If you’ve always dreamed of having a dedicated workout space in your home with all the gear and equipment you need, perhaps it’s time to consider building a home gym.
The convenience a home gym offers is undeniable. Imagine being able to skip the parking, crowds, wait times, and having the freedom and flexibility to work out whenever you want in a space that was designed and built just for you.
Not only does a home gym addition make working out much more convenient and enjoyable, but it also adds value to your home.
Continue reading for our top tips on how to build the perfect home gym addition.
Choose the Right Location
While it might sound convenient to have your home gym located near your bedroom, or to build upwards rather than outwards to maintain your outdoor space, it’s important to consider how these decisions might impact your gym’s usability. If you’re planning on using heavy equipment or lifting heavy weights, a second- or third-story gym may necessitate additional bracing to ensure your floors can handle such substantial weight.
Second-story gyms can also lead to noise issues. While soundproofing can make a big difference, it can’t completely eliminate the noise of clanking weights or someone running on a treadmill. That’s why it’s generally best to build your home gym away from any bedrooms, offices, and other spaces where you’re likely to disturb sleeping, working, or studying family members.
Make Sure it’s Light and Bright
It’s been found that bright, well-lit spaces (especially those that make use of natural light) boost energy levels and encourage physical activity. While you may opt for dimmer, more calming lighting in your bedroom or master bath, your home gym should be bright and stimulating.
Consider using skylights, walls of windows, and glass doors to fill your space with natural light, and select your paint colors carefully. A white ceiling and lighter walls will help make the space feel spacious and inviting. Adding a large-screen TV, strategically placed away from windows and near cardio equipment, can also help keep you going and get you motivated for your workout.
Consider Including a Hot Tub, Sauna, or Steam Room
There’s nothing quite like soaking in a hot tub or relaxing in a sauna after a good workout. It doesn’t just feel good though; exposing your muscles to heat following a cardio or weightlifting session can be very beneficial for workout recovery.
By making your muscles more pliable and elastic, sitting in a hot tub, sauna, or steam room – or even just taking a long hot shower – can help alleviate post workout body aches and muscle soreness, in addition to reducing recovery time, relieving stress, and improving overall cardiovascular health.
Choose Durable Flooring
Flooring is one of the most important things to get right when it comes to building a home gym addition. That’s because whatever you choose for flooring needs to be strong and durable enough to support heavy equipment and weights being dragged or dropped on it.
You also don’t want to constantly be worried about sweating or spilling water on it, so it’s a good idea to opt for something that’s moisture resistant. The best home gym flooring is generally made from shock-absorbent rubber, non-slip rubber, or luxury vinyl tile.
Take Advantage of Outdoor Space
Don’t feel like you have to limit yourself to only indoor space. Like exercise itself, fresh air and a little bit of sun can do wonders for the body and spirit.
Consider incorporating a large glass garage-style door that opens to more recreational space outside, such as a tennis court, an outdoor swimming pool, or a large covered area for aerobics and HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workouts.
Ready to Build the Home Gym You’ve Always Wanted?
Building an addition for your home gym gives you the freedom to truly make the space your own and tailor it to your family’s unique fitness and lifestyle needs. Working with an architect can help you get the clarity you need to identify your specific priorities and constraints, whether you’re looking to build a multi-story gym space with a basketball court or bouldering wall or a small yoga room with an attached sauna. Whatever your vision, we’re here to make it a reality.
At Hamish Murray Construction, we pride ourselves on the flexibility and convenience our process provides. We’re happy for you to choose your own architect/designer or have you work with one of our talented, long-standing partners. We’re here to lend expert craftsmanship to your project, and our goal is always to create a space you’ll love for years to come.
Contact us online or give us a call at (503) 460-7203 with any questions or to discuss your project. We also encourage you to check out our portfolio for inspiration!
