Basement Gyms: Setup Ideas for your Home Gym
So you’ve heard all the rage about having your very own home gym in the basement but you’re unsure where to get started? Well this guide will walk you through some basement gym setup ideas so that your home gym setup is customised for your very own gym goals.
Basement gym setup ideas to start your home workout journey
Workout styles
For your home gym or basement gym setup to be completely and truly ‘you’, it’s important to consider what you want to focus on for your fitness journey. If you are interested in mindful practices like yoga or pilates, then you’ll want to ensure that your setup reflects this. This means ensuring that you create a peaceful, calm studio space as your basement gym. As yoga and pilates are exercises that require plenty of free floor space for a yoga mat or a reformer pilates machine, handy wall storage options are ideal. For example having a wall rack organiser for your yoga or pilates mats frees up more floor space.
If you are more likely to be lifting weights and working on strength training, you will need a weight storage rack to ensure that you can keep your space organised and safe. For this same reason you may want to invest in a set of adjustable dumbbells that will allow you to work your way up as you progress in your journey, while being minimally obtrusive.
Regardless of your exercise routine, setting up your basement gym should be catered completely to your liking, so consider what you plan to do in your gym, at what hours, and how to make the most of your space.
Space planning
In order to really make the most of whatever space you’re working with, it’s important to think about your storage, appeal, and equipment. Storage options can include storage racks as already discussed, but they can also include using strategic shelving – like floating shelves – or storage bins to reduce cluttered floors.
Benefits of having a basement gym setup
Time & Convenience
Of course you may be wondering ‘why not get a gym membership instead?’, but there are many benefits to having a basement gym in your very own home. One such benefit is the time spent on travelling to and from the gym is cut from the equation. Importantly, cutting out your gym commute can lead you to feel more motivated to complete your workout, as you remove any extra traveling after a long day. Not only that, but how many times have you had to keep an eye out for a machine to free up? Waiting times between using machines can really add up, with everyone doing multiple sets on machines with resting periods in between each set, a 40 minute gym session can easily turn into 1 hour. However in your home this issue is cleared up, allowing you to control how each and every session goes, and ensuring that you are able to complete your workouts without the fear of being late to work afterwards.
Create your own atmosphere
Sometimes going to the gym can feel scary or intimidating, with the fear that people are watching you and judging. The freedom of a home gym is that you don’t have to be concerned over anyone’s prying eyes, allowing you to wear whatever outfits you want and do your workouts, your way. If you want to grunt every time you lift heavy, then go for it. If you want to play your favourite playlist to get pumped up to and sing along, then you can do that. That’s the beauty of working out under your own conditions.
Cost-saving
While initial costs of setting your basement gym setup up may be steeper than signing up to a home gym, it’s important to remember that a home gym is an investment that will last you as long as you want it too. Any up front costs for your gym setup will pay for itself within the first three years of owning it, whereas a gym membership continuously charges a monthly fee. Additionally travelling to and from your gym can rack up steep costs which appear hidden at first but add up. Thus, a home gym is cost-saving and offers a level of privacy and comfort that is not possible in a public gym.
Essentials for your basement gym setup
Gym Flooring
Now that you have a rough idea for your basement gym setup and the benefits of owning one, you need to be aware of the essential items that will optimise your workouts. While the machines and weights are essential for your basement gym, protecting your home’s floors by using the adequate gym flooring is equally as important. Luckily installing your gym flooring has never been easier than with interlocking floor mats, allowing you to assemble your gyms flooring in but a couple of simple moves. Another benefit to gym flooring is in its ability to absorb impact and noise so that you can lift as heavy as you want without fearing ruining your floors, or disturbing neighbours with loud bangs.
Accessories & Vibes
Obviously in order to make the most of your workouts you will want to ensure that the vibes in your home gym match the energy you put in, therefore having ambient lighting for your setup is crucial. These lights not only ensure effective lighting, but also create a well lit environment that can aid in motivating your exercising and enhancing the energy in the room. Using mirrors can also enhance this effect by reflecting light and making your basement gym setup feel larger than it is. Of course, it is also essential to see and correct your form when working out which makes this a must-have for any workout routine and adding a motivational sticker can give you just the right boost for your everyday home gym routine.
