There’s no better way to start off the New Year than with a health kick and getting back to the gym is a fantastic way to do this. However, between paying for a monthly membership and finding the time to actually go, gyms can be wasted on many of us.

So, some people are bypassing the gym fees and setting up their own makeshift workout spaces at home.

That being said, moving your sofa off to the other side of the room and dealing with constant bickers with your other half because your insanity workout keeps causing them to miss their favourite TV shows can get old very quickly! That’s why we’re here to help you with a step-by-step guide on how to create your own makeshift home gym.

Step One: Pick a space in your home where you can see yourself working out

First of all, you need to decide where you want to set up your home gym. If you have a spare bedroom, office or a conservatory, these are all great spaces for your workouts. 

However, if you don’t have the luxury of space, then it’s time to get creative in the bedroom or living room to create a multi-functional area for your home gym.

All that is required is that the space you’ve picked is large enough for you to lie down flat and also stretch your arms out when you’re standing. If that’s the case, you should be good to go!

Step Two: Give your gym area good fitness feng shui

We know that it’s never going to be the same as going to an actual gym, but there are ways that you can transform your chosen area into a space that is ideal for your workouts.

One key aspect that will help boost your energy is ensuring your fitness space is as light and airy as possible. Fitness expert Ellen Barrett, star of Ellen Barrett Live: Grace & Gusto, believes that the best way to do this is by having lots of natural light coming in through windows or doors. 

If you aren’t able to do that, you can always mimic natural light by using ‘daylight bulbs’, or even dot a few soft white lamps around the room. 

Too much colour can be overwhelming to the eye, but touches of red, orange or yellow are great colours to use on accent features as they help boost your productivity levels.

Bringing in plants to your fitness room will also increase oxygen levels – think English ivy, aloe vera, or spider plants as they are top of the list for their indoor air purification powers.

Step Three: Stock your home gym with the right equipment

You don’t need a ton of equipment, and you certainly don’t need any of those big bulky (and usually pricey) machines or gadgets that they have in the gym to make your home an effective place to exercise. 

You just need the right equipment for you. All the equipment we recommend is small and inexpensive, but the most important accessory we think you should invest in for your makeshift gym is soft flooring to reduce the likelihood of injury. 

For this, you can simply use a children’s play mat as the base, and then throw a yoga mat on top for when you need the extra cushioning. Dumbells, resistance bands, yoga blocks and steps are also great additions to a home gym.

Though, honestly, some of the best workouts require no equipment at all. Check out all these bodyweight exercises that you can do without anything extra. But, if you wish to use more substantial equipment, then we suggest starting with a few key pieces and build up from there.

Step Four: Stay focused by keeping the clutter to a minimum

If you keep your workout area clutter-free and void of all distractions, such as gadgets, gizmos, dogs, cats and anything else that may take your attention away from actually using your little gym area, then you’re more likely to focus your attention to the job at hand – working out! 

You can help keep things tidy in between workouts by dedicating a few spare shelves, or better yet, a specified storage area, for your fitness bits and bobs.

Our Narven Oak Sideboard would be perfect to keep your equipment dust-free and tucked away neatly when you’re not using it. Or, if you’d like something a little smaller that would work well in a shared space, why not go for the beautifully handcrafted French Oak Blanket Box.

Step Five: Get to work using your makeshift home gym!

Now that you’re all set up, all you have to do is actually put your home gym to good use! As with any gym, your makeshift home gym won’t be any good for you if you don’t regularly visit it.

Let us know what you would do differently in your home gym, or if you have any other suggestions on Facebook or Instagram.