4 Steps for Building a Garage Gym

Let’s be honest, driving all the way to the gym to share equipment at an over-crowded facility isn’t always ideal. Not to mention the amount of money you spend on a monthly gym membership.

The idea of a home gym may seem out of reach, but it doesn’t have to be—especially if you have a garage. Here are four simple steps for building a garage gym

1. Declutter and maximize space.

If you’ve been using your garage for storage up until now, the first step is to clear out that space and make room for your garage gym. Determine which items you can sell, donate, throw away or store somewhere else. If you have a lot of stuff, consider renting an off-site storage space. Otherwise, you can install cabinets, bins and overhead racks on your walls and ceiling to free up that floor space.

2. Insulate the garage door.

Insulation is key to regulating temperature so that you’re comfortable exercising in your garage gym year-round. Chances are the walls in your garage are already insulated, but the garage door will need some work. This is a DIY project you can take on yourself, or you can talk to your local garage door service professionals about installing a new garage door that’s already insulated. Depending on the weather where you live, you may still need portable air conditioners or heaters to keep you comfortable.

3. Install new flooring.

If high-impact workouts are a big part of your gym routine, a concrete floor isn’t going to cut it. You’ll need a gentler, impact-absorbing surface to avoid harming your spine and joints. There are plenty of affordable options out there, such as interlocking or rolled rubber mats that you can easily install yourself.

4. Choose your garage gym equipment.

When purchasing workout equipment for your garage gym, start with machines you already know and like. Remember that variety is important. Ideally, you should have equipment for cardio and strength training.

Don’t have the money for expensive machines? No problem, you can still stock your garage gym with affordable DIY exercise equipment.

Keep in mind that investing time and money into this project up front will save you the ongoing hassle and expense of going to a public gym. With everything you need right there in your garage, you’ll have no excuse not to exercise regularly!