A home gym is a great way to save time and money, as well as enjoy the convenience of working out whenever you want (and let’s not forget the gas money saved on gym commutes). If you're considering converting your garage into a home gym, there are a few key steps you need to take to ensure that the process goes smoothly - and we’re here to help.

In the following guide, we’re going to show how to turn your garage space into a fun, functional home gym that you’ll love working out in. Let’s take a look!

Clear out old clutter

First, you'll need to clear out all the clutter in your garage to create space for your gym equipment. You could even take the opportunity to clear out the garage entirely, donating or selling any items you no longer need or use; this will help give you a clear idea of the space you have to work with. 

Assess the space

Once you've cleared out your garage, the next step is to assess the space you have. It's essential to measure the dimensions of your garage and take note of any obstacles, such as poles or stairs, as these may impact your gym layout or limit your equipment choices. Additionally, consider the amount of natural light and ventilation in your garage; if your garage lacks natural light, you may want to consider installing additional lighting fixtures to brighten up the space. Similarly, a good ventilation system can help to keep the air fresh and prevent the buildup of moisture, while also providing a cool environment for working up a sweat. 

Consider flooring

One of the most important aspects of a home gym is the flooring: you’re going to want to aim for a surface that is durable, non-slip, and easy to clean - avoid epoxy flooring as it’s far too slippery. On the contrary, Swisstrax polypropylene garage floor mats are an excellent solution for gym flooring, and Swisstrax Rubbertrax floor tiles are specifically designed for gyms. These tiles provide a comfortable surface for your workout and are resistant to damage from heavy equipment, and you can even customize your flooring style to match a specific color theme. 

Choose equipment

Now that you've chosen your flooring, it's time to select your home gym equipment. When selecting equipment for your garage gym, consider your fitness goals, budget, and available space. There are many types of gym equipment available, from basic dumbbells and resistance bands to larger machines like squat racks and cable machines. If you’re just starting out, it's a good idea to invest in basic equipment like a bench, dumbbells, and a jump rope. Don’t feel obliged to incorporate equipment or machines that you don’t or won’t use; the great thing about a home gym is that you can customize it to your specific fitness goals and needs.

Optimize the space

While planning a home gym, it's also essential to consider the space you have available. You don't want to overcrowd your garage gym, as this can make it difficult to move around and limit the types of exercises you can do. Similarly, you don't want to invest in equipment that is too large for your space, as this can make your gym feel cramped and uncomfortable. 

If you want to keep your garage as a storage space while still doubling it up as a home gym, you can also opt for modular garage cabinets that you can use for tool storage, dumbbell storage, or even as a place to store some home clutter. This will keep your gym organized and prevent accidents that could occur if you end up tripping over equipment - you can even install shelves or floating cabinets to free up floor space, which can be great if you want to do mat work and need more floor room. In addition to this, consider using storage bins to keep smaller items like resistance bands or yoga mats; you can also consider adding a foam roller or massage ball to your gym to help with post-workout recovery - one of the most important parts of any sweat session!

Personalize the space

Once everything else is organized, you should also look to add some personal touches to your garage gym; hanging up some motivational posters or adding a speaker system to play your favorite workout tunes can make your gym a more inviting and motivating space. Adding a mirror to your gym can also help you monitor your form while working out, and can even help track progress if you’re losing weight or looking to gain muscle. 

Ultimately, creating a home gym doesn’t need to be a difficult process - with some creative vision, adequate planning and the right garage flooring, you’ll never need to step inside a public gym ever again!