How to Convert a Shed into a Gym

Get ready to embrace a fit and fabulous future, all without being tied down by expensive gym fees for the next half-century! Prepare to sweat it out and achieve your best self as we walk you through the process of converting a shed into your very own gym. The steps provided are versatile, so feel free to skip any that don’t align with your situation. Stay focused on preparing your shed for that exciting first home workout. Let’s begin this empowering journey to a healthier you!

Converting Your Shed Into a Home Gym in 10 Simple Steps

Step 1: Decide on a New Shed or Utilize Your Current One.

If you currently possess a shed in good condition, you’re all set to proceed with your gym transformation!

If you don’t have a suitable shed, there are several options available to you. You can purchase a new shed from various sources, such as popular online retailers like Amazon, well-known home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowes, or even support a local, family-owned shed builder like GEMCO Building Systems. We highly recommend considering the latter option, as local shed builders often prioritize quality materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and excellent customer service.

Regardless of whether you’ve acquired a shed yet or not, continue reading for valuable tips and customization ideas for your gym shed. We’ve got you covered on your journey to creating the perfect workout space!

Step 2: Begin with a Fresh Start by Cleaning and Clearing Out the Space.

Discovering how to convert your shed into a gym becomes easier when you address its current contents. If your shed is currently serving as storage or filled with random items, now is the perfect moment to contemplate whether you want your gym shed to share space with anything unrelated to your fitness goals.

If feasible, consider storing non-gym-related items elsewhere. Alternatively, you could embrace a more minimalist lifestyle by either discarding unnecessary items or donating them to Goodwill.

The ideal preparation for the transformation is to have your shed completely empty, providing a blank canvas for what comes next in creating your dream gym space.

Step 3: Ensure Adequate Electrical Installation and Proper Ventilation.

Your Power Options:

This step is crucial as it addresses various aspects of how to convert a shed into a gym. If you desire the convenience of working out in proper lighting during the evenings, the ability to watch TV during long endurance sessions, or access to Wi-Fi connectivity, then installing electricity in your gym shed becomes essential.

• DIY – Take on the task of adding power to your shed yourself. If you’re up for the challenge, refer to this article by Family Handyman for guidance on how to proceed. The cost of a DIY project can range from $100 to $800, depending on your specific setup requirements.
• Hire an Electrician – For a professionally done job, especially if electrical work isn’t your expertise, hiring an electrician is the best option. The average cost for this service might be anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the complexity of your setup.
• Solar Power – Opt for an eco-friendly approach by harnessing the sun’s energy to power your shed, complemented by batteries, solar panels, and inverters. Gain insights into how it all works by checking out this article on “Adding a Solar Kit to Power Your Shed.” You can either embark on a DIY solar installation or hire an experienced solar installer. While the initial cost of installing solar power may seem significant, the long-term benefits and savings make it a rewarding investment.

Your Ventilation Options:

Ensuring proper air ventilation is essential for your gym shed, and there are several ideal ways to achieve this:

• Install Vents: Incorporate vents to facilitate increased air circulation within the shed.
• Install Windows: Adding one or more windows can enhance airflow and provide natural light.
• Keep Shed Doors Open: While working out, keeping the shed doors open can allow fresh air to flow in.

If you’re purchasing a new shed, take advantage of the customization process to select the ventilation options that best suit your needs for converting the shed into a gym. Adequate ventilation will create a more comfortable and inviting workout space.

Step 4: Consider Insulation Based on Your Needs and Climate.

While some individuals choose to embrace the raw charm of their shed’s studs and endure the temperature fluctuations, others find insulation to be a valuable solution. If you wish to regulate your gym shed’s temperature effectively and save on energy costs, investing in insulation is a wise decision.

Here are some popular DIY methods for insulating your gym shed:

• Foam Board Insulation – Refer to instructional videos on “How to Install Foam Board” for guidance.
• Spray Foam – Utilize instructional videos on “How to Install Spray Foam” for this approach.
• Roof Insulation DIY – Implement DIY techniques to insulate your shed’s roof.

Of course, if you prefer a hassle-free experience, you can always hire a local contractor to handle the insulation work for you. The choice is yours, and either way, you’ll ensure a more comfortable and energy-efficient gym space.

Step 5: Reinforce the Flooring if Required for Enhanced Stability.

If your gym shed is an older one and you have concerns about its floor’s ability to support your weight training equipment, it’s essential to dedicate time to reinforce it.

Similarly, if you recently acquired a budget-friendly shed constructed with less sturdy materials, reinforcing the floor becomes crucial to ensure proper load-bearing capacity, especially if the shed is not directly on the ground.

The last thing you’d want is for your badly moment of setting down 200-pound dumbbells to result in one of them piercing through the floor! 😊

To reinforce the gym shed floor, you can use pressure-treated plywood and carefully apply it over the existing floorboards. Check out the following video for an idea of how this can be done.

In more severe cases where the floor is in poor condition, you might consider redoing the entire floor. However, if the shed is significantly old and worn down, it might be more practical to invest in a new one altogether. Ensuring a stable and secure gym shed floor is crucial for a safe and enjoyable workout experience.

Step 6: Cover the Walls and Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint for a Vibrant Look.

For your shed gym’s interior wall coverage, you have several popular options to consider:

• Do Nothing – If you opted not to insulate and prefer the rustic charm of natural wood, leaving it as is can be an attractive choice.
• Drywall Sheets – Check out this DIY video for guidance on adding Drywall Sheets yourself.
• Shiplap
• Plywood

Choosing the right color for your gym shed is essential in the process of transforming it. You can find your ideal paint colors at Sherwin Williams, Home Depot, or even Walmart. Whether you feel motivated by dark, muted colors, or prefer light, neutral shades, paint the walls with the color that ignites your game face. Creating the perfect atmosphere in your gym shed will inspire and invigorate your workouts!

Step 7: Use Workout-Friendly Flooring Material to Suit Your Exercise Routine.

Choosing the right flooring for your gym shed is crucial and a worthy investment, especially if you plan to engage in heavy lifting workouts. Here are three popular flooring options, each suited for different types of workouts:

• Rubber Flooring: Available in tiles or rolls, rubber flooring works well for both heavy weight training equipment and yoga exercises.
• Horse Mats: This option is highly favored for heavy weight training. However, it comes with some drawbacks, such as a strong smell and gaps between pieces. Despite being a more affordable choice, consider these factors before opting for horse mats.
• Vinyl and Carpet: If your workouts lean towards lighter routines, such as yoga or light exercise machines, both vinyl and carpet are excellent options.

Selecting the right gym shed flooring tailored to your workout needs will enhance your overall experience and provide the necessary support for your fitness journey.

Step 8: Set Up Your Workout Equipment in the Gym Space.

After completing the first 7 steps, it’s finally time to bring in your workout equipment! Consider which of the following options best suits your situation:

• Bring in what you already have – If you already possess your ideal exercise equipment, you’re all set to proceed.
• Starting new and on a budget – Check out how to set up a $500 Gym on Amazon for affordable options. For more insights, Garage Gym Reviews provides a comprehensive breakdown of budget-friendly choices.

If you’re interested in cardio-based equipment, there’s a dedicated YouTube video worth exploring.

Don’t forget to check out the links to the exercise products featured in the video.

Furthermore, no gym is complete without mirrors, so consider adding them if you don’t already have any. Mirrors are an essential component of the gym setup and play a vital role in your workout routines.

Step 9: Personalize Your Gym Shed with Unique Décor and Inspirational Touches.

Now comes the extra fun part! Take delight in adding your own unique gym shed décor. Whether it’s surfboards, flags, plants, or any other personal touches, infusing your home gym shed with your individual style makes it truly complete. Let your creativity shine as you transform the space into a fitness oasis that reflects your personality and motivates you during your workouts.

Step 10: Revel in the Convenience of Working Out from the Comfort of Home!

Now, as you sweat away those calories, build muscle strength, and invest in your well-being, you get to do it in a space that truly belongs to you. Your shed turned gym is not just any place; it’s your very own sanctuary. Congratulations, you now know how to turn a shed into a gym! Embrace this newfound fitness haven and enjoy every moment of your workout journey!