Looking for the best home gym ideas to recreate? Here are over 30 of the best small home gym ideas that are perfect for all budgets.
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Summer is quickly approaching. Which is super exciting, especially after the winter we’ve had. Since the warm weather is almost here, it’s time to start hitting the gym so you look stunning at the beach. I mean, who doesn’t want to look good and feel confident, right? If you’re like me and want to work out but hate going to the gym, this post is for you.
I used to just watch YouTube videos and do the workouts in my room, because I just hate going to the gym. I feel so self-conscious and feel like everyone’s looking at me. Plus, I would look hella stupid trying to use all of that fancy equipment, lol! Which is why I’ve decided to just create a small home gym. That way, I can work out all I want and not worry about people staring at me.
I’ve spent hours scouring Pinterest for the best small home gym ideas, so if you are also looking for some inspo, keep on reading. This post will show you 33 insanely cute and creative small home gym ideas that are budget-friendly and functional. You can obviously make tweaks and changes to the gym ideas to make it fit your preferences.
From dumbbell organization ideas to exercise charts and balcony gym ideas, there is something in here for everyone. Now, let’s take a look at these small home gym ideas and have the body of our dreams! Let’s lock in, ladies!
SMALL HOME GYM IDEAS
1. Add a TV
We’re starting off strong with this awesome home gym idea. I mean, who wants to work out in complete silence? I certainly don’t.
Installing a TV in your workout space is such a great idea because you can just put on one of your favorite shows and do your thing.
2. Use floating shelves to store dumbbells
I cannot tell you how many times I’ve run into a dumbbell that I didn’t properly put away. Once, half of my toenail came off because I hit it so hard.
So learn from me and make sure you organize your dumbbells after your workout. You can get some sturdy floating shelves from Amazon and use them to store your dumbbells.
Just make sure they can support the weight beforehand.
3. Use a pegboard
I know pegboards are more commonly used in a garage or workshop, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make use of them in your home gym. Get a smaller pegboard and install it on the wall.
You can use it to organize your equipment, for decorations, and to create a little extra storage.
4. Sweat now, glow later neon sign
Everyone needs a little kick of motivation now and then. So why not get a motivational sign that doubles as gorgeous decor? You can find so many options for neon signs on Etsy and Amazon.
The “sweat now, glow later” sign is one of my favorites because you’ll be uncomfortable for about an hour so that you can look your absolute best later.
5. dumbbell rack
If you don’t feel comfortable storing your dumbbells on floating shelves, then get a dumbbell rack.
They are made specifically to store dumbbells, so you don’t have to worry about whether they can support the weight.
I suggest storing your lighter dumbbells on the top rows and your heavier ones on the bottom.
6. Get a walking pad
If you don’t already have one, you need to get a walking pad. They are amazing, especially if you work from home and just sit at the desk all day.
You can get a cheap standing desk and put everything you need there while you walk and work.
You’ll get your steps in for the day, get your heart pumping, and I promise you’ll feel 100 times better doing this than sitting down all day long.
7. Cube bookshelf
Cube bookshelves are amazing for organizing your books, as well as your gym equipment. You can dedicate each cube to a different piece of equipment.
For example, you can store small dumbbells in one cube, mats on the other, and so on. You can also use the top surface as well if you need more space.
8. vertical cube shelf
Cube shelves are amazing, and you can get them for super cheap at Target or Amazon.
In the example above, the shelf is horizontal, but you can also make use of it by making it stand vertically. Both ways are great, but I think if you have a smaller space, you should place it vertically.
That way, you can still organize your things normally, but the shelf won’t take up extra room, which you can use for something else.
9. chalkboard wall
If you have unused wall space that you want to fill up, I suggest covering the entire wall with chalkboard. I know you’ll probably be thinking why would I do that?
Well, because your home gym will look complete, and the chalkboard wall is super handy.
You can write down your exercises for each day of the week, which area you need to focus on, what equipment to use, and your meal plans.
10. Garage gym
Is your garage just sitting there lonely and empty? If so, turn it into a stunning home gym. Install pegboards, get a dumbbell stand, dumbbells, a bench, and other gym equipment you need.
This is such a great way to make use of space that is being unused. Plus, you’ll be getting fresh air while you work out, and who doesn’t love that?
Now, if you are using your garage to store tools and things, you can still make a mini gym by moving your stuff to one side.
11. small home gym
You want a gym but don’t have a lot of space? No problem there, just make use of whatever space you do have. Only include equipment that you know you will use.
Keep things organized and tidy. If your equipment is all over the place, then it’s going to look cluttered and make the space look even smaller, which we don’t want.
12. floor basket for mats
Floor baskets are absolutely amazing for keeping things neat and organized. I suggest you use it to store all of your yoga and fitness mats. Just roll them up and place them inside.
Keep the basket in a corner that you can’t do anything with, that way it’s not taking up any unnecessary space.
13. mounted dumbbell wall hooks
Mounted dumbbell wall hooks are great for keeping your dumbbells organized and off the floor. We don’t want any accidents now.
You can get the hooks from Amazon and install them on your pegboard.
14. Get a mini beverage cooler/fridge
You may be wondering, “Why would I need a beverage cooler in the gym?” Well, when you are working out, you are obviously going to be sweating and thirsty.
Having a beverage cooler in the gym is very convenient when you want some iced cold water to cool down or a refreshing drink after your workout.
You can get them for less than $100, so you won’t be breaking the bank.
15. Resistance band hanger
I don’t know about you, but I always forget where I left my resistance bands when I actually need them. I found one on the couch a few days later, which I don’t even know how it got there, haha!
If you are using resistance bands in your workout, make sure you keep them organized and somewhere you can clearly see so when you need them, you don’t have to go searching for them.
I recommended getting a wall-mounted resistance hanger. So, after you’ve finished your workout, you can just hang them up.
16. mirror wall
Having a mirror wall is such a great idea for your home gym, and you can incorporate it into any size space. I tried to do a plank once and held for about a minute.
I thought I was doing great, then recorded myself, and my form was way off. No wonder it felt so easy, lol!
So, having a mirror wall is great for checking your form and making sure you are doing the exercises correctly. You can also take before-and-after pictures from every workout to see your progress.
17. rolling cart
You don’t have to spend a ton of money to make sure your home gym is neat and tidy. Head over to Michaels and get yourself a rolling cart.
You can use that for literally anything. I like to use it to keep my gym shoes there, along with a few bottles of water and some towels.
18. workout posters
You can get workout posters from Etsy for super cheap. The posters include different exercises you can do to achieve your dream body. Use a command hook to display them.
You can try something new every day, and once you perfect it, try the next one.
19. Get a standing desk
I already mentioned this earlier, if you are working from home, you aren’t going to be moving much. You’ll most likely be sitting at your desk working on your computer.
Get your steps in and move your body by getting a standing desk and a walking pad. This way, you’ll get your heart pumping, body moving, and still be able to do your job.
20. wicker basket for organization
Wicker baskets are exceptional for organization. Plus, they are insanely cheap. You can use them to store your shoes, dumbbells, headphones, and other gym equipment you need.
21. Use what you have
Instead of spending money on new things, just use what you already have. For example, if you have a bookshelf, clear out a couple of cubes for you to store your dumbbells.
You can also get wicker baskets for the cubes and place whatever you want in them.
22. bedroom gym
When you don’t have a large space, you’ve got to do what you gotta do. You can create a small workout area in your bedroom.
Don’t go overboard with the equipment and just include what you actually use. Keep a few dumbbells, resistance bands, a cart to store everything, and a yoga mat.
23. his and hers
If you live with your boyfriend and you guys work out together, recreate this his-and-hers idea. You can get the wall hooks and sign from Etsy.
Use it to organize your resistance bands, shoes, and other gym equipment. This way, you guys won’t mix anything up, and you can just grab your things and start working out.
24. Only the basics
A problem I see many people make is that they buy all of these gym equipment they are never going to use. It takes up unnecessary space and also wastes money.
Instead, keep only the basics in your home gym. What I mean by that is, keep things that you use on a regular basis. For example, your resistance bands, your dumbbells, jump rope, and so on.
This way, you’re not taking up a lot of space, and your mini gym won’t look cluttered with a bunch of stuff.
25. Use a coat rack bench
I know this is supposed to be used for hanging your coats, but it makes for an amazing organizer for all of your gym supplies as well.
You can store your shoes on the bottom shelves and hang your resistance bands, jump ropes, and other equipment on the hooks. You can find this storage unit in IKEA.
26. motivational quotes
We all need a bit of motivation when we’re feeling down or just not in the mood to work out.
Incorporate motivational quotes and phrases in your home gym for those days when you need a little extra push to get started. There are so many great options on Etsy.
27. make it look cute
Who says a home gym has to be boring and ugly? Go all out and decorate your space. Incorporate bright colors, bows, and pretty patterns.
I think that if your space looks good, then you will feel better and do better.
28. coffee bar
I am someone who cannot function without her morning cup of coffee first. If you are like me and need your caffeine, set up a little coffee bar with all the essentials.
Include coffee pods/grounds, creamer, syrup, sugar, and disposable cups. You can drink it before your workout to boost your performance.
29. get a speaker
I think we can all agree that there needs to be music playing while working out. You can get a cheap speaker from Amazon and just play all your favorite tunes while doing your routine.
30. Balcony gym
If you live in an apartment that has a balcony and you’re not using it, turn it into a mini gym.
Include all of your normal equipment, like dumbbells, jump rope, resistance bands, a yoga mat, and so on. You can work out while enjoying the fresh air.
31. dumbbells cart
Rolling carts are just so versatile and can be used for so many things. One of them is for organizing your dumbbells. You can keep your larger weights on the top and the smaller ones on the bottom.
32. towel/mat basket
If you do workouts that make you sweat a lot, you are going to need a towel to wipe your face and hands, along with the equipment, after you’re done using them.
Keep a few towels in a basket along with your fitness mats for easy access.
33. IKEA Kallax shelf
Last but definitely not least, we have this amazing Ikea Kallax organizer. It is insanely popular for a reason. Dedicate each cube to a different category.
For example, in one you can organize dumbbells, the other sneakers, pre-workout, and so on.
THIS POST SHOWED YOU THE BEST SMALL HOME GYM IDEAS
