Most people have never considered that their garage could be transformed into an amazing home gym, but the best garage gym makeover ideas can change that. Garage gyms are not only inexpensive but also very practical and easy to set up. You don’t need to be strong or super in shape to work out at home; you just need to get started with the right idea!
Here are some easy steps for turning your garage into a gym that can make your workouts easier and more effective than ever before!
(1) Convert Your Garage into a Gym
Garages are great for storing your car and other large items, but they’re not the best place for doing your workout. With a little bit of time and creativity, you can turn your garage into a functional home gym.
Here are some sub-ideas on how to make the garage into the gym that will help you:
A. Install a pull-up bar on one or both walls in order to do pull-ups (or have someone hold onto you while you do them). Place bumper plates beneath the bar so that it won’t break if someone falls off. You could also attach an exercise mat underneath the bar to make it more comfortable. You could also hang a punching bag from the ceiling with ropes to practice punching and kicking skills.
B. Hang free weights along one side of the wall opposite where you’re pulling up. Be sure to install shelves where people can set their weights when they’re done with their set so that people aren’t stepping all over each other’s weights. The shelves should be wide enough to fit at least four pairs of weights per shelf.
C. The weight bench is also a good idea to have, as well as adjustable dumbbells or kettlebells. A box squat station is another good addition if you want to work out your lower body in addition to upper-body strength training.
D. If there is any space left over, use it wisely by installing either a yoga mat or an exercise mat for floor exercises such as crunches, pushups and lunges.
E. Mount two sets of heavy-duty metal shelves on the walls adjacent to where the heavy lifting takes place. Put things like jump ropes, boxing gloves and shin guards in one set of shelves and tennis balls, racquetballs, basketballs and soccer balls in the other. That way, anyone who wants to play a game of ball has easy access.
Finally one of the best garage gym ideas, add motivational quotes around the room so that every time you look up, you get pumped up! For instance, you could write “Push Yourself Harder” on the door leading out of the garage.
You’ll feel motivated to keep going as long as these words are right in front of you!
(2) Use Foam Mats for Flooring
The first step is deciding what type of flooring you want for your workout space. If you are on a budget or don’t want to spend a lot of time thinking about it, then foam mats are the way to go. This will keep you from having sore knees and back from laying down on concrete or tiles all day. You can find them at any sporting goods store or online for less than $25 each.
Don’t forget the lighting: Remember when I said that our workouts depend on our mood? Well one big factor that affects our mood is light! There are lots of ways to change up your workout environment with lighting. It’s important to invest in some good quality lights before you start building anything else in your new gym.
Here are some sub-ideas on how to turn the garage into a gym that will help you:
(A) Find a spot near an electrical outlet where natural light can reach inside the garage and make sure there’s nothing blocking the path of natural light coming into your workout space.
(B) A desk lamp with adjustable height could be used as well – but we recommend using overhead lights if possible since they’re more economical in terms of energy use and maintenance.
(3) Add Storage Racks for Weights and Other Equipment
One of the best ways to maximize your workouts is by organizing your space. You can hang up some shelves or brackets for weights and other equipment that you don’t want cluttering up the floor. This is one of the easy ways you can convert your garage into a gym.
This way, you’ll always know where everything is and won’t have to waste time searching for it when you need it next. The racks should be placed on the opposite side of where you will be working out because this will give you a clear view of what’s in front of you without having to look over your shoulder all the time.
If needed, try installing a workbench with storage for easy access: Sometimes we need to do a little bit more than just lifting weights- which is why adding a workbench might be worth considering as well.
(4) Install a pull-up bar
Don’t let a lack of space stop you from getting a great workout. Just install a pull-up bar and you’ll be good to go! In the same vein, use the wall for pushups, jump-ups, and various core exercises.
When it comes to how to make the garage into a gym, you can have an area with more than enough room for pull-ups, consider adding handholds or a chin-up bar as well. Place them above your head in order to do regular chin-ups.
(5) Get a Workout Bench
The first essential and best garage gym idea is adding a workout bench and barbells. A quality bench will provide you with the necessary stability and padding while lifting weights or doing push-ups. I recommend getting an adjustable bench that has a weight capacity of at least 300 pounds as this gives you plenty of room to grow as an athlete.
There are many different types available, so I recommend going to some fitness stores in person and trying out different models before making your purchase.
(6) Invest in a Few Key Pieces of Equipment
A few key pieces of equipment can make all the difference in a garage gym. Investing in things like a bench, barbell set, and dumbbells will give you more options for exercises and make your workouts more efficient. You don’t need much to have a great workout space; just some good tools!
(7) Put up Mirrors
Adding mirrors is one of the easy steps for turning your garage into a gym. They allow you to view your form and check for technique errors while lifting. There are a few different ways you can use mirrors in your home gym, so be sure to pick the one that suits your needs best.
Wall-mounted or free-standing?
If you want to take up as little space as possible, then wall mounted is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for something more versatile (and aesthetically pleasing) then I would recommend free-standing mirrors.