When we moved into our new home last year, one of the biggest upgrades on our wish list was a dedicated workout space. After four years of squeezing in workouts in our crawlspace (a tall one, which we were grateful for, but a dusty, dirt-floored space nonetheless), having a clean, open space and WINDOWS felt like a dream.
Like every space I’m sharing in our new home, I hesitate to call it fully finished. We’d like to add some decor to the walls, hang up the attachments for the trainer, and find a dedicated spot for our yoga mats, but those things will come with time. For now, it’s functional (understatement) and complete enough that I’m excited to finally share our home gym setup — what we included, how we designed it, and how it’s already changed the way we move our bodies every day.
Short cut: See all our health and fitness favorites here!
Why We Wanted a Home Gym
Consistency in movement has always been important to us, especially as we get older, but getting to the gym with kids, busy schedules, and unpredictable weather wasn’t always realistic. When they girls were little I either did super early Burn Bootcamp or utilized their child care. When David and I started working out together, we joined a small, private gym and the kids would come a run amuck. Not ideal. Then when covid hit and everything shut down, our crawlspace workouts got the job done, but it was a little dusty.
When we designed our home, we carved out a room specifically for fitness — a space we could keep clean, organized, and inviting- a place we would want to spend time in. Having a home gym was about more than convenience; it was about building a lifestyle that supports wellness long-term for us and the kids.
Our Home Gym Essentials
We wanted our home gym to be functional, flexible, and motivating. Here’s what made the cut:
🧱 LVP Flooring
We debated a rubber floor, but ultimately ended up going with LVP for it’s durability and the option for the room to have other uses if needed. We have a stack of interlocking foam tiles stacked in the corner to use as needed.
🏋️♀️ Dumbbells & Kettlebells
We focus heavily on strength training so we went with a full 5-50 lb rubber hex dumbbell set. They are great! We also have a couple basic cast iron kettlebells and slam balls.
🏃♂️ Cardio Corners
We added a NordicTrack treadmill, Concept 2 rower, a rebounder, and a Peloton bike for quick bursts of movement during strength workouts or longer endurance sessions. I’m a big fan of the treadmill, but David’s knees can be a little touch and go, so the rower works really well for his cardio benefit. We also have a plyobox which works really well for step ups, as a bench for certain exercises, and for plyo movements.
🏋️♂️ Half Rack and Functional Trainer
This took our strength training to the next level. If you don’t have a ton of space, the Athena Wall-Mounted Half Rack and Functional Trainer is by far the best functional trainer you can get.
🧘♀️ Yoga Mats, Resistance Bands, and Mobility Tools
Perfect for stretching, yoga, or quick functional workouts. These resistance bands have lasted us years.
🪞 Wall Mirror and Fitness Clock
Helps with form checks and adds a sense of openness to the room. We contracted with a local glass company and they did an excellent job. The Fitness Clock mounted under our TV works as a regular clock obviously, but also can be set it rounds for tabata workouts, among other perks.
🎶 Bluetooth Speaker + Good Lighting
Mood matters! Music and bright, natural light make it a space we actually want to be in. The natural light has been the biggest upgrade to me.
What We’ve Learned About Building a Home Gym
If you’re considering building a DIY home gym, here are a few tips we learned along the way:
- Start with the basics. You don’t need everything at once. Dumbbells, a mat, and resistance bands can take you far.
- Think long-term. Invest in equipment you’ll actually use, not what checks the box quickly. It’s better to wait and buy the quality piece than go with the cheaper option (spoken from experience).
- Use your space smartly. Even a corner of a garage or spare bedroom can work with the right layout. To be honest, our gym space was a little smaller than we anticipated once it was done, but functionally it is all we need and more.
- Storage matters. Keep it tidy so it’s inviting — we want to add more shelving and hooks to keep equipment organized.
Why a Home Gym is Worth It
Having a dedicated workout space at home has made a huge difference in our fitness consistency, mental health, and even how we start our mornings. There’s no commute, no excuses, and it’s always open. Also, the kids see our consistency and H has started joining us for workouts occasionally and loves the treadmill option.
Whether you’re starting in a crawlspace or already eyeing a spare room, it’s absolutely possible and worth it to create a space that supports your health goals.
