Garden gyms are fast becoming a popular option for those who want to stay fit. Rather than paying those expensive gym fees and being crowded in with a bunch of noisy, sweaty people, you can enjoy your own gym at home, in the garden. What could be better?
If you’re considering the addition of a garden gym to your property, there are some things you’ll need to keep in mind.
1). Building size: you’ll want to make sure the garden gym building fits into your space. The optimal size for a garden gym is about 5m x 4m. This room size is sure to provide you with enough space for your various gym equipment. You’ll also find there’s even enough room to stretch and cool down.
If this size building is too big, then you might consider a 3m x 3m gym garden. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll have to pare down the amount of gym equipment the space can comfortably accommodate. In a space this size, you’ll be able to fit in an exercise bike and some weights, but not much else.
2). Building height: this is another important consideration for your garden gym. If you’d like to construct a building without planning permission, then you’ll have to stick with a 2.5 m high building, if the gym building is 2m away from your home.
If you can position the building 2m or more from a boundary line, then you can go up to a height of 3m, which will give you about an internal height of 2.5m to 2.7m. It might even be possible to go up to a height of 4m, by using a pitched roof.
However, if you do plan on obtaining planning permission, don’t worry. We’ll help you through this process, so you’ll have the clearance needed to construct your garden gym building.
3). Flooring: when considering the type of flooring for your garden gym building, be sure to think of how you may want to use the room. For instance, you may want to use the building as a home office, when you’re not exercising. Or it can have other alternative uses such as an extra bedroom, a den, etc.
You’ll also want to choose flooring that holds up well to heavy exercise equipment, dancing or cardio workouts, etc.
Depending on the alternative uses for the building, you’ll want to make sure to choose a base structure that’s the best fit. You may want to consider such things as commercial grade interlocking foam or rubber floor tiles to protect wooden flooring, for example.
4). Environmental—heating and cooling: our garden gym rooms are constructed using residential grade insulation, along with double glazed windows and doors. When it’s hot, you can open the bi-focal doors to open the entire room to the cooling air from your garden. And if you’d like additional windows, you can add additional ventilation to help keep the room comfortable.
It’s also possible to install a wall-mounted environmental control unit, which will work to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer.
5). Garden gym equipment: your garden gym will have only so much space, so you’ll need to consider the types of equipment you want, with the goal of not over-crowding the space. We offer garden room designers who help you develop the gym’s floor plan, so you’ll get the most out of your space. With the right configuration, you can fill your new gym with the equipment you’d like to use.
You may want to opt for equipment that can folded when you’re finished. In addition, you can use the wall as storage with the addition of hooks and shelves. It may also be possible to fit in storage units for weights, water bottles and more.
Keep in mind that it may be necessary to add strengthening measures for walls and ceilings if you include gym equipment such as punching bags, yoga swings, etc. Another option may be to include a small storage room add-on to store equipment and free up space in your garden gym.
6). Utilities: people tend to forget the addition of utilities when planning their new garden gym. These are important to consider, as some of your gym equipment may require electricity, an Internet connection, lighting, climate control, etc.
For instance, you’ll want to make sure the space includes enough power sockets, and you might consider having them built into the floor. This way you won’t have any cables to trip over when you exercise.
When it comes to lighting, LED is a great way to go. Using LED lighting will keep your gym from over heating and help you save on energy bills. You can even add dimmers to parts of the room.
What about an entertainment system? Do you enjoy working out to music or watching videos? Then you may want to consider the addition of a TV and audio system. Here, you might consider wall-mounting the TV and consider using recessed speakers in the ceiling, where they’ll take up less space. You may also want to make sure the system includes Bluetooth, so you can listen to your favorite music via headphones, etc.
Would you like to add plumbing? This is another option. You can add a small bathroom with a shower, for instance, and have easy access to drinking water.
7). External options: when most people consider adding a garden gym, they want to make sure the building will fit in with their home’s architecture and/or the garden’s natural setting. Keep in mind the garden gym may be visible from the house or the street, so you want it to fit in nicely. The key is to avoid adding an unattractive box to your garden.
It’s also possible to landscape around the building once it’s completed. This way you can soften the building’s lines and blend the area in with the rest of your garden.
8). Other considerations: you’ll also need to consider how to make your garden gym both secure and private. Consider the use of multi-locking and Euro-standard doors and window locks. You may also want to add a security system, in order to keep you and your equipment safe and secure.
As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when adding a garden gym to your property. However, consider the many benefits you’ll enjoy with the addition of a garden gym—you’ll have a lovely space to stay fit and health, and you’ll increase your home’s value.
