How to re-start that NYE exercise plan with a unique garage gym

With January now a distant memory and February in full swing it’s that time of the year when the hassle and effort of using the local gym begins to take its toll, says Daniel Calvert, marketing co-ordinator at Dura Fitted Garages.

For many of us that simple fitness regime we’re so ‘committed’ to goes out of the window as we continue to stay inside on these cold winter evenings, too warm in our snug, cosy homes to go out in the elements.

However, with the help of Dura Garages, getting fit in 2012 has suddenly become a lot easier. For many of you the thought of working out within the comfort of your own home is an extremely appealing idea but having the room to store fitness machines and work out in peace can often prove to be extremely difficult.

By transforming your damp, dull and lifeless garage into a warm, stylish and fully functioning gym, you can continue with your regime this year without the added hassle of leaving your beautiful house. Many of us only use the garage as a spare storage area so why not capitalise on this extra room by transforming it into the perfect home gym? Below we look at the different steps involved in creating the home gym of your dreams:

Insulate the garage

Before you consider fitting out your newly uncluttered garage, the first thing you need to consider is insulating the garage against the elements. In most cases the garage will be a cold and perhaps damp environment so it’s wise to insulate the walls with cavity wall insulation and seal around the frame of the door with anti-draft insulation strips. Once you’ve done this you’ll simply need to install a few conventional electric storage heaters to turn the garage into a room that’s perfect for working out in whatever the weather.

Restyle the walls and flooring

3D home gym designed by mydeco.com community member Cejovic Andrijana

The next stage you’ll need to consider is the interior design of the garage. In most cases you want to create a colour scheme that is warm and calm but conducive to motivation and energy. Using light blues and purples can create a cold environment so it’s wise to use warmer tones such as a deep Atlantic blue and a rich surf green to create a light and airy environment.

The final step in restyling the garage is to create an insulated, stylish and hard wearing floor that is suitable for the heavy gym equipment you’re about to install. We’ve found that the best solution for this is either an interlocking PVC floor tile or a contemporary epoxy resin finish. Both of these are available in warm greens and deep blues so the garage flooring can remain in sync with the overall scheme.

Find the perfect gym equipment and storage cabinets

Fitting out the garage with a selection of colour-coded garage cabinets will allow you to create the perfect storage for all of your weights, gym clothes and gym accessories. Not only are these cabinets hard wearing and stylish but they can also be tailor-made to include sink cabinets, bin cabinets, integrated fridges and under-cabinet heaters.

To complete the full gym fit out you’ll then need to decide what areas of your body you need to work on before purchasing the correct pieces of equipment. Whether you just require a treadmill and exercise bike for a cardio workout or want to tone and define with a fully equipped multi-gym, you need to create a gym that is going to meet your every need and won’t be left to gather dust because it isn’t adequate enough for your needs.

3D home gym designed by mydeco.com community member laruue

Next month, in the third installment of our How to… transform your garage series for 2012, I will be looking at how you can create the perfect gardening room within the garage to get ready for spring.