Meet Your Get-Fit Goals With a Dual-Use Gym
Carve out space in any room (yes, even the bathroom) for working out, and you can never say the gym is too long a haul
Houzz Editorial Staff
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Now that it's several weeks into the new year, it's time to reevaluate that get-healthy New Year's resolution. How's it going — really? If you're like the rest of us, it might already be a forgotten promise, but that's OK. You still have plenty of time to jump back on that bandwagon.
If you're lacking motivation (and most of us are), make working out fun and convenient by carving out a gym space at home. Although full-blown home gyms often mean dramatic mirrored walls, big-screen TVs, a vast array of weights and equipment, and a hefty price tag, they aren't the only option. Double-duty gyms are a practical alternative; they offer the convenience of exercising at home without requiring a ton of space or an extravagant budget. In reality, all you need to work out is an office, a playroom or a living room nook and some carefully selected exercise equipment. With a little space and some organization, you can turn any room — yes, even a bathroom — into your own workout haven.
Check out some of these dual-purpose gyms for proof, and get going — no more excuses.
If you're lacking motivation (and most of us are), make working out fun and convenient by carving out a gym space at home. Although full-blown home gyms often mean dramatic mirrored walls, big-screen TVs, a vast array of weights and equipment, and a hefty price tag, they aren't the only option. Double-duty gyms are a practical alternative; they offer the convenience of exercising at home without requiring a ton of space or an extravagant budget. In reality, all you need to work out is an office, a playroom or a living room nook and some carefully selected exercise equipment. With a little space and some organization, you can turn any room — yes, even a bathroom — into your own workout haven.
Check out some of these dual-purpose gyms for proof, and get going — no more excuses.
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If you're a busy parent, make working out more convenient by combining a playroom and home gym. You can exercise here when the kids are at school, or you can all work together — you on your machine and the little ones at their built-in kids' station.
| A home office makes for the perfect double-duty gym because it typically isn't in use 24 hours a day. Just add one piece of equipment, one you know you like, and voilà — you have a quiet and practical workout space. |
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| With its typically big, open floor plan, a basement is a great place to set up shop. Placed next to the staircase, this space-efficient gym uses an elevated platform to help divide the large room without any constricting walls. |
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| This home office and gym combo is organization at its best. Packed to the brim with built-ins, it has plenty of room for desk supplies, workout equipment and even a mini fridge to house water bottles and sports drinks. With this kind of room, lack of motivation won't be a problem. |
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| In this playroom–home gym, built-in toy storage and exercise equipment are stacked against the walls, which leaves plenty of space in the middle for kids to play or for anyone to exercise. The built-in bookcase helps separate one side from the other. |
| Sometimes you just need a well-placed piece of equipment. Positioned behind the sofa, this treadmill stays out of the action but still allows for some TV watching to help pass the time. |
| This attic-style game room is the perfect spot for a good, hard workout. To ensure there's plenty of space for that intense ping-pong match in a setup like this, fold up the treadmill after each use. |
by Mary Prince
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If space is an issue, opt for a small stationary bike instead of a treadmill. This less bulky piece of equipment will fit into a corner and isn't an eyesore in this traditional office.
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Yes, bathroom–home gym combos are admittedly not that common. When you think about it, though, it makes perfect sense: After a hard workout, you can jump right into a warm, relaxing bath.
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| Create an all-about-me room by combining your crafts room and home gym. Although this room isn't huge, the built-in desk and sparse furniture leave plenty of space for a treadmill and yoga mat. |
Comments
martinjj We're adding on a laundry/mudroom and have planned space for our elliptical trainer. Perhaps I will get some exercise AND laundry done at the same time!!
4 months ago · Like
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lyvia Can you paint gym equipment? What kind of paint would you use, and are there parts to leave alone?
4 months ago · Like
Peter Medvin How about a gym in your guest room - or a guest room in your gym. With Zoom-Room, you can have a remote controlled, retractable Murphy Bed that's completely undetectable. That's because you can put a flat screen TV in front to watch those work-out videos. Check it out at www.Zoom-Room.com. 
4 months ago · Like
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swismiself My physical therapist strongly encouraged me to use a roman chair for my lower back. I put it next to my bed because it was the only space left in our tiny house, and it's turned into such a blessing. It's the last thing I see before I go to bed and the first thing I see every morning. The constant reminder means I'm more likely to use the thing.
4 months ago · Like
katelynweissinger Surprised treadmill desks weren't mentioned here. They're not always the most attractive things but they're great for people who work from home offices. Many basic model treadmills can be modified so you can walk and work on your computer at the same time. My husband took off the upper handrails on a basic treadmill and raised a simple Ikea desk to its highest setting to create his. And the treadmill can be folded up and rolled into a corner or closet when we're entertaining.
4 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Jan. 23, 2013.
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