Decorating Your Home Gym: Aesthetics For That Perfect Workout

This is a collaborative post but all thoughts and opinions are my own

Summer is well and truly here. And for most of us that means spending a lot more time outside. It’s the time of year when we get to know our gardens a little bit better. And when I move next year I can’t wait to have a garden to relax in. The summer means taking nice long walks in the park, getting up early to go for a morning jog and enjoy barbecues surrounded by friends and family. But all that outdoor living doesn’t mean that we should neglect our interiors. This is the time of year when many of us would like to get a little bit fitter, healthier and more active. I know it’s one of my goals, although it’s not going too well at the moment.

And while many of us choose to do this at the gym, there are some for whom this simply isn’t the best environment for a rigorous workout. There will be some people (like me) who feel self-conscious about exercising in front of others. Some who feel a sense of impostor syndrome at the gym and those who simply don’t have the patience to wait for the cross trainer to become free. For these people, a home gym may be the perfect antidote.

The benefits of a home gym

A home gym affords you the opportunity to meet your health and fitness goals without the potential barriers presented by the gym. A home gym has no busy car parks where it’s impossible to find a place when spin class is on. No queue for the elliptical machine. And no muscly men smiling at you while you’re doing your squats on the Smith’s machine. When you have a home gym, you have no barriers and you can afford yourself no excuses. 

However, when you have a home gym, it’s important to stock and decorate it in a way that’s conducive to a successful workout. While you can find ample advice on stocking your home gym at https://origympersonaltrainercourses.co.uk/blog/building-home-gym here, we’re going to talk about decorating this space. Your decor can have a surprising effect on your workout, so let’s look at some ways to create a beautiful and conducive exercise space.

Walls that say “wakey wakey”

Conventional wisdom dictates that less is more when it comes to decorating your gym’s walls. But if you don’t much like the idea of working out in an anonymous, white-walled box, by no means is this the only viable way of decorating your workout space. In fact, decorating a feature wall in a bold, vibrant colour can give you a subliminal boost that can give you the drive to work out. Even first thing in the morning. Colours have a significant effect on our mental state and using bold, vibrant primary colours like blues and reds can galvanise us from the second we step into the space. 

Plus, when a space is decorated with a bold and bright colour… It’s much harder to ignore!

It’s all done with mirrors

Mirrors are not about vanity… At least, not in this context. Mirrors fulfil two key functions in a home gym. First of all, large floor to ceiling mirrors can make your workout space feel more like a spacious and airy studio than a cramped room.

Secondly, and most importantly, mirrors are a vitally important way for you to check your posture, technique and form when doing yoga or lifting weights. When it comes to strength training, the technique is far more important than how much weight you’re lifting. And it’s much easier to check that your form is correct when you can see yourself. Incorrect form can lead at best to less noticeable results and at worst can increase the risk of injury.

Flooring for fitness

When it comes to your home gym’s flooring you’ll be torn between aesthetics and function. You’ll need flooring that gives you a good grip to prevent slips and potential injuries. But at the same time you’ll want flooring that helps create a comfortable workout space. 

It’s also a good idea to use flooring that is shock absorbent to protect your joints. Interlocking foam floor tiles are a popular choice or if you’re looking for something more permanent. Some home gym owners treat their floors with epoxy floor paint which is easy to clean and completely non-slip.

Lighting to suit all your workouts

Adjustable lighting is a great way to make your home gym more conducive to different kinds of lighting. If you can install a dimmer in your home gym, you can enjoy softer mood lighting for yoga or mindfulness meditation. Or high-intensity lighting for strength training or high-impact aerobics. 

With just a little insight and imagination, your spare room, loft or basement can become the ultimate workout space.