How to turn your shed into a home gym
Sheds can be a place for all sorts of things besides storage – potting shed, chicken shed, dog kennel, a bar. But what about a gym?
If you’re tired of paying for a gym membership that you hardly use and want to make better use of your shed, turn it into your very own home gym. It saves on transportation times back and forth, and means you can fit in a workout and jump straight in the shower at home.
That’s why I wanted to bring you this guide, with some help from Garden Buildings Direct, to tell you exactly how you can turn your old shed into a lovely home gym. Garden Buildings Direct offers brilliant structures that can be repurposed beyond simple storage, and their garden sheds with reinforced flooring provide the perfect foundation for a home gym conversion.
Step 1: Assess your space realistically
First, think about the size of your shed. To get the space and new gym layout right, you’re best emptying the shed completely if there’s anything stored in it so you’ll see how it could potentially work.
A garden shed even as small as an 8×10 would work perfectly.
Measure your available floor space and the ceiling height, and take into account where windows and doors are so you can work around these. You’ll also want to account for movement areas. You’ll need room to extend your arms full and perform exercises safely, without having to move equipment around constantly.
Step 2: Prepare the structure
Once you’ve measured up and considered your layout, it’s time to start preparing your shed. Most sheds aren’t made to hold heat and this can be a problem. British weather isn’t exactly gym-friendly all year around, so you will want to consider how you’ll insulate the shed without losing too much space inside.
Wall insulation can be used inside the shed to line the walls, and then can be covered with plywood for a neater finish.
You might also want to consider the type of floor that will work best for you. Interlocking rubber gym tiles are definitely a good option as they can go over the existing wooden floor for equipment stability and joint protection.
At this point, I’d also fix any existing issues with your shed. Is part of the roof rotting? Does it need a new step? Making these fixes now is going to improve the longevity of your shed.
Step 3: Consider practical electrics
You’ll likely need some kind of electrical supply to your shed gym, even if it’s just for lighting and fans (in the summer). It’s not essential, as you’ll be able to find battery-powered equivalents, but it is something to consider if you want to enjoy your workouts.
Most electricians will be able to run a weatherproof connection from your house, and they could install basic lighting and even a power socket for fans, speakers, and more.
Step 4: Choose multi-functional equipment
Now your shed should be properly insulated, have the right flooring and be equipped with some lighting and power. It’s time to think about what exercises you’ll be doing in there and therefore, what equipment you need.
Space constraints might force you to be clever with equipment choices, focusing mainly on versatility. For instance, could you buy adjustable dumbbells that mean you no longer need an entire rack of weights that take up precious floor space?
A folding bench, resistance bands, and a suspension trainer mounted to the ceiling provide endless exercise variations in minimal space.
Step 5: Climate control solutions
British weather presents unique challenges. Your shed is probably freezing in January and sweltering in July.
A small electric heater on a timer can warm the space 15 minutes before your winter morning workouts.
For summer, you could install a solar-powered exhaust fan and simply prop the door open for cross-ventilation.
Even with the installed vents and heater, always make sure you ventilate the building, leaving the door open for a while after every workout.
Step 6: Personalise your space
Don’t underestimate how the environment affects motivation. You want to workout in an enjoyable environment, so perhaps you could paint the walls a bright white to maximise light and hang a large mirror to check form.
A Bluetooth speaker and dedicated workout playlist can make the space feel energising even at 6am.
Finally, add some personal touches that will motivate you. This could include photos of your favourite athletes, your running medals, a whiteboard for tracking progress or some inspirational quotes.
Real-world costs breakdown
So how much could all of this cost? Actually, not as much as you might think. You’ve already got the main structure (the shed), so let’s estimate how much the extras could come to.
- Insulation and wall lining: £120
- Rubber flooring tiles: £85
- Basic electrical work: £200
- Adjustable dumbbells: £250
- Folding bench and other equipment: £150
- White paint: £30
This is a total of £835. Let’s say you spend £40 a month at a commercial gym, and your shed will pay for itself in less than two years.
Unexpected benefits beyond fitness
The convenience factor cannot be overstated. Your workouts could actually increase once you remove the effort of the commute to and from the gym. Plus, having a dedicated space separate from the house creates a psychological boundary that helps you focus purely on exercise.
How can you resolve any humidity issues?
Humidity – humidity is not the friend of metal gym equipment, and it could lead to rust. To combat this, consider hanging a small dehumidifer in a corner. You can also store smaller metal items in a sealed container with silica gel packets.
I’d also advise that after each workout, you leave the door or windows open for at least 30 minutes. This will help with humidity and will air out the space.
Is it worth it?
For me, the answer is an unequivocal yes. Beyond the money saved on gym memberships, the time saved on commuting and the privacy of having your own space is invaluable.
You could see you fitness improve more in the next few weeks than it has the last few months at your commercial gym.
If you’re on the fence, start small. Even a partially converted shed with minimal equipment can provide an effective workout space that grows with your commitment.
What unused garden building could you transform into your personal fitness sanctuary? The perfect workout space might be just a few steps from your back door!
