How to Create a Basement Gym

Exercise in the comfort of your own home gym.

Finding time to get to the gym can be difficult, what with all of the other priorities and engagements that quickly fill up a day. Instead of trying to squeeze in a trip to your local gym, make staying fit an easier task by bringing the gym to you. Transform your basement into a home gym and all you'll need to do is slip downstairs to get in a quick workout.

Things You'll Need

• Gym mats or rubber floor
• Mirrors
• Exercise equipment
• Storage
• Air-conditioning or fans

Instructions

1. Determine where you want to set up a gym in your basement. Decide if you want to turn the entire space into a gym, or if you want to dedicate a portion of the basement to your home gym.

2. Cover the floors with gym mats or rubber floor tiles, as they will provide you with traction and shock absorbency while you are working out.

3. Install a mirror on one of the walls of the basement. If you're transforming your entire basement, or a large portion of it, consider installing a mirror that covers an entire wall. If you're using only a small portion of the basement, a full-length mirror, the type typically installed in closets, will suffice.

4. Arrange exercise equipment in your home basement. Space out the pieces in a way that allows you ease of use. Arrange shelves for holding weights along a wall. Set a storage box or shelf along a wall for balls, jump ropes and other types of small equipment.

5. Leave a space open in the gym area. An open space allows you to perform activities such as situps, jumping jacks and yoga easily, without bumping into the exercise equipment.

6. Add a ventilation system in your basement. A basement that is poorly ventilated can quickly become hot and stuffy as you work out. An air-conditioning unit or fans will help to ventilate the space.