Home gym sizes can vary based on individual preferences, available space, and the types of workout equipment you plan to include.
Designing a home gym involves considerations such as the type of exercise you’ll be doing, the amount of space you have, and your budget.
Here, we explore the best layouts for various sizes of home gyms and look at the minimum space you’ll need for certain types of gym equipment and exercises.
Small Home Gym
A small home gym can fit into a room measuring approximately 6 feet by 6 feet (1.8 meters by 1.8 meters) or 8 feet by 10 feet (2.4 meters by 3 meters).
This is a small room by any standards, and might ordinarily be used as a box bedroom or a home study, but it can work as a home gym if you don’t need any large equipment for your workouts. While you won’t be able to fit any indoor cycle machines or treadmills in a small home gym, you can still get a good workout.
A small home gym is suitable for basic workouts, bodyweight exercises, yoga, and exercises that use small equipment like resistance bands, kettlebells, and a stability ball.
Medium Home Gym
A medium home gym will measure approximately 10 feet by 12 feet (3 meters by 3.7 meters) or 12 feet by 14 feet (3.7 meters by 4.3 meters).
This could be a converted spare bedroom, home office, or dining room. In a room of this size, you can fit in one or two pieces of large gym equipment, such as an elliptical machine and a weight bench.
Consider what sort of workout you’re most likely to do, and which machine is going to help you achieve your health and fitness goals, then focus your home gym layout around that machine. A medium home gym is great for cardio workouts, strength training with dumbbells and barbells, plyometrics, yoga, and resistance training.
Large Home Gym
A large home gym will measure approximately 12 feet by 16 feet (3.7 meters by 4.9 meters) or larger. This type of home gym will usually be installed in a garage that’s been converted, or a finished basement.
You could also create a home gym in a purpose-built structure in the garden if you have enough space. A large gym will allow you to have more variation in terms of your cardio workout since you will have enough room for several cardio machines such as a treadmill, elliptical, and stationary bike.
A large home gym also gives you additional storage space for smaller equipment and a greater floorspace for core training and strength training.
Planning a Home Gym
When designing your home gym there are several things to keep in mind to help you create the most functional space.
Layout
The layout of a home gym needs to be carefully thought out from a practical perspective. Consider where your power sockets are if you are going to be using any equipment that will need to be plugged in, and remember to allow clearance around doorways.
It can be beneficial to create areas dedicated to different types of workouts if your space allows it, as this will help to keep your gym regime on track and help with flow. For example, create a corner for strength training, a corner for cardio, and a corner for storage.
Remember that certain exercise machines will require clearance around them, so factor this in when planning the layout.
Ceiling Height
Ensure that the ceiling is high enough to accommodate any overhead exercises, such as overhead presses or pull-ups. If your home gym has a low ceiling you can work around this by choosing machines that sit lower to the ground, such as a rowing machine.
Flooring
Choose appropriate flooring to support the types of exercises you’ll be doing. If you’re converting a bedroom to a home gym then you might find the existing carpet or wood flooring isn’t ideal. You could install foam tiles or rubber flooring in the home gym, or for a cheaper option use a yoga mat over your existing floor.
Mirrors
Mirrors can help you monitor your form and technique during workouts, and they can also help the space feel bigger and more airy. Consider placing floor-to-ceiling mirrors on one or more walls, ideally in front of your weight or yoga station.
Equipment
Select gym equipment that fits the available space and aligns with your fitness goals. Make sure you have a variety of options for both cardiovascular and strength training to support a diverse workout.
If you are working with a small home gym, focus on equipment that doesn’t take up much space, such as kettlebells and resistance bands.
Room can quickly get taken up by equipment even in a large gym and you will still want some clear floor space for stretching and bodyweight exercises, so be careful not to try to fit too much equipment into your space.
Storage
Incorporate storage solutions for your equipment to keep the space organized and free from clutter. This will not only help you to keep a clear mind when working out, but it will also ensure the space is safe and free from trip hazards.
Ventilation and Lighting
Proper ventilation and lighting will help to create a comfortable and inviting workout environment. You’re likely to get hot and sweaty during training, so windows that open wide are useful in a home gym.
If you have installed a home gym in a basement or garage then ventilation could be an issue; in this case, consider installing an air conditioning unit so you can adjust the temperature when necessary. Bright lighting is recommended in a gym environment, though dimmers can be a good option for yoga and pilates relaxation routines.
Music and Entertainment
Consider adding a sound system or a TV to your home gym to keep you motivated during workouts. If your mind is distracted by entertainment, you will likely find that you are able to spend longer in the home gym.
