How I Built My Garage Gym

Creating an at-home garage gym is a fantastic way to stay committed to my fitness regimen without the need for a costly gym membership or the hassle of commuting especially while being at home with young kids. With a bit of planning and some strategic investments, I turned my garage into a versatile workout space that caters to my fitness needs.

Like most people during the pandemic, I was trying to find ways to fill the day while being stuck inside without much escape. After having my second daughter in October 2019 I would search for at-home workouts to help me stay active while being home with both kids, and it reached a new level of importance when the pandemic hit. After becoming an online group fitness instructor I needed an area with enough space to set up an iPad to stream my classes, a speaker for the music, and space to demonstrate all the moves. I didn't have that type of space in the house with two little ones so I decided to use our garage. I immediately embraced creating a dedicated workout space at home and aimed to transform the garage into a gym-like environment. Here is what I did to get started.

Planned my space

My first step in creating my garage gym was to evaluate the available space and decide on its layout. I then cleared out as much clutter as I could (I do have 2 kids with lots of outdoor toys and a husband who is obsessed with yard work so it is not completely clear of their things) and considered what type of workouts I would be doing. I enjoy weightlifting, so I needed space for a squat rack, bench, and weights. I wanted room for a treadmill or stationary bike for cardio and most importantly there needed to be enough floor space for bodyweight exercises and stretching. I measured the dimensions of the space I would have in the garage and sketched a floor plan to visualize the arrangement. Living in South Carolina the necessity for heat during the winter is not as big of a factor as cooling so I had to make sure I had enough space for a couple of fans.

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The majority of the garage has been sorted and cleared to make space for the garage gym. However, there is still an area designated for the girls' toys and my husband's tools (including his golf clubs). We have installed shelves and racks to keep most items off the floor, but as you can tell, it's not completely organized yet.

Chose my equipment

When it came to equipment, I wanted to prioritize versatility and quality, but also not break the bank. In an ideal situation, I would have gotten a foldable power rack with a barbell and weight plates for strength training, but that was not in the budget. So I decided to start with a small set of dumbbells, a 10lb set of dumbbells, resistance bands, and a jump rope. Additionally, I wanted a mat to protect the garage floor and provide cushioning for my workouts so I started with a yoga mat but eventually ordered interlocking foam tiles to cover the entire garage floor. Over time additions were made to the garage gym like the Hydrow Rowing Machine, a larger dumbbell rack with dumbbells in a variety of weights, a treadmill handed down from my in-laws, and a kettlebell set. The most important thing for me was to look for equipment that suits my fitness goals, is durable enough to withstand regular use, and is within budget.

"For me, fitness is not about just hitting the gym; it is also about inner happiness and overall well-being." - Rakul Preet Singh

Personalize the gym

Finally, I wanted to make the garage gym a place where I enjoy spending time. Eventually, I would like to paint the walls and add motivational quotes, but for now, I added a few other touches. There is a cabinet to house some of my equipment for online classes, as well as a sound system similar to this one for playing my favorite workout music. Instead of purchasing a huge wall mirror, I bought multiple full-length mirrors to create the illusion of a wall mirror. Mirrors can be a great addition to help check my form during exercises. I also added a dry-erase board to keep track of workouts, a clock that doubles as a timer, and a TV to see my online clients during sessions as well as watch my shows while I'm walking on the treadmill. By creating an inviting and functional space fit for me, I'm more motivated to stick to a routine and make fitness part of my lifestyle.

I am constantly rearranging and reorganizing the gym garage to meet my fitness needs and the needs of the family. I do not have a "picture-perfect" space, but it works well for us.

Building my at-home garage gym involved careful planning, smart equipment choices, and a touch of personalization. Whether my clients or I are looking to lift weights, perform high-intensity interval training, or simply stretch and relax, a well-thought-out garage gym can meet all fitness needs right in my home. It is worth noting again that my garage gym was not built in a day, it has been years in the making. I started with the most basic and necessary equipment and then grew the gym from there. It all takes time! Comment below and let me know what you have added or want to add to your at-home gym or if you have any questions about mine!