You’re setting up a home gym. How can you make sure it’s a space you’ll want to use every day?

1 Choose your location

The first step is to find a suitable spot in your home for your gym. Ideally, you want a place that has enough space, light, ventilation, and privacy. You also want to consider the noise level, the floor type, and the accessibility. Avoid areas that are too crowded, dark, humid, or noisy, as they can affect your mood and performance. If possible, choose a room that has a door or a window that you can open to let in some fresh air and natural light.

2 Equip your gym

The next step in equipping your gym for functional training is to acquire the right tools and accessories. Functional training is a type of exercise that involves movements that mimic real-life activities, such as lifting, pushing, pulling, squatting, and jumping. You don’t need to buy expensive equipment, but you do need some basic items that can challenge your muscles, joints, and balance. For example, you may need a mat or rug to protect your floor and provide cushioning, a set of dumbbells, kettlebells or resistance bands to add weight and resistance, a stability ball, medicine ball or BOSU ball to improve core strength and stability, a TRX suspension trainer, pull-up bar or set of rings to work on upper body and grip strength, and a jump rope, skipping rope or box to boost cardio and agility. Additionally, you can use household items such as a chair, bench, broomstick or backpack to improvise exercises – just make sure they are sturdy and safe to use.

4 Decorate your gym

The fourth step is to decorate your gym in a way that reflects your personality and style. You want to create a space that inspires you, motivates you, and makes you feel comfortable and happy. You can use some colors, posters, stickers, or photos to add some flair and character to your gym. You can also use some plants, candles, or diffusers to add some freshness and aroma to your gym. You can also use some speakers, headphones, or a TV to play some music, podcasts, or videos that you enjoy and that keep you energized and focused.

5 Maintain your gym

The fifth step is to maintain your gym in a way that preserves its quality and functionality. You want to keep your gym clean, safe, and hygienic, so you can enjoy your workouts without any issues or risks. You can use some wipes, towels, or sprays to wipe down your equipment and your floor after each use, to prevent any dirt, sweat, or bacteria from building up. You can also use some tools, such as a screwdriver, a wrench, or a hammer, to check and fix any loose or broken parts of your equipment, to prevent any accidents or injuries. You can also use some lubricants, oils, or grease to keep your equipment smooth and friction-free, to prevent any wear and tear or damage.

6 Update your gym

The sixth step is to update your gym in a way that keeps it interesting and challenging. You want to avoid getting bored or stuck in a rut with your functional training routine, so you can keep improving your fitness and performance. You can use some apps, books, or magazines to find some new exercises, routines, or tips that you can try in your gym. You can also use some trackers, timers, or scales to measure and monitor your progress and results, and set some goals and rewards for yourself. You can also use some friends, family, or online communities to share your experiences, get some feedback, or join some challenges or competitions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?