Are you thinking of incorporating a dedicated exercise space into your new home? Editor for Houzz UK & Ireland, Victoria Harrison, provides tips to creating a great home work out space, below.

Whether you’re a fitness fanatic or a sporadic exerciser, these ideas will help you carve out the perfect space to meet your workout goals. The area doesn’t have to be big, but it does have to be carefully considered. From quiet yoga corners to energetic zumba zones, there’s a style to suit everyone. Here’s how to plan yours.

Be Honest With Yourself

The first thing to consider is just how often you’ll be using the space and for what type of exercise. If you want a dedicated spot for a daily workout, it makes sense to carve out a permanent area in your home. In a dedicated room, you can get the set-up just right and not worry about moving things around every day. If you’re more likely to just roll out the yoga mat once or twice a week, then a corner of a room is probably all you’ll need, so see if there’s a space that can be cleared easily and stake that out as your spot.

Keep It Airy

Any kind of workout will require a well-ventilated room, and the more intense the workout, the more important this becomes. Ensuring your room has a good airflow will help keep your workout space cool and hygienic, so make sure you can easily open windows and doors to prevent the space from getting stuffy.

Decide If You Need A Screen

If you regularly follow an online class or tutorial, you’ll need an internet connection and an easily accessible TV to watch as you work out. A wall-mounted TV might be easier to view than a wobbly laptop screen. If you can create your workout zone near a TV, it should make life easier. You might need to declutter a space in the living room for this, so storage will be extra important to make sure you can unpack and repack your workout kit with ease. If you’re not able to find space near an existing TV, consider setting up a system to elevate your laptop, so you’re not trying to squint at it on the floor.

Consider Hygiene

Sports equipment and workout kits will get cleaned regularly at a gym or studio, so don’t forget to keep up the same hygiene practices at home. Wiping down mats, blocks and ropes each time you use them will keep them fresh. This is particularly important if you’re likely to be sharing the workout space with others. Spritzing mats with an essential oil spray, such as lavender or eucalyptus, at the end of a workout will add that luxury studio feel and leave your home smelling delicious, too.

Make Space For A Mirror

If you go to a gym or yoga studio, you’ll often be faced with a wall of mirrors, so you can work on your posture and monitor your improving fitness. This isn’t strictly necessary at home, but some workouts, such as yoga, ballet or barre, might be improved by having access to a mirror if you have space for one.

Sort Some Suitable Storage

Workout equipment can take up lots of space, so planning in some storage will help to head off any clutter before it starts to build up. To see how much storage you’ll need, take stock of all equipment in your workout kit, and consider if you’re likely to be adding to it in the near future. Next, see if you can make space in a wardrobe, under a bed, or in dedicated storage units. Keeping everything together will make it much easier for you to grab your gear and get going.

Create Ambiance

Whether you use exercise to give yourself an energy boost or to help you relax, you’ll want to create the right atmosphere for your workout, so have a think about the mood you’d like to create. If you want a calm yoga space you’ll need to get rid of any visual clutter and keep distractions to a minimum. Alternatively, if you like to do a fast-paced workout at home and need a boost, bright colours, motivational artwork and interesting decor will help give you something to focus on.

Don’t Forget The Neighbours

If you live in an apartment, duplex or terrace house, soundproofing should be considered to make sure you don’t annoy the neighbours with your 1980s aerobics playlist. Jumping around on a wooden floor directly above the apartment below isn’t going to win you any good-neighbour prizes, either. Cushioned flooring, plenty of mats and a considerate music volume will all help keep everyone around you happy.

Think About Safety

Safety should also be a consideration, particularly if you have children at home. Store heavy sports equipment somewhere secure, and make sure any trip hazards, such as yoga belts, blocks and balance balls, are all kept out of reach when not in use.

It’s important to make all your ideas known to your builder at the start of the design stage, that way nothing will get missed. Our homes are custom designed to suit each clients needs. At Hurst Homes we pride ourselves on providing no hidden extras, and full turn-key homes for our clients. That’s why shower niches and custom joinery comes standard in all of our builds. Just another reason why we are considered Wagga’s Best Builder. If you’re interested in building in the Wagga area contact us today on 0438 692 962 for a preliminary estimate on your dream home.

For more great tips and tricks from the Houzz experts, visit Houzz.com.au