If you have one, you’re lucky. And, if you haven’t already realized it, there are a million different things you could do with your spare bedroom. From man caves to walk-in closets, spare bedrooms give you the opportunity for more than just an extra bedroom that’s hardly used.
One of the most popular ways to utilize a spare bedroom is to turn it into an exercise room — a mini gym, if you will. So many of us try to fit a million to-dos in one day that we often cut out going to the gym. It’s hard trying to save time and get everything done, day after day.
So, bring the gym home to you. Dedicating a space solely for exercise will cut out the stress of rushing to and from the gym. It will allow you to work out whenever you’re at home, and you won’t have to deal with busy gyms packed to the brim. It’s the perfect way to ensure you’ll make time for yourself to get some exercise in, no matter what.
The benefits of working out
The Center for Disease Control will tell you that physical activity among adults “lower risk of all-cause mortality, coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, type-2 diabetes, some cancers, anxiety, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.”
Even if you don’t work out at all and you want to begin, this is a great way to start. Healthypeople.gov indicates that “for people who are inactive, even small increases in physical activity are associated with health benefits” and that “physical activity can improve health and quality of life.”
If you’re thinking about turning your spare bedroom into an exercise room, there are a bunch of different ways to do it.
1. Weights
The easiest way to make any spare room into a gym is to start by buying free weights. Dumbbells are essential to your home gym journey. There are fancy, weight-adjustable dumbbells or normal, classic dumbbells.
Whatever your budget or preference, you should make these a top priority. They’re portable and can be incorporated into almost any exercise.
2. Flooring
If you have tile or hardwoods in your spare bedroom, you may want to buy some matting to place on the floor. This way, the weights don’t damage the floor. Dropping a weight, even if it’s a few pounds, can seriously damage tile or wood.
3. Shelving
Installing shelves will provide you with even more space inside of your exercise room. This way, you don’t have everything just lying around on the floor. Placing a shelving unit in one corner of your spare bedroom will help you keep the space clean and organized.
4. Yoga mat
If you aren’t already in the habit, stretching before and after your workouts is important. Use a yoga mat to do your stretching.
And, if you haven’t already, take some time to do some yoga! It’s a great addition to your workout routine. You can also use your yoga mat to partake in at-home ab workouts.
5. Mirrors
Everyone loves a good mirror while working out! Mirrors allow you to watch yourself while you’re exercising so that you can stay in good form. It’s also motivating to see yourself sweat. And they’ll make the space seem a lot bigger.
6. Enough space for two people
Make sure the way you organize your exercise room allows enough space for two people. A lot of people work out together. Having enough space for an extra person allows you to be able to have an exercise partner anytime you want.
And, according to psychologist Pirkko Markula Ph.D. of Psychology Today, human interaction while exercising “inspires and motivates similarly passionate people.” So, leave a little extra space for another person, just in case!
7. Bar cart
A bar cart can be used as mobile shelving. It will help you to keep extra clutter in a designated space. Also, because bar carts are usually on wheels, you can literally move the cart wherever you want it to be. It’s a great way to add to the organizational structure of your exercise room.
8. Television
Don’t forget some motivation.
Some people prefer to watch TV while exercising, and if that’s you, putting a TV on the wall is a simple way to add to the enjoyment of your exercise room. There are a ton of affordable options these days if you want to add a TV to the room.
9. Music
Whether you want to install a sound system in the walls or you buy an extra portable speaker for the spare room, including music into your exercise room is a great way to play your favorite music when you’re working out.
It also will eliminate the need for headphones, which can be uncomfortable during workouts.
10. Wall colors
It’s your spare room, so paint it whatever color you want to paint it (if your landlord allows it). If orange makes you happy, then exercising in an orange room will keep you motivated and excited to work out. It’s your space, so keep it fun. You’ll be more inclined to stay active by using the room more often.
11. Fans
Choose a fan to buy for the room to keep you cooled down during your workouts. There are ceiling fans, stand-up or stationary fans, vornado fans and so on. Pick your favorite kind, and add it to the room. There are a ton of different options to choose from and most are extremely affordable.
12. Wall mounts
To keep your space organized and as open as possible, install wall mounts. Vertical storage options will allow you to buy more items for your home gym. Make sure the wall mounts are installed with extremely strong bolts so that any weight you may hang on the mounts will stay in place.
13. Chalkboard wall
This is a fun and fast way to keep track of your exercise routine. You can count how many sets you’ve done, create a weekly calendar for yourself and even track your diet. With a chalkboard wall, you can do all of that without having to leave your exercise room!
14. Safety gear
Don’t forget that safety should come first when dealing with heavy weights and doing complicated exercises. Make sure you have support bands for any body part that’s more prone to injury (wrists, knees, back, etc.). Gloves are a good addition to ensure that your hands stay healthy and clean.
15. Other necessary equipment
Don’t forget to include a pull-up bar, an ab-roller and a medicine ball. With those items, in addition to the free weights you have, you can do virtually almost any exercise at home in your exercise room.
Many people use purely body weight during at-home workouts, so, no matter what, the extra space in your place will give you a bunch of options.
Don’t waste your spare bedroom!
As you can tell, it’s easier than it seems to turn your spare bedroom into an exercise room. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a good workout in, just like you don’t have to spend a lot of money to create an effective workout space for yourself.
