If nothing else works for you, perhaps it’s time to re-evaluate your workout space:
Does your home gym or exercise area inspire you to move?
Does it remind you of your fitness goals?
You see, design can be your hero. The built environment influences your thoughts, choices, and actions more than you know it. If you’ve wanted to build an inspirational workout zone, you have to fill it with things that enhance your workout experience. Here are nine exercise area must-haves that inspire you in your daily grind:
Lay Out Non-slip floors
You tend to put a lot of pressure in your feet when you exercise that’s why you need non-slip flooring in your exercise area.
The ideal type of flooring for your exercise areas are hardwood, cork, or carpet tiles. Bare hardwood floors can support the body while doing mild to high-intensity workouts.
If you want something softer, go for cork and carpet tiles. This cushion the body, preventing injuries from pressure and falls. Cork is soft and it absorbs impact very well. However, dragging an equipment on the floor can easily ruin it. With carpet tiles, you can enjoy a comfortable, non-slip underfoot in your home gym. You don’t need to worry about staining it or ruining it because you can replace the damaged carpet tile easily. It also comes in a wide variety of designs which can make your home gym more interesting.
Never swap timber, cork, or carpet tiles for laminate flooring in your gym because laminate is slippery. You don’t want to slip on your own sweat.
Make room for the TV
If you’re following your cardio exercise from an instructional video, a having a TV in your exercise area is a smart move. It’s best if you mount it on a wall where it won’t shake even if you jump and dance hard on the floor.
In the event that you don’t have a TV in your home gym, use your laptop or tablet. Put it on top of a steady table and start dancing!
Play heart pumping or relaxing Music
If you’re doing yoga, enhance your session with relaxing music. If you’re doing Zumba dance moves, play body-pumping tunes. Prepare your own workout playlist ahead of time or you can stream playlists on Youtube or Spotify. Carry a player that’s compatible with your phone or your music player. Play the music and start your daily exercise.
Watch yourself in the Mirror
If you’ve noticed, the mirror is a staple in all commercial gyms. They attach high-grade, construction quality mirrors on the walls. If your budget permits, splurge on a good mirror that’s large enough for you to see yourself.
Mirrors help you watch yourself while lifting weights. It allows you to check your body's form and posture during an exercise, preventing any injury. Also, seeing yourself and the improvement that happened to your body will inspire you to continue this fitness journey even more.
Keep the Gear Storage Organised (and Hygienic)
What can be more inspirational than seeing weights and props arranged neatly in the gym? It's inviting. It's luring you to do your workout. If you don’t have money to buy the gym rack, you can use an old bookshelf. Clean your equipment before storing them back.
Display Inspiring Graphics
If you’ve noticed, most gyms use experiential graphic design in the interiors of the work out space. It’s an integral part of the gym's architecture for it can inspire people to finish their workout.
You can also implement the same concept in your own home. Decorate one of your walls with graphics that can motivate you. Seeing it every day will make a difference in your personal workout area. Use it as a focal point, so it reminds you of your #fitnessjourney and #bodygoals every day.
Display clean rolled white towels
Before you start your workout, put your clean towel in a spot where you can see it. It’s motivating and rewarding at the same time. Getting that towel is a sign of an accomplished workout that you should be proud of yourself.
Create a place for Cooling Down
The body’s recovery is as important as the exercise. After your workout session, treat yourself to a corner where you can sit, breathe, and drink water. A reward after finishing the routine inspires you to finish it every time.
Finally, Make Room for a Friend
Some people are more inspired when they workout with other people. Seeing somebody exercise makes you want to move as well. In addition, attending a group workout will give you a break from the ups and downs of life. With a friendly yet strict fitness instructor, your workout can’t get any better. ∎
Author bio: Charlene Ara Gonzales is a design writer for the architects of Superdraft Australia. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.