Having a home gym is a fantastic way to stay active and build fitness without having to pay expensive membership fees. Many homes may not have sufficient space for a home gym, so some Delaware homeowners create one in their storage sheds. A storage shed from Space Makers is a great place to build an additional living space for your property, whether that be an office, art studio, or home gym. To create a home gym in your storage shed, there are a few factors to consider. Here is everything you need to know about converting your storage shed into a home gym.
Preparing the Shed
There are a few things you’ll need to install in your shed from Space Makers to make it suitable for a home gym. We recommend choosing a larger-sized shed to accommodate the space requirements for all your exercise equipment.
Insulation
Insulating your shed for a home gym will regulate the temperature inside it while lowering your energy costs. Insulate the walls, floor, and ceiling to maintain comfortable temperatures in the structure year-round. You can use foam board, spray foam, or fiberglass insulation to keep your shed cool during Delaware summers and warm during the winters. This is especially beneficial during hot weather, as heat can add extra stress while you are working out. After insulating, cover the walls with drywall or plywood and paint them a motivating color for your workouts.
Proper Ventilation
Electricity
Installing electricity is essential for a home gym. You’ll need electricity so you can hook up all your equipment, watch TV while working out, have lighting, and connect to WiFi. Proper lighting will allow you to use the space even at night, and having a TV or speakers in the space will make working out more enjoyable. Depending on how far your shed is from your house, you may need to run electric lines to the shed. If you want to opt for an eco-friendly solution, add solar panels to the shed’s roof for electricity. Whatever method you choose, we recommend having a professional install electricity for safety.
Reinforce the Shed’s Floor
Sometimes, a shed’s standard flooring won’t be suitable to hold heavy gym equipment. At Space Makers, we build sheds with premium materials and can use a concrete foundation for stability, but we recommend reinforcing the floors to support the equipment safely. Use pressure-treated plywood to strengthen the floors, ensuring proper load-bearing for your heavy weight-training equipment. You can add additional flooring to further protect the floors, like rubber mats, which go perfectly in a home gym. They work well for heavy equipment and are better suited for exercising as they absorb impact and provide extra insulation.
Shed Weight Limits
Storage sheds generally have a weight limit, which will need to be factored in when you want to place heavy equipment inside. On average, a shed can hold 20lbs per square foot. A 10x12 shed would have a 2,400 lbs weight limit. Gym equipment can range in weight, with a treadmill averaging 300 lbs, and dumbbell racks weighing up to 1000lbs, depending on how many dumbbells you own. To combat the shed’s weight capacity, we recommend building the structure on a concrete foundation for its strength and durability. Reinforcing the floors will also enhance the weight capacity, making the floors stronger to hold the equipment.
Pre-Existing Sheds:
If you are converting an existing shed you have on your property, there are a few additional things you’ll need to do to convert it into a home gym. First, you’ll need to take all existing belongings out of the shed and move them to a new home. If you have space in your garage, we recommend storing lawn equipment there. Then you’ll need to inspect the shed for any structural issues, like leaks, broken shingles, water damage, etc., and address the problems immediately. Thoroughly clean the shed before adding insulation, ventilation, and electricity. For a pre-existing shed, reinforcing the floors is necessary to ensure safety.
Home Gym Necessities
Once your shed is prepared to be a home gym, you can add in your gym equipment and decor. Below are some must-have items for a home gym.
Equipment
For a storage shed home gym, choose equipment that matches your fitness goals. Generally, you’ll want to include an elliptical or treadmill for cardio, weights and a bench for muscle building, and floor space for stretching and full-body exercises. Make sure you have enough space for all your equipment to fit comfortably. Our sheds have a vast size range to accommodate large equipment. Your home gym will maximize space and functionality to allocate room for all the equipment you’ll need for working out.
Organization
A cluttered space can be distracting and unmotivating. Ensure your space is clean and organized for an effective workout. Wall-mounted storage with hooks, shelves, and pegboards helps you store smaller items, like resistance bands, dumbbells, towels, and water bottles. You can even repurpose old bookshelves and cabinets for extra storage. In our experience, it’s best to utilize the shed’s wall space to free up your floor for stretching and yoga exercises. Our Classic Garden Dutch Barn shed has the most wall space inside, perfect for adding storage and a pull-up bar to your workout routine.
Decor
Once you’ve added in your equipment and organization elements, now’s the time to decorate your space. Add your unique decor for a personal touch to transform the shed into a motivating space that reflects your personality. Include motivational posters to inspire a good workout. A home gym will need full-length mirrors and a clock so you can monitor your form and timing while exercising. We’ve also found it beneficial to include a mini fridge in the space for water and protein shakes.
Build a Custom Storage Shed with Space Makers 
Turning a storage shed into a home gym is a great way to invest in your fitness. While the initial investment of building the shed and acquiring the equipment can be expensive, you’ll be saving money in the long run by not spending money on expensive gym memberships. As with any shed space, make sure the gym is always secure and locked when not in use. Space Makers Sheds can create custom storage sheds for any use. Find pre-built sheds that are ready to be delivered, or design your shed with our 3D Builder. If you have any questions, contact us.