As Ares Simon, an author and blog publisher, I’ve always been passionate about fitness. But living in a small apartment in the heart of the city, I faced the same challenge many of my clients do: staying fit when space is at a premium. Let me share my personal journey of creating a home gym in my compact living space, along with some insights I’ve gained from helping my clients overcome similar hurdles.
Apartment living has it’s perks, but the space is often small and it can be challenging to determine storage space, let alone personal gym equipment. For those who like to work out at home, a home gym is ideal, but who has the space for that in a tiny apartment?
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How To Make a Home Gym in an Apartment
When I first decided to set up a gym in my apartment, I was overwhelmed. Where would I put everything? That’s when I realized the key was to start small and focus on versatile equipment.
The key step in creating a home gym in an apartment is to purchase easy-to-store equipment. Dumbbells and resistance bands are great because they can be kept out of sight when not being used, but they are also excellent workout tools.
A workout bench is another important piece of equipment if you want to utilize your home gym. Find one that folds or has wheels so when you’re not using it, you can easily stow it out of sight and out of the way.
I began with a set of adjustable dumbbells and resistance bands. These became the cornerstone of my workouts and I could easily tuck them away in a corner when not in use. One of my clients, a busy mom in a studio apartment, followed this advice and was amazed at how much she could accomplish with just these two items.
For a while, I longed for a workout bench but couldn’t justify the space it would take up. That’s when I got creative. I started using my bed for bench exercises, my sturdy dresser for step-ups and even my dining chair for tricep dips. It wasn’t conventional, but it worked! I’ve since shared these hacks with numerous clients and they’ve been thrilled with the results.
If you have a space to spare, something like a treadmill that folds up is a great piece of equipment or a walking pad that fits nicely under the bed or in a closet.
Make a Plan
Next, you will want to make a plan before moving anything around prematurely. Map out how you want the space to look in your head, then draw a picture so you can visualize how it will flow. Choose the most important equipment and have them in a place that is easily accessible and then maybe store away the ones you use less often.
In my case, I decided to dedicate a corner of my living room to my gym. I measured everything meticulously, ensuring that when folded or stored, my equipment wouldn’t intrude on my living space. This planning stage helped me realize I could actually fit a foldable treadmill – a game-changer for my cardio routine!
After you create the plan, it’s always a good idea to review it with someone else to get their opinion. Sometimes a third-party view can make a big difference. They may see ways to make the space flow better or make more sense for style.
Organize the Space
The next step you will need to take while creating a home gym in your apartment is to organize the space. Proper organization is critical when you’re working in a tight space. Measure the largest equipment first, like the treadmill, bike, barbell, etc. and then decide where they will fit. Be sure to choose equipment that will fit conveniently in the space or is portable; otherwise, you may not have enough room for all the different pieces of equipment you want to use.
After you have a good measurement on each item, you can decide where they will go and then fill in the remaining space with the smaller, more portable pieces of equipment (dumbbells, resistance bands, etc.). Be sure that the organization of it all flows so that it’s easy to use and won’t clog up too much of your already-limited space.
One of my favorite client success stories involves a school teacher who lived in a tiny studio. She was ready to give up on her fitness goals due to lack of space. Together, we transformed her closet into a mini gym station. By using the back of the door for storage and incorporating foldable equipment, she now had a hidden gym that could be tucked away when not in use.
Enjoy Your Home Gym
The final step in my journey was simply enjoying my new home gym. And let me tell you, it’s been incredible. No more excuses about not having time to go to the gym – it’s right there in my living room!
I’ve had clients tell me how this approach has revolutionized their fitness routines. One busy executive went from struggling to find time for the gym to working out regularly before his morning coffee. Another, a night shift worker, loved being able to exercise at odd hours without leaving her apartment.
Then, buy the home gym equipment, make a plan, organize the space and before you know it, you are on your way to a new, more fit you.
Final Thoughts
My experience has shown me that apartment living doesn’t mean compromising on fitness. With some creativity, careful planning and the right equipment choices, anyone can create a functional home gym in even the smallest of spaces.
Remember, it’s not about having a perfect setup – it’s about making fitness a convenient, integral part of your daily life. Whether you’re in a studio apartment or a compact city flat, you can transform your living space into a personal fitness haven. Trust me, I’ve done it myself and I’ve helped countless others do the same. Your journey to a fitter you can start right in your own living room!