuring your room has a good airflow will help to keep your workout space cool and hygienic, so make sure you can easily open windows and doors to prevent the space from getting stuffy.
3. Decide if You Need a Screen
If you regularly follow an online class or tutorial, you’ll need an internet connection and easily accessible TV to watch as you work out. A wall-mounted TV might be easier to view than a wobbly laptop screen, so if you can create your workout zone near a TV it should make life easier.
You might need to clear a space in the living room for this, so storage will be extra important here to make sure you can unpack and repack your gear easily. If you aren’t able to find space near an existing TV, consider setting up a way to elevate your laptop so you aren’t trying to squint at it on the floor.
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If you regularly follow an online class or tutorial, you’ll need an internet connection and easily accessible TV to watch as you work out. A wall-mounted TV might be easier to view than a wobbly laptop screen, so if you can create your workout zone near a TV it should make life easier.
You might need to clear a space in the living room for this, so storage will be extra important here to make sure you can unpack and repack your gear easily. If you aren’t able to find space near an existing TV, consider setting up a way to elevate your laptop so you aren’t trying to squint at it on the floor.
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4. Consider Hygiene
Sports equipment and gear will get cleaned regularly at a gym or studio, so don’t forget to keep up the same hygiene practices at home.
Wiping down mats, blocks and ropes each time you use them will keep them fresh. This is particularly important if you’re likely to be sharing the workout space with others. Spritzing mats with an essential oil spray such as lavender or eucalyptus at the end of a workout will add that luxury studio feel and leave your home smelling delicious too.
Sports equipment and gear will get cleaned regularly at a gym or studio, so don’t forget to keep up the same hygiene practices at home.
Wiping down mats, blocks and ropes each time you use them will keep them fresh. This is particularly important if you’re likely to be sharing the workout space with others. Spritzing mats with an essential oil spray such as lavender or eucalyptus at the end of a workout will add that luxury studio feel and leave your home smelling delicious too.
5. Make Space for a Mirror
If you go to a gym or yoga studio, you’ll often be faced with a wall of mirror, so you can work on your posture and monitor your improving fitness. This isn’t strictly necessary at home, but some workouts, such as yoga, ballet or barre, might be improved by having access to a mirror if you have space for one.
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If you go to a gym or yoga studio, you’ll often be faced with a wall of mirror, so you can work on your posture and monitor your improving fitness. This isn’t strictly necessary at home, but some workouts, such as yoga, ballet or barre, might be improved by having access to a mirror if you have space for one.
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6. Include Suitable Storage
Workout equipment can take up lots of space, so planning in some storage will help to head off any clutter before it starts to build up.
To see how much storage you’ll need, take stock of the equipment you have and consider if you’re likely to be adding to it in the near future. Next, see if you can make space in a closet, under a bed or in dedicated storage units. Keeping everything together will make it much easier for you to grab your equipment and get going.
Workout equipment can take up lots of space, so planning in some storage will help to head off any clutter before it starts to build up.
To see how much storage you’ll need, take stock of the equipment you have and consider if you’re likely to be adding to it in the near future. Next, see if you can make space in a closet, under a bed or in dedicated storage units. Keeping everything together will make it much easier for you to grab your equipment and get going.
7. Create Ambience
Whether you use exercise to give you an energy boost or to help you relax, you’ll want to create the right atmosphere for your workout so think about the mood you’d like to create.
If you want a calm yoga space you’ll need to get rid of any visual clutter and keep distractions to a minimum. Alternatively, if you like to do a fast-paced workout at home and need a boost, bright colors, motivational artwork and interesting decor will help to give you something to focus on.
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Whether you use exercise to give you an energy boost or to help you relax, you’ll want to create the right atmosphere for your workout so think about the mood you’d like to create.
If you want a calm yoga space you’ll need to get rid of any visual clutter and keep distractions to a minimum. Alternatively, if you like to do a fast-paced workout at home and need a boost, bright colors, motivational artwork and interesting decor will help to give you something to focus on.
Not sure where to start on your home project? Learn the basics
8. Don’t Forget the Neighbors
If you live in a condo, soundproofing should be considered to make sure you don’t annoy the neighbors with your 1980s aerobics playlist. Jumping around on a wooden floor directly above the unit below isn’t going to win you any good neighbor prizes either. Cushioned flooring, plenty of mats and a considerate music volume will all help to keep everyone around you happy.
If you live in a condo, soundproofing should be considered to make sure you don’t annoy the neighbors with your 1980s aerobics playlist. Jumping around on a wooden floor directly above the unit below isn’t going to win you any good neighbor prizes either. Cushioned flooring, plenty of mats and a considerate music volume will all help to keep everyone around you happy.
9. Think About Safety
Safety should also be a consideration, particularly if you have children at home. Store heavy sports equipment somewhere secure, and make sure any trip hazards, such as yoga belts, blocks and balance balls, are all kept out of reach when not in use.
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Safety should also be a consideration, particularly if you have children at home. Store heavy sports equipment somewhere secure, and make sure any trip hazards, such as yoga belts, blocks and balance balls, are all kept out of reach when not in use.
More on Houzz
Read more decorating guides
Browse inspirational photos
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Shop for your home
The first thing to consider is how often you’ll be using the space and for what type of exercise. If you want a dedicated spot for a daily workout, it makes sense to carve out a permanent area in your home, where you can get the setup just right and not worry about moving it every day.
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