Setting up your own dedicated exercise space at home will both save you money, in terms of cutting out gym memberships, and also potentially increase your motivation, in that you can exercise at any time of your convenience from the leisure of your own home. But where do you start when you’re trying to create the best home exercising space? And what you should you do to set up the best possible space for your needs?
Get on top of DIY
Firstly, before starting to exercise at home, it’s important to get on top of any outstanding DIY work that might pose a danger to your exercise space or simply take up extra room that could be better utilised by your workout equipment. For instance, make sure the blinds are working for discretion when you’re exercising, change lightbulbs to ensure ambience, and tidy up the paint job, as the colour scheme can definitely influence the way you think and subsequently perform.
Let’s not forget the basics of removing any unsightly and dangerous materials such as cracked tiles, floorboards, and skirting boards that could snag clothing. Even a small splinter or a crack could cause you an injury in the middle of your routine, so it’s better to be safe and to do a full perimeter check.
In the case of a broken floorboard or uneven surfaces, you should use a specialist wood glue that is designed to be sanded and painted. This will avoid any unsightly marks or the need for you to have to repair it again in a couple of weeks. The same can be said for tiles and fabrics: always use a bonding product that is designed especially for the task.
Utilise outdoor space
Secondly, consider other assets such as outdoor space. Even the smallest outdoor space can be transformed and used for exercising. A small balcony can be used as a perfect place for planks and resistance band exercises. Meanwhile, a yard can be used for press-ups and skipping, and a garden can be used for yoga and pilates.
Look around your space and consider areas that have the potential multifunctionality, for example, perhaps a sturdy gazebo frame is the perfect equipment for pull-ups or chin-ups.
Just make sure that if you’re doing sports that require clearance, such as yoga or skipping, that you remove any objects such as lights or plants that might get in the way. Additionally, it may be worth keeping an eye on the weather forecast as certain conditions may make for a more challenging workout.
Shop second-hand
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Thirdly, consider curbing your costs where possible. After all, shopping for sports equipment can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be if you shop second-hand. For example, if you want a treadmill or exercise bike, you can pick up a used one but still in great condition, for a fraction of the price. Sometimes gyms will sell equipment at great prices when they upgrade, so be sure to ask your local ones for a heads-up should that time come. You can also get second-hand resistance bands, rowing machines, weighted dumbells, and various other bits of kit if you shop around.
There’s no need to buy new as there’s plenty of high-quality, second-hand equipment. The only thing is just to be sure to clean it thoroughly. One thing to consider is that a potential downside to shopping second-hand is that you don’t get the assurance of a warranty as you would with a brand new product.
Accessorise
Finally, turning part of your home into your perfect exercise space isn’t just about the equipment you use, it’s about what kind of atmosphere you create. For example, pay attention to things like colour schemes. Different colours have different impacts on our mood, and you might find that some make you feel lethargic while others inspire you to move. Also, consider adding plants to the vicinity. Not only do they look nice but they can also help to purify the air around you (a particular recommendation would be that of the peace lily).
You might also consider things like a sound system to pump out your favourite motivational tunes, or a TV to screen nature documentaries while you run. Whatever your preferences are, incorporate them into your space to help keep you focussed.
Setting up a home exercising area doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. All it needs is a bit of careful thought and consideration.
