With recurring outbreaks and lockdowns, many fitness enthusiasts are evaluating how they can work out from home. Repurposing the garage as a home gym is an effective way to stay true to your goals while making the most of your available space. Better yet, the upgrades and changes you make will ultimately improve the resale value of your home.

Here are six tips for building a garage gym and smashing your fitness goals from home.

Seal the Flooring

When repurposing your garage as a home gym, the top concern is the flooring. You want to ensure the floor is sealed and moisture-resistant to prevent your expensive equipment from rusting out. This will also help add a layer of cushioning between your joints and the concrete when doing high-impact exercises (though you should also invest in mats for additional safety).

Install metallic epoxy flooring for a sealed floor that works great and looks even better. This brightly reflective floor covering will also block out moisture and reflect light to brighten a dim garage space. Installing an epoxy floor will increase your home’s resale value as well, and extend your garage’s lifespan.

Understand the Available Space

Before you start buying gym equipment, take some time to better understand how much space you have available. Take some measurements and determine whether your garage will solely act as a gym, or if you’ll be using it as a multipurpose area. 

If you intend to park your car in the garage and take it out when you want to train, evaluate how much equipment storage space you have and if you will need to move anything around for your workout. If this is your plan, it’s also wise to choose equipment with wheels for easier movement. Fortunately, there are plenty of portable home gym equipment options available on the market today.

Optimize the Garage Door

If your garage door is overdue for an upgrade, now is the time to do it. Consider the ease with which the garage door opens and shuts and whether it requires extra insulation. If you plan on using your garage gym year-round, blocking out the extreme heat and cold is essential.

If you’re due for an upgrade, consider a garage door with windows to let natural light into the space. Consider getting a windowed garage door with privacy glass so no passersby can see your expensive gym equipment.

Invest in Insulation

In addition to insulating the door, it’s also worth evaluating the insulation in the remainder of the garage. Many homeowners leave their garage largely untouched, using it for storage or a place to stop snow from getting on their vehicle.

If your garage is uninsulated, investing in this upgrade is a must. Again, this will pay dividends when you sell your home.

Choose Multi-Purpose Equipment

Once you have figured out how to optimize your garage, it’s time to choose the right equipment for your home gym. When space is limited, it’s best to buy multipurpose gym equipment that you can use in various ways. Barbells and dumbbells are always a wise option, as you can use them for training your entire body. Additionally, a wheeled bench and portable rack set-up can help you accomplish compound lifts. You can also choose weight loss calculator for your gym equipment.

Here’s a good roundup of home gym machines that have different functionalities. Remember that smaller equipment like resistance bands and jump ropes can also enhance your training without taking up more space.

Build Over Time

Finally, take a slow and steady approach when building a home gym. Start with the basics, and make the bare minimum upgrades to the garage. As your training intensifies and your goals change, add to your equipment collection and continue to invest in the space. 

With these simple tips, you can build an incredible garage gym that suits your training needs and becomes an asset to your home.