Planning your home gym: Starting from the ground up
You grab your shoes and a pair of shorts, tossing them in the bag that you have intentionally set next to the front door. You make a plan and set an alarm. You even try to go to bed early.
Why? You are going to the gym in the morning. You are, without a doubt, getting in your car, driving to the gym, navigating the locker room, and then hopping on your favorite machine.
It’s a great plan … until your alarm actually goes off.
While we often join a gym with the best of intentions, most of us don’t stick with it. A survey by OnePoll reported that 50 percent of Americans who have gym memberships don’t go to the gym.
Why? It’s boring, they feel intimidated, or there’s not enough time.
But when you have an at-home gym, you can exercise in the convenience and privacy of your own home. Your favorite piece of equipment is always available, and you never have to worry that the front desk attendant changed the radio station.
If you’re considering creating a home gym, it’s crucial to start from the ground up – literally. A solid foundation, including the right flooring, is essential for a safe and effective workout space.
The home gym revolution
Remember when the people with home gyms were the same people you would watch on an episode of “Cribs” on MTV?
Not anymore.
Now, more than 60 percent of people have some type of dedicated workout space, according to Garage Gym Reviews. By comparison, less than a third of people have a commercial gym membership.
The home gym has become an accessible and practical solution for fitness enthusiasts, whether they are just starting an exercise journey or training for their 10th marathon.
But why are more people staying home to work out?
Convenience and accessibility
There’s always been 24 hours in a day but it can feel like there’s more demands on that time. Schedules can feel busier, the drive to work longer. And the opportunity to do what you love, like exercise, seems to dwindle.
And even if you have time to workout, the hour of the gym might not line up with your schedule.
Having a dedicated workout space at home can give you the flexibility you need to consistently exercise.
Privacy and comfort
Have you ever walked into a gym and immediately felt like people were staring at you?
It’s not uncommon to feel self-conscious or experience gym intimidation when you are working out in a public setting. In fact, those feelings can hold you back from reaching your fitness goals.
An at-home gym is often a perfect solution if you want a way to exercise comfortably without the risk of judgment.
Long-term savings
Gym membership prices can range greatly, from $10 a month to several hundred dollars. But if you aren’t making the most of that membership, you are not putting that money to good use.
A home gym can save you money in the long run by eliminating monthly gym membership fees. Not only can you smartly invest in equipment that you will actually use, your entire family can take advantage of the space. In addition, you are saving money — and time — on travel and other gym-related fees like locker room upgrades.
Personalization
Home gyms offer the freedom to curate your equipment and design a space that aligns with your fitness goals and preferences. You’re not limited to the machines available at a commercial gym; instead, you can create a tailored workout environment.
Creating your home gym – Starting with the floor
Planning for your home gym isn’t just about buying a set of weights or deciding between Peloton’s stationary bike or rower.
It’s crucial to consider other details, such as lighting, mirrors and, yes, flooring.
The right flooring can impact your workout experience significantly. You want a flooring material that not only fits the look of your home gym but one that can stand up to sweat and dropped dumbbells.
Interlocking tiles are often a popular choice for home gyms. However, they can be easily damaged and aren’t moisture resistant. Spill a water bottle and your home gym might soon take on an unpleasant odor.
Carpeting can also be a challenge. It can trap sweat, dust, dirt, and bacteria, creating an environment that is difficult to clean and maintain. In addition, it can make some exercises more difficult or even dangerous.
Known for its durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal, epoxy is becoming the go-to choice for home gyms. Epoxy is water-resistant, easy to maintain, and can even ease the impact on your joints.
Durability
Epoxy flooring is incredibly durable and can withstand heavy equipment, dropped weights, and high foot traffic without showing signs of wear. This resilience ensures your flooring will last for years, even with rigorous workouts.
Shock absorption
Epoxy floors offer excellent shock absorption, reducing the impact on your joints and equipment. This is especially important for high-intensity workouts and heavy lifting.
Easy maintenance
Epoxy flooring is seamless and resistant to spills, making it easy to clean and maintain. A quick wipe-down is all it takes to keep your workout space looking pristine.
Versatility
Available in a variety of colors and designs, epoxy flooring can be customized to match your home gym’s aesthetic. It provides a sleek and polished look that enhances the overall ambiance of your workout space.
Setting up your home gym
With careful planning and attention to detail, your home gym can become your ultimate sanctuary for achieving your fitness aspirations.
Beyond the flooring, there are several key considerations when setting up your home gym:
Space: Determine how much space you have available and plan your equipment layout accordingly. Ensure there’s enough room for movement and proper ventilation.
Equipment: Choose equipment that aligns with your fitness goals. Consider essentials like dumbbells, resistance bands, a bench, and cardio equipment if space permits.
Lighting and mirrors: Proper lighting and mirrors can enhance the functionality of your home gym by creating an inviting and motivating atmosphere.
Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is crucial to maintain a comfortable workout environment. Consider adding fans or ensuring good air circulation.
Epoxy floors in Cincinnati
Create the ultimate workout space with epoxy flooring. With Epoxy Systems International, your epoxy flooring specialist in the Greater Cincinnati area, you can create a home gym that you actually want to use. Call 513-924-1800 to schedule your free in-home evaluation and get started today!
