Are you thinking about setting up a shed gym? You are not alone. Turning that cosy corner at the bottom of the garden into a fitness haven is all the rage right now. We are here to guide you through the ins and outs of creating your very own dream workout space, right in your garden.
From making sure you have the optimum space and equipment, to adding those personal touches that make it uniquely yours, our guide has everything you need to know. If you are worried about factors like lighting, flooring, or keeping your new garden gym rooms secure, do not be concerned, we discuss that too. So, let us explore this further and find out how to turn your existing shed into the gym of your dreams.
Editor’s Note [18.12.23]:
The original post of ideas for creating the perfect garden shed gym was first published in January 2018. Today's upgrade is extensive and features new sections for basic structural modifications, creative storage solutions, gym shed waterproofing, garden gym equipment essentials (including budget-friendly, high-specification, and technology), temperature control, and a new concluding thoughts section. In addition, we have upgraded many existing sections with sturdy flooring, and power supply, receiving a more extensive update.
What are the benefits of creating a gym in my shed?
Well, I’m glad you asked.
Save money
Firstly, shed gyms will save you time and money (in the long run). There is no tedious commute, and no gym membership fee, there is merely a pleasant stroll down the garden path. That means no traffic jams, no petrol costs, and no parking charges. Of course, investing in suitable equipment is an expense many would prefer to be without, treadmills and weights are not cheap after all, but over time this will pay off.
Plus, not only will you avoid the extortionate gym fees, but the fact that you’ve paid for the equipment sitting in your shed or log cabin will act as a great incentive to go and train.
A truly personal gym space
Another great benefit is of course the ability to create a space that is truly unique, and, more importantly, yours. You can pick and choose which equipment you want. So many garden gyms are filled with poor, cheap, and tired equipment, and they never seem to have that elusive machine you need. Also, there is no need to wait for the piece of equipment you want to work on to become free and you can train in private without anybody watching.
With a shed gym, this is no problem, you can fill it with whatever pieces of equipment you deem necessary. Prefer heavy lifting? No problem, pick up a squat rack and a bench press. Perhaps cardio is more your style? Rowing machine and cross-trainer it is. The possibilities are endless.
Artistic personalisation – wall art, décor, and music
Obviously, the customisation does not stop with the equipment. Your shed is your canvas, you can choose the wall art, the colour scheme, and the music. The motivational posters of Muhammad Ali, Rocky Balboa and Arnold Schwarzenegger are all allies pushing you through your hardest training sessions. This kind of support can never be found in a boring, tasteless, impersonal commercial gym.
Good music is a fuel, encouraging throughout the most intense workouts. ‘Good’ cannot possibly describe the overplayed chart drivel played in most gyms. Maybe you have headphones? Nevertheless, wouldn’t you rather do without the hassle of constant untangling? Not to mention the inevitable moment when they fall out, just before you ramp up your workout a notch. In your shed, you can blast heavy metal, gangster rap, or Katy Perry to your heart's content (don’t worry, we won’t judge).
What to consider when turning a shed into a gym
Listed below are various essential factors to consider when transforming your garden shed into a shed gym.
Basic structural modifications
When transforming your garden shed into a home gym it is not just moving in some weights and a yoga mat, you have to think about the structure too. First things first, check the stability of your shed; it needs to be solid enough to handle all your energetic workouts. Reinforce the flooring (more on this below), especially if you are planning on bringing in heavy gear like treadmills or weight racks.
Insulating the walls of garden rooms is important for those colder mornings or late-night exercise sessions. If you are thinking big, consider adding some extra windows or a skylight for natural light, it makes a huge difference to garden gym sheds. In addition, a fresh coat of paint or some new waterproofing on the outside (again, more on this below) can give your garden gym shed not just more durability, but also some serious curb appeal.
Space
A 6’x4’ shed has many uses, a home gym unfortunately not being one of them. Make sure the space you have is adequate to store all your equipment. Don’t forget to consider the height of the garden gym building too; the dismay when you realise your pull-up station is too tall for your space is easily avoided.
When setting up a home gym, size does matter. Ideally, you will want at least a 10’x10’ space to get your fitness groove on without feeling like you are crammed in a sardine tin.
Creative storage solutions
Maximise your available shed gym space with creative storage solutions. Remember, keeping it tidy and organised is just as crucial as having the right equipment. Think adjustable wall racks for hanging up your gym clothes, basket storage for smaller items, ceiling hooks for extra space, drawer units for accessories, hanging shelves for towels and bands, and labelled bins for easy sorting.
Also consider magnetic strips for metal tools, overhead bins for bulky items, pegboards for versatility, rolling carts for mobility, stackable boxes for easy access, and wall-mounted cabinets are also good storage solutions. These shed gym ideas for storage will keep your shed gym looking neat and, let us be honest, impressive too. Many of these garden room storage solutions are available from Buy Sheds Direct, click on the links in the content above to view some of our offerings.
Sturdy flooring
While OSB floors (Oriented Strand Board) are ideal for keeping garden tools, they are not designed to support heavy garden gym equipment. This is just plain honesty if you are planning to load your garden room with serious weight (which most shed gyms will do). But do not be concerned, there is a solid solution, tongue and groove flooring. This is without doubt the best option here; it is a superior solution for shed gym flooring and is admirably able to cope with all the heavy gym equipment across your floor space.
If you already own a log cabin, you have hit the jackpot because log cabins will have the thickest tongue and groove floors available. They are robust, durable, and perfect for any home gyms setup.
Outdoor garden gym shed waterproofing
A garden gym shed must be always kept dry as no one likes working out in a soggy space. Waterproofing is vital, so start with a solid roof because a leaky one puts a “dampener” on your gym experience. To keep moisture out of your garden rooms and your exercise equipment safe and dry, seal up any wall cracks or holes.
Remember the flooring too! You might want to consider water-resistant sealants or mats because your exercise regime can be severely interrupted by wet floors. Installing shed guttering is a great idea too, as this diverts rainwater away from your shed, possibly to a rainwater collector for storing rainwater. You can work out rain or shine if you keep an eye out for leaks or moisture and maintain your outdoor gym shed in good condition!
Gym equipment essentials
When transforming your garden shed into a gym shed it needs the right equipment to be turned into a top-quality exercise and training space. Our shed gym equipment ideas are:
- Adjustable bench - enable a range of workouts, including bench presses and dumbbell rows
- Barbell set – this is essential if you want to gain a lot of strength and be able to lift large objects
- Dumbbells – buy for bicep curls and shoulder presses, among other exercises!
- Kettlebells – lift more weight when performing squats and lunges
- Pull-up bar – facilitating pull-ups and offering advantageous upper-body training
- Resistance bands – these are excellent and adaptable training aids that can be customised to fit various fitness levels and training styles.
- Skipping rope – because skipping increases heart rate, it is a great strategy for aerobic exercises
- Stability balls – these are super for core workouts and balance training
- Treadmill – top cardio equipment, a must for cardio exercises, from brisk walks to sprints
- Yoga mat - for stretching out post-workout or some peaceful yoga sessions
Budget-friendly equipment
If you are looking for more equipment, on a budget, consider ankle weights, exercise mats, foam rollers, hand grips, jump ropes, medicine balls, push-up bars, resistance tubes, step platforms, and yoga blocks.
High specification equipment
If you have a higher budget or want to buy high-specification equipment over a period, how about an elliptical trainer, exercise bike, multi-gym, rowing machine, spin bike, squat rack, stair stepper, vibration plate, weight bench, or a weightlifting platform?
Technology equipment shed gym ideas
Technology is a core component of today's gym scene, making your workouts smarter and way more fun. Think about adding activity trackers, Bluetooth speakers, digital scales, earbuds, fitness apps, heart rate monitors, interactive workout mirrors, smart devices, and smartwatches as just a few examples.
Also consider sound systems, speed sensors, touch screen consoles, virtual reality fitness trainers, wireless headphones, and even your own YouTube channel for streaming workouts!
Power supply
Alright, so when you are turning your existing shed into a gym, you have to think about the power supply. Obviously, this is essential for equipment, but also very useful for heating, lights, and speakers. Imagine trying to pump iron in the dark or without your favourite music being available. So, make sure you have enough power to keep all your gym equipment running smoothly. Also, do not forget about a bit of warmth for those chilly mornings or some decent lighting to keep the ambience just right.
Temperature control
When converting your garden shed into a gym it should be prevented from freezing in the winter and from becoming a sauna in the summer. Regardless of the weather, installing a small heater or fan can significantly improve the comfort of your training space. You can concentrate on reaching your fitness objectives rather than worrying about sweating a lot or freezing in your shorts!
Ventilation
Let us discuss how to prevent your shed gym from becoming an overly hot sweaty sweatbox. To avoid any unpleasantness, sheds should be kept smelling fresh and free of sweat. Therefore, maintain calm and transparent airflow, allowing air to circulate by opening windows or leaving doors ajar whilst you train.
Security
Garden gym equipment is valuable so you must ensure it is well protected and secure at all times. Invest in padlocks, curtains for windows, and install CCTV cameras. After all, there is no harm in being extra careful when it comes to protecting your fitness investments!
Inviting friends and family
Once you’ve finished your perfect outdoor garden gym room, why not invite friends and family over for a workout? Training is so much more fun with someone else, and they’ll help push you through the toughest sessions. Of course, it’s also a fantastic excuse to show off your new facility!
Buying a garden shed gym from Buy Sheds Direct
If you’re lucky enough to have a suitable space to create a shed gym already, then what are you waiting for? Get started! If not, please feel free to browse our log cabins and garden workshops.
If you’ve already managed to create a shed gym in your garden, we’d love to hear all about it in the comments section below.
Concluding thoughts
Creating your garden shed gym is like using garden buildings as a personal fitness paradise. You have the freedom to equip it with all the equipment that suits your style, whether it is lifting heavy or smashing cardio routines. It is your space to get creative, so, add cool art, blast out your favourite tunes, and make it a place that motivates you every day.
It is more than just looking good; it is practical too, with smart storage, solid flooring, and keeping everything dry and safe. The best part? You can invite your friends and family over for a workout session, turning your garden gym room into a buzzing social hotspot. So, there you have it, your guide to turning that humble shed into a home gym that is not just functional, but totally you.
Contact us
For support and shed gym ideas from our expert team why not contact Buy Sheds Direct today? Many of our sheds and log cabins make a perfect garden shed gym, we can advise about the models most suited to your needs. Available contact methods are:
- Call us - 0333 003 0514
- E-mails – these can be sent using our contact form
- Text chat - our live chat app, is perfect for text chat in real-time