Home Gyms

Many of us find it difficult to muster up the motivation to go to the gym before or after a busy day of working.  The weather’s too cold or too hot; there’s traffic; the gym’s too crowded. Whether these obstacles are real or imagined, there is a perfect solution: create a space in your house where you can work up a sweat without having to endure the elements or deal with the general population.  Showing up to the gym is so much easier when it’s only steps away.

In recent years, many of the new homes and additions we have designed for our clients include home gyms programmed into the scope.  These spaces range in size from a designated corner of a basement to a 600 square foot room, clad in mirror with every possible piece of equipment.

Planning for a home gym in the early phases of construction is key, as many pieces of equipment require significant in-wall blocking.  TRX systems, pull-up bars, ballet barres, along with other bodyweight apparatus need to be affixed to the structure of the building to provide the necessary stability.  Retrofitting an existing space to accommodate such items is possible, though addressing it while the studs are exposed is ideal.  Additionally, many pieces of equipment require above average ceiling heights.  It is important to make sure that you have ample head room for an elliptical machine or a treadmill – especially if you plan on incline running; these pieces can add well over a foot to your normal height.

Beyond the structural requirements, home gyms also demand a significant amount of electrical power.  It is important to know what pieces of automated equipment you are going to include so the proper loads can be worked into the electrical program.  Designing an equipment layout for your gym space is something that should be done in the planning phase as well.  Floor outlets can be placed adjacent to equipment so that power cords do not become a tripping hazard.

If you are interested in installing a home gym space, there are many factors that need to be considered. Be sure to hire an experienced architect.  Call or email us if you’d like more information.