Do you put off going to the gym because you are discouraged by the long waits for the machines you want to use, or are you intimidated by the idea of exercising in front of so many seemingly judgmental strangers? The answer may not be to give up your workouts but to bring them home, right in to your basement in fact.

Bringing Your Workout Home

The basement is a great place to create your own home gym. It is away from all the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house and with a little planning and effort you really can create the workout space of your dreams.

But before you dive into your basement gym project there are some things that need to be taken into consideration.

Planning is Key

The project should be designed around the equipment you want to install, even if you do not have the money to afford it all yet. You can reserve the space you will need to accommodate every machine or fitness gadget you have in mind, so that all you need to do later is slot it into the mix. Don’t cramp everything together either, as the result will be a cluttered space that is hardly conducive to a great workout.

When buying your equipment, going cheap will eventually prove to be a false economy. Buying the best equipment you can afford will ensure that you are enjoying the benefits of your home gym for years to come.

Color Changes Everything

Painting the walls a bright, cheery color will really help to energize the space and help keep you motivated to complete your workout every day. Remember though that light plays differently in a basement, so choose your colors carefully. To avoid overpowering the room with color you could consider painting just one wall in a bolder hue, while opting for a more neutral hue for the others.

Create the Right Ambience

Great lighting is essential, and adding an element of flexibility is a wonderful idea for any home gym. Track lighting with a dimmer switch can be truly effective, as you can alter the lighting to suit the intensity of different phases of your personal workout program.

Good ventilation is another must, as you are creating a gym environment, so damp or stale air will hardly be helpful to that. A good dehumidifier can go a long way to helping you achieve gym quality air conditions.

Sometimes a great home gym is made on the details. Small touches like a mini fridge for storing beverages, a locker to store a fresh supply of towels and gym clothes, and even just a quiet corner to sit and relax once your workout is done can really add to the ambience of your new home gym. After all, the more inviting the space is, the more likely you are to actually make use of it.

By Melanie Rivera