Relaxing and decompressing are important, but we also need to get an appropriate amount of exercise, too. A gym membership doesn’t appeal to everyone, and it can be costly. Luckily, you can get regular exercise right in the comfort of your St. Louis home. Here are some ideas for an at-home workout space that you might want to consider:

Choose a Location

The space you’ll require is entirely dependent on the equipment you have or plan to purchase. You might need a spare room, a portion of the attic, garage, or basement, or maybe just a corner in your bedroom. The minimum requirement is probably an area of about eight feet by six feet to allow you enough space to move around and exercise. Whatever location you choose should be easily accessible and should have good light. You’re much more likely to use the space if it’s welcoming and not hidden. If you choose to set up in a multifunctional space (like the corner of your living room or bedroom) you should consider storage options to stow your smaller workout equipment and not contribute to clutter.

Plan a Routine

Your workout area shouldn’t be stuffed full of equipment you may never use, so before you get started, plan your workout routine. A treadmill, for example, will take up a large majority of your space. But you can get the same cardio benefits from calisthenics or jumping rope. Rather than a workout bench, consider dumbbells if that makes more sense. If yoga, resistance-band workouts or Pilates are your thing, all you’ll need is a mat. Planning out your exercise routine ahead of time helps you know which equipment and accessories you’ll need. 

Include a Mirror

This is not about vanity, but instead, it’s about seeing your movements and working to improve them. Also, a mirror will make your space seem bigger and brighter.

Pad Your Floor

Exercise mats are important if have hardwood or tile flooring. First, the protect your floors. But they also protect your body. Tile, wood, and concrete don’t absorb the impact of running, jumping, or dancing, so the energy exerted reverberates into your body increasing the likelihood of injuries like shin splints or sprains. Use interlocking matted flooring or a yoga mat when doing high-impact exercises.

A home workout area doesn’t have to be expensive, and the space required doesn’t need to be expansive.  These ideas will help you create the right space to stay sufficiently active.

If you’d like to talk more about setting up your at-home workout space, or if there’s something else we can be of assistance with, please reach out to us. We’re always happy to help.