Building Your Home Gym in 2022

If you are like millions of other Americans, you’re ankle-deep in some New Year Resolutions. According to the website Discover Happy Habits, 50% of people in 2020 had a resolution of exercising more. 2020 was the year of At Home, and ‘21 and ‘22 look like they might be similar. Plus, going to the gym requires a membership, the motivation to get up early or go right from work – it can take a lot of willpower to make it happen. How do you solve all that? You bring the gym to you!

This time on the Budget Blinds Scottsdale blog we’re going to lay out everything you need to know to build your home gym!

Building Your Home Gym

Pick A Room

First things first, you have to pick a space to turn into your home gym! While basements and subfloors are rarer in Arizona, they’re still out there. Those are the common, first spots to look at when making a home gym. But what else is there? You could look outdoors – here in Scottsdale we enjoy a huge number of days of sunshine (something like 300+!) and so long as you plan for the morning or evening even in the hottest days of summer you can work out on your patio or in the backyard. 

Spare bedrooms are great if you have one, it doesn’t use up a large space like the basement or totally dominates your patio (and takes away fun entertaining space). For most home gyms you don’t even need too much space, just enough to fit your equipment and their use!

Equipment

The biggest component for your home gym is the equipment! Depending on what workouts or sports you want to be doing, the equipment you’ll need will differ!

If you want to turn your basement or garage into an iron temple, you’ll want to get a bench, a squat rack or stands, a barbell, and a set of plates. If you’re more into daily cardio you can pick up a treadmill, stationary bike, or for more HIIT-focused work a yoga mat, jump rope, and a couple of dumbbells. 

With your exercise decided and your equipment gathered you’ve tackled maybe the biggest step!

If you want a more in-depth piece on building a specific exercise room in your home, check out other blogs like this one on how to make a weight room on a budget. 

Men’s Health has a robust article on the best pieces of equipment for a home gym.

Other Useful Stuff

Ok, your room is chosen, your equipment is on the way, now what? 

What’s your floor situation like? You could buy padded floor tiles to protect your floor from the heavy use they’ll get when you’re working out. 

Have a sound setup? Music makes workouts work right, keeping your heart racing with EDM beats or go for that last rep to some heavy metal! Look at investing in a simple Bluetooth speak to fill your gym with encouragement.

How long are your workouts going to be? Some folks like to have a TV running in the corner playing a favorite movie or binge the latest show while they’re churning out miles on the bike. Think about how long your workouts are going to be, and what other things could help you stick to the routine. Multitasking can be a powerful motivator!

Window Coverings

Listen, we weren’t going to go about talking about a home gym without talking about our bread and butter, the window covering! When it comes to window coverings for a home gym, you are probably looking for one thing: privacy. Sure the temperature and lighting control is a great benefit too, but people like their privacy when they are getting sweaty, dressed in gym clothes, and struggling at new things. Often folks are self-conscious with their looks when they are first working out, so having window coverings can help them feel less exposed.

What  Coverings Should I Use?

No matter your taste, there are plenty of great options available for you to use! Here are some of the best:

• Roller Shades
• Wood or Composite Shutters
• Top-down Shades
• Window Film

Roller Shades
Great at blocking out light and blocking view, roller shades are a classic option. Available in a range of colors and opacity, these can fit the style of your room. Who says home gyms can’t be stylish? Want to make your home gym a temple of technology? You can motorize the shades as well to control everything at the press of a button.

Wood/Composite Shutters
Shutters are a great option if you’re looking to allow sunlight and warmth into the room. They’re customizable, able to fit your windows precisely and their stain finishes can give you an outdoor vibe that might encourage mindfulness and peace in your workouts.

Top-Down Shades
When it comes to to-down shades the name of the game is style. Available in over 100 different colors and types, these shades are an excellent fit. Cellular shades, for isntance, a type of top-down shade, is one of the best window coverings when it comes to insulation making it an ideal fit for a room you want to keep temperature controlled.

Window Film
Another great option when it comes to style is the decorative window film. It doesn’t take up any room at all, simply being adhered to the window itself and making the home private as needed. With options for opacity you can let the light and warmth of the sun in a bit or completely close it off. Your call!

Whatever home gym you decide to build, Budget Blinds Scottsdale is here to help make it a reality! Give us a call today and schedule your free consultation!