As exercise benefits health and bolsters one’s immunity to disease, there are always good reasons to set up a workout space at home. Whether it’s because of disruptions from temporary gym closures, or to supplement the condominium’s facilities with an activity of one’s choice, a home gym provides the most convenient means to stay physically active.
To get started in creating yours, we share steps you can take to build a custom home gym that feels right at home.
Find a space.
Your exercise routine is created around your unique fitness goals. Your gym should be developed around the same objectives, whether you intend to do cardiovascular or aerobic exercise, strength training, yoga, or stretching.
Look for any available space in one’s home, measuring three square meters at minimum. A spare room works best but if you live in a one-bedroom unit, you can just as easily designate a particular area within your living room. After all, multi-functional spaces have become the new standard, especially for those working or studying at home.
Layout the foundation: orientation, flooring, equipment
Next, ask yourself: what activity best fits the space? A fitness mat for yoga or functional floor exercises is a space-saving essential that also allows for flexibility in movement.
If bringing heavy equipment into the space, remember to invest on floor protection, especially with the risk of slipping or a substantial weight dropping to the floor and potentially resulting in major damage.
For superior shock absorption, lay out a gym floor mat, or consider a horse stall mat cut to size.
As for your choice of equipment, look for durable, multifunctional gym products. Kettlebells and adjustable weights are versatile for strength training. A folding weight bench is great for bench presses and easy to store. A chin-up bar is ideal for upper body workouts, and a resistance training station offers full-body exercise options. For cardio, consider space-saving treadmills that can be folded and stored conveniently.
These are designed to fold down and be stored under the bed or suspended from a wall. The same is true for folding stationary bikes that occupy a small footprint when set up, and stows away easily when not in use. However, always ensure the quality of any equipment with safety in mind.
If fully committed, a mirrored wall aids one’s focus on the workout. It’s also a popular small space trick for making your home look much larger than it is whilst bringing in more brightness by reflecting light back into the room.
Get creative with storage and organization
Without paying careful attention to storage, your home can get overrun by the random weight, jump rope, or exercise band. Not exactly a sight to behold.
Take the time to plan the placement of equipment so that it does not take away from your home’s aesthetic sense.
Choose a cabinet that fits into the style of your space, and use it to store workout items. Maximize vertical storage by using hooks or a pegboard wall to hang light equipment like your jump rope or elastic bands. The goal is to use creative concealment!
Without paying careful attention to storage, your home can get overrun by the random weight, jump rope, or exercise band. Not exactly a sight to behold.
If your home gym also includes weighted plates and dumbbell sets, invest in a heavy-duty rack to keep everything organized. Be sure, however, to keep heavy equipment out of reach from younger family members.
Maintain your home gym
As with everything else in your home, gym equipment needs to be properly cared for. After every workout, use an antibacterial spray to wipe down weights, and benches. Your yoga or exercise mat will also need to be hung to dry completely so as to avoid the development of mold.
For equipment that is likely to get covered in sweat like your treadmill or bike, use a clean, dry cloth to mop up any moisture. Finally, neutralize any smells by spritzing your gym with a home spray.
Live your best life in a home that suits your needs
Whether it’s adding a new workout routine to your every day or making a major life change like growing your family, choose a condominium unit with a well-planned layout that can adjust to your evolving needs.
East Bay Residences’ two towers–Larsen and Fordham–offer units with generous floor space for every type of dweller. One-bedroom units start at a generous 35 square meters while three-bedroom units go up to 107 square meters.
The East Bay Residences community is itself conducive to an active lifestyle, thanks to its generous amenities that include a great lawn, swimming pool, jogging path, playground, and a common gym. You can also easily get your essentials thanks to the retail row, which includes a well-stocked supermarket and trusted bank.
And with its strategic location, East Bay Residences is accessible by main thoroughfares including the East Service Road and Sucat Road. Its proximity to business districts in Makati and Alabang also makes it a great homestead or investment opportunity for discerning buyers seeking to enjoy the signature Rockwell lifestyle.