Want to turn your garden into a private gym space? This guide will show you how to create the perfect workout space, no matter what your garden size. Explore practical tips for getting a garden room set up as a gym, read about essential gym equipment, and join us as we show you how to customise the space for your unique needs.
Why you should create a home gym
The possibility of transforming your backyard into a garden gym that contributes to your health and fitness is an exciting endeavour. One of the key advantages of having your own gym is the ability to customise it for your personal fitness needs or training style.
This ensures that you will always have the right equipment for your fitness routine, eliminating the need for ‘workarounds’ with commercial gym equipment. Even more appealing is the ability to exercise whenever you want. No more waiting for equipment during peak hours at the gym.
On another note, public gyms don’t always pay attention to cleanliness. You don’t need to have OCD to be bothered by this. A place where a lot of people gather, and sweat, and touch everything can be off-putting. If this is how you feel, then the peace of mind of having a personal home gym can’t be understated.
How to create the ideal garden room gym
There are a number of important considerations that need attention before you embark on buying your new garden gym building. In summary, they are:
- The location of the garden gym.
- The size of the space you’ve allocated for your gym.
- The construction of the foundations for your personal gym.
- The design of the garden room.
- Planning permission requirements.
Location
Selecting the perfect spot in your garden will make a big difference to the enjoyment of your workout routine. As you put your ideas on paper, think about the following:
- How close is the gym to the house? Is this space far enough for it to feel like a separate space, or do you want it to be an extension of your home?
- Is privacy important while you exercise? If so, look for a secluded corner covered by trees or shrubs. If this is not feasible, think about erecting a fence with a hanging garden.
- Do you want a lot of natural light to enter the space? This can enhance your energy levels while you work up a sweat, but it can also cause you to overheat during intense workouts.
Size
The size of your summer house gym depends on the space you have in your garden, as well as the kind of exercise you’ll be doing in the garden gym. The most popular garden gym rooms fall into three size categories:
- Small - Up to 3m x 3m, these gyms are ideal for yoga, pilates, and light weight training.
- Medium - Up to 5m x 5m, these larger gyms are suitable for cardio machines, weight training, and small workout groups (2-3 people).
- Large - 6m x 6m and above, larger gyms accommodate multiple training areas, large equipment, and even a small sauna.
Foundations
Equally important is the construction base of your garden gym. Attention should be given to the base, ensuring that it is completely level and can withstand the weight of any heavy gym equipment.
Recommended foundations include paving slabs or concrete, which offer stable support for heavy gym equipment. Collaborating with specialists can significantly enhance your garden room project, providing expert guidance on design and setup.
Garden room experts will advise you on the best options for your new garden gym’s foundations, including the use of reinforced flooring.
Design of the garden room
Garden rooms come in a variety of designs. Most are made from timber, with various configurations for the doors and windows. Your personal preferences will heavily dictate what you end up with, and it’s advisable that you shop around until you find something you really like and can live with for years to come.
The image above features a medium sized garden room set up as a weight training centre. The foundations consist of concrete slabs that hold the weight of the workout equipment. This has been paired with aluminium sliding doors that open up the space, extending it into the garden.
Fortunately, most garden room suppliers have online galleries that make it easy to purchase your perfect summer house gym. You’ll be given multiple options such as glass-fronted designs, multi-functional layouts, and the ability to purchase pre-painted units that are easily assembled at home.
Planning permissions
Many garden rooms fall under permitted development because they are under 2.5 m in height. However, larger gyms with multi-functional designs may require adherence to building regulations. For example, if you have a gym with a full bathroom (shower, toilet, basin), then you will need to comply with the requirements of Document G - Sanitation, Hot Water Safety, and Water Efficiency.
Garden Gym Ideas: Bring your space to life
Installing your own personal gym is more than a luxury - it’s a necessity. With rising costs of gym memberships and overcrowding, the last thing that should suffer is your health. If you have a garden space that seems to be begging for the perfect garden gym, then keep reading.
Compact garden gym ideas
Palmako Lydia Garden Room - 3m x 3m
Setting up a garden gym in a small space (up to 3m x 3m) is entirely feasible with some creative thinking. Compact garden gym pods typically start at dimensions of 2.5m x 2.5m, providing enough room for essential workout equipment like treadmills and an exercise bike. These small garden gyms can effectively combine exercises such as weight training, yoga, and cycling, making them versatile and efficient.
Carefully selecting and arranging equipment makes it possible to achieve a perfect garden gym even in limited space. Opt for multi-functional machines that save space while offering a comprehensive workout.
Once you have the basic layout right, you can incorporate smart fitness tech such as a small flat screen TV for virtual workouts with a trainer, a Bluetooth sound system, or smart mirrors that also display heart rate, number of steps, room temperature, and other measurements.
Mid-sized home gym ideas
A mid-sized garden gym (up to 5m x 5m) offers a balance of space and functionality. Some inspiring ideas include:
- Cardio and Strength Combo: Include a treadmill, rowing machine, and a compact weightlifting station.
- Pilates & Yoga Retreat: Install a wall-mounted barre, a reformer machine, and full-length mirrors.
- Hybrid Training Zone: Use foldable squat racks, resistance bands, and pull-up bars to maximise space efficiency.
- Multi-Purpose Flooring: Consider rubber matting for weights and hardwood or vinyl flooring for yoga and bodyweight workouts.
- Workout and Sauna Combo: A small workout area that opens up into the garden, combined with a small-sized sauna can be the ideal way to get the benefit of both activities.
👉 Medium-sized garden room options
Large gym ideas
The medium sized gym is the bridge between small garden rooms and larger ones, and can be said to be the middle path that offers a number of expansion choices. However, if you’re itching to create a real-life gym experience and have a large garden, then a larger garden room is for you. Here are some cool ideas to get you thinking about what you can do.
Martial arts studio
This one is for the martial arts fans. Imagine working through sequences as the sun rises in the morning, and feeling the cool wind on your face as you practice the disciplines of these arts.
Opt for an open-plan layout with high ceilings to allow for dynamic motion. Padded flooring, such as tatami mats or foam tiles, provides essential shock absorption and injury prevention. Mirrors along one or more walls can help practitioners refine their techniques and improve form. For storage, incorporate wall-mounted racks for gloves, training pads, and uniforms, ensuring the space remains organised and clutter-free.
MMA Studio
A mixed martial arts (MMA) studio needs specialised equipment and zoning to cater to striking, grappling, and strength training. Divide the space into key areas: one section for heavy bags and speed bags, another for ground training with thick mats, and a third with strength and conditioning equipment such as kettlebells, battle ropes, and plyometric boxes.
An MMA cage section can be included if space permits, offering a professional training experience. Install high-powered ceiling fans and windows that can open to maintain airflow, reducing heat buildup from intense sessions.
Weightlifting studio with sauna
A dedicated weightlifting studio should be designed with durability and safety in mind. Start with reinforced flooring, such as rubber mats or high-density lifting platforms, to absorb impact and prevent damage from dropping weights.
Equip the space with Olympic barbells, squat racks, bench presses, and dumbbell sets. Having a wall-mounted storage system for plates and bars keeps the floor space clear and organised. For recovery, integrating a sauna within the gym enhances post-workout relaxation and muscle recovery. A corner of the gym can be sectioned off for a compact, wood-lined sauna with infrared or traditional heating.
A nearby ice plunge bath or cold shower station further supports recovery by reducing inflammation and muscle soreness. The combination of a high-performance weightlifting space with built-in recovery solutions makes this gym ideal for serious athletes looking to optimise their performance and well-being.
Essential Gym Equipment
Selecting the right gym equipment is essential for an effective and enjoyable workout environment in your garden gym. Here we explore essential gym pieces that will give you a total body workout.
Cardio equipment
Cardio equipment promotes cardiovascular health and enhances overall fitness. An exercise bike and treadmills are versatile options for small garden gyms, maximising space and utility. Exercise bikes, in particular, offer a low-impact workout that is easy on the joints, making them suitable for a wide range of users.
An elliptical trainer provides a full-body, low-impact cardio workout, beneficial for those with joint concerns. With the right selection of cardio equipment, your garden gym can be a perfect summer house gym that supports your fitness goals year-round.
Strength training gear
Where cardio equipment works the cardiovascular system, strength training gear is necessary for muscle building. Both components are needed for a full-body workout. Dumbbells are an essential for any home gym due to their versatility in various exercises and stretches. Including a weight bench can help you with a variety of strength training exercises, expanding the muscle groups you can target.
For smaller gyms, resistance bands and pull-up bars can be a compact and yet effective solution.
Most home gyms will do very well with a combination of cardio and strength training equipment, but for more specialised training routines, you should consult a professional to help you purchase the right training gear.
Ready to build your ideal garden room gym?
Creating a garden room gym is not just about having a dedicated space for fitness; it's about enhancing your lifestyle with a perfect blend of convenience and customisation. Whether you're looking to escape the hustle of commercial gyms, focus on your personal fitness goals, or simply enjoy a workout in a serene garden setting, a garden gym offers the perfect solution.
With the right planning and equipment, you can transform your garden into a personal fitness sanctuary that caters to your unique needs. So, are you ready to embark on this exciting journey and build your ideal garden room gym? The possibilities are endless, and the benefits are boundless.
Start designing your perfect gym space today!
