The LUX Guide to Starting Your Home Gym

Who hasn’t dreamed about having their very own at-home gym? I mean, if that isn’t the height of luxury, what is? If you’ve ever seriously considered assembling your own at-home gym, but are feeling lost, today’s blog’s the one for you! We will be going over some easy, yet insightful, design tips for creating your ideal home gym. Feel free to use this post as a guide to starting your very own home gym!

Multiple torturous months (and a solid ten pounds) later, gyms are finally re-opening! While we couldn’t be happier, we’re well aware that we’re still living in unprecedented times, and after multiple waves of business shutdowns, the interest in home gyms has spiked dramatically. Even if the public gyms are open at the moment, who knows when the government will shut them down again. An at-home gym is truly an amazing investment!

To start, you’ll need to find a place to set up your workout studio. We suggest the obvious— an unused corner in the basement, or perhaps if you have the luxury maybe even an extra room in the house. Understand that regardless of the space available, you can find a way to make it work. 

When we were informed that the gyms were closing again in the fall, we knew it was time to give our exercise space a makeover. The hardwood floors were not ideal for working out, as they tend to be slippery, and so the first thing we purchased was a mat and it has made all the difference. The mat is heavy enough not to slip and absorbs shock extremely well. The goal’s to create an attractive home gym, but you want to make sure your physical well-being is first priority. Basically, invest in a good mat to avoid slipping and wiping out, or straining your muscles.

Some people prefer the feeling they get from jogging outside, but the lows of -20 in our frigid Montreal aren’t exactly encouraging. If you’re fully committed to the idea of a decked-out home gym, consider splurging on a stationary cardio machine like an elliptical, a treadmill, or even a peloton bike! While somewhat on the pricier side, they will ensure that you make the most of your space.

Before the pandemic, I spent a lot of time at the gym—it was a temporary escape from the stressors of my life. Your home gym can become your own sanctuary, as the word gym is not synonymous with drab and boring. Try for brighter, more uplifting wall colors and good lighting! For paint finishes, I would suggest going with a pearl, or at least an eggshell finish, as a lot of routines include wall work, and they will be more durable. Gone are the days of endless jumping jacks in musty, dark corners of the basement.

To avoid injury, proper form is vital—and how do we check for good form? Mirrors! If the budget allows, go for a large mirror wall. They are great decorative elements and can make a claustrophobic at-home gym space, like a basement or storage room, feel a lot more open. 

This next interior design tip isn’t absolutely necessary but could be beneficial if you have the means. Consider either integrating a built-in stereo system of sorts or purchasing a good speaker. We’re missing that aspect of in-person motivation from our workout buddy or our fitness instructor. Music can make a great substitute! Select a workout playlist on Spotify or Apple Music, crank up the volume and you’re ready to go! 

We briefly touched on the incorporation of cardio machines, but make sure you leave some room in the budget to purchase basic gym equipment like dumbbells, weights, resistance bands, etc. Being able to do some maintenance at home, even after the pandemic, will be very beneficial. If you’re just starting out, go for some lighter sets, and build up your collection slowly (if the budget allows).

Well, a wrap on our guide to starting your very own home gym! We hope you were able to pick up some helpful interior design tips and wish you a smooth transition back into the gym!

As always, thank you for reading!