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As professional fitness room designers we sometimes get called in after a space is already complete. The homeowner, and sometimes their trainer, will then list off a long wish list of what they want to accomplish in that space and expect that it can all work. Often they are disappointed because the room was not designed with the end use in mind and they end up with a gym that is less useful than they had hoped for.
Here are some things that you need to think about when creating a fitness room:
Fitness Rooms Need A Room Designed for Fitness Equipment:
Some equipment like multi-station, elliptical trainers and stretching stations need higher ceilings than average rooms. If you plan to include this type of equipment, then you need to consider whether they can be accommodated or the space can be specifically designed for the height.
The weight of some equipment is also a concern if you are considering the selectorized weight stack equipment, as you see in professional gyms, placed on main or upper floors. Floors may need reinforcement – it's much simpler to do that at the time of construction and not after.
You will also find that long and narrow rooms will work better for your design than square rooms – this prevents cords running across floors and leaving you feeling cramped and congested. It also gives you the opportunity to mirror walls where needed for free weight areas.
If you are planning heavy free weight areas – weights greater than 50 pounds dumbbells – then you need to consider professional gym floors. These floors are engineered to take the pounding of bars, weights and benches. They are not as good looking as hardwood or other residential choices, but if you are working at this weight level in your home gym then you should make this choice.
The Importance of a Proper Layout:
Equipment needs to be selected and the space planned to ensure enough working space around the equipment the ability to access it safely. You will also need to think about maintenance access if you are working in very close quarters – you don't want to buy expensive equipment that can't be serviced.
Some other issues needed to be included:
- Sight lines for your home theatre or TV
- Floor workout space for abdominal work
- Larger open space for dynamic work, stretching or yoga
- Swing space around benches for your arms to be fully extended
- Free weight areas placed in front of mirrored walls to ensure you can check form
- Air conditioning & ventilation should keep the area to about 20 degree C (or less) - Sun shine can look pleasant but it can be too hot to work out in
Electrical & Lighting Make a Big Difference
Cardio equipment, test equipment, video all require power at the right place or you will be running cords across the floor which look awful and are a tripping hazard. Professional cardio equipment (the only type that we recommend) have heavy duty motors that draw high current and need to be wired to provide adequate support
Lighting is not difficult but there are some things to remember. You do not want to lie on the floor and have a bright spot light or |
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HID lamp shining in your face while you are doing sit-ups. Ceiling lighting should be diffuse, with minimal glare, to allow you to read comfortably while on cardio equipment, to keep the space feeling lively (not a serene space) and provide the highest level of lighting around free weight areas. For larger rooms, the lighting design should be done in conjunction with the specific layout of the equipment. For smaller rooms, fluorescent ceiling fixtures are often the best and most practical solution.
Don't Forget Storage and Organization
If you like to use balls, bands, wobble boards or other accessories, invest in simple storage solutions that can keep your space from looking cluttered. Most professional accessories come with specially designed storage that is affordable and useful – there are balance ball and medicine ball racks, band racks and wobble board storage. These are the finishing touches that can keep your space looking great. Some other things to add:
- Great towels and towel rack
- Laundry hamper
- Desk surface to record your workouts, either on computer or paper
- Bulletin board if you are charting your progress
- Posters with correct exercise explanations
- Book and water bottle holders for cardio equipment
- Spray cleaner and wipes holder
The Final Decision: Equipment
Most people need gym quality equipment or they won't use it – they are too accustomed to using good, solid and dependable equipment at commercial gyms and just can't get comfortable on residential quality machines.
We recommend using commercial equipment in your space for several reasons:
- It's built to last years while most residential equipment is designed to be used lightly, if at all
- It is easy to service and easy to get parts – commercial equipment is designed to be fixed and most repairs can take less than 20% of the time it takes on residential equipment
- The equipment is steadier and safer to use with no wobbling or bouncing – particularly if you are using treadmills for running
- There is a resale value when you want to replace or change it
A well-designed fitness room can be a substantial benefit to the health and well-being of the entire family.
Red Jacket Services provides the design, installation and management of custom home fitness environments in Toronto and Southern Ontario . Similar to professional kitchen designers, we use our experience in the commercial fitness industry to create the most efficient use of space in your home and optimize your precious work out time. Services also include specialized renovation, in-home fitness testing, training, equipment maintenance and equipment repair to keep your fitness environment operating at peak efficiency.
Let Us Help You Build Your Perfect Home Gym
Feel free to contact Sandra Perkins, President of Red Jacket Services, to inquire about this article or about assisting you with your fitness room challenge. Or visit our website at www.redjackethome.ca .
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