It’s the new year and after spending a few weeks gently steeping our livers in brandy and wading through numerous panettoni, we’ve now reached the ‘Annual Nationwide Arms, Legs & Stomachs’ overhaul. An event which marks the moment when we reach the very bottom of the barrel – so to speak – of overindulgence.
Unfortunate acronym aside (ahem!), I know I’m not the only one who decides to reprioritise my health and wellbeing after a period of epic excess. For some, of course, it’s business as usual – the high-calorie, high-alcohol holiday notwithstanding – so it’s back to familiar exercise routines.
The influx of newbies at the gym can be a pain, and if you’re finding the diary stretched to extremes on dark mornings, the best option is to consider a more personalised approach: the home gym.
Going the distance
Things have long since moved on from a slightly unsightly set of weights, a single yoga matt and a torturous looking rowing machine inside the spare room-cum-study. Thankfully, trainers, manufacturers and interior designers have all equally embraced both the practical and emotional aspect of the workout by leaning in to wellbeing on a more holistic level.
As we move along our journey for self improvement (some faster than others), so do our fitness goals and the ways we exercise mind and body. The space we create needs to be able to accommodate those needs; flexibility is absolutely key.
We spoke with Ben Alldis, a Peloton instructor, training specialist and author to get his thoughts. He explained, “Prioritising versatile equipment is important. Dumbbells, kettlebells or adjustable weights can be used for various exercises… equipment that can move around if needed, and stored away if possible. In addition to the incredibly versatile Peloton equipment, add a multi-functional strength machine, with a squat rack, pull-up bar and cable machine to maximise the space available.”
This is all about investing, so give your future self room to grow.
The link between nature and exercise is a powerful synergy that benefits both physical and mental well-being – natural light, views, materials and textures can all amplify this.
Raising the Bar
It’s not enough to create a gym that only functions well: what really sets a space apart is one that helps you get the very best from your workouts emotionally and physically. Somewhere inspiring you to be your best; this is a space for motivation, mindfulness and relaxation as well as results.
Architecturally, inspiration can come from a connection with nature so make the best of the views you have available, maximising and framing vistas into gardens, landscapes or over planting to lift the spirits. This is certainly easier when you have something stunning outside that inspires you and handily it helps with access for ventilation too, for the all important flow of air, temperature control and re-energising daylight.
Rebecca Lazar, Architecture & Interior Design Business Development Manager at Technogym says, “A successful home gym should be a natural extension of its users, as beautiful and considered as the other spaces we live in. The wellness space can have coherence with the style of the context of the home and share its chromatic, tactile, and decorative identity. Lighting also plays an essential role in the planning of the fitness area; diffused lighting is preferred to avoid glare.”
Another option for those with less salubrious – or indeed no – views outside, is the introduction of art, wall sculpture or abstract wall cladding with planting.
While Technogym is a go-to for class-leading fitness equipment, introducing bold and unexpected art also creates a more luxuriant and inspiring space.
Stretch your space
If you’re clear on how your gym should feel and how you want to use it, then it’s time to consider exactly what brand of equipment you’re going to buy. Sam Marsh, founder of luxury gym firm Solo Fitness, notes that, “People underestimate the size of some machines and often over-buy on equipment. It doesn’t take much to turn a gorgeous space into one that feels cramped and uncomfortable”.
The equipment design itself shouldn’t be overlooked, especially when it contributes to the comfort but also the aesthetic of your interior. There are many manufacturers creating extraordinarily beautiful equipment.
“One thing that’s really important for us is helping clients choose equipment that really complements the aesthetics of their space. In our opinion, the number one mistake people make is putting all their time and effort into creating a beautiful home gym space, then filling it with equipment that’s at best ordinary or at worst ugly!” says Marsh.
Also consider a more multi-sensory approach to really up the ante. Luxurious and robust finishes, adaptable ambient and feature lighting, relaxing and invigorating scents, a fully integrated sound system and ready access to nutritious and hydrating refreshments will ensure you have a gym experience that at minimum meets any luxury membership you currently have.
And as they say, time is the ultimate luxury, so this will definitely be a worthwhile place in which to spend it.
Not all gym equipment is built the same. “One thing that’s really important for us is helping clients choose equipment that really complements the aesthetics of their space,” says Sam Marsh, founder of luxury gym firm Solo Fitness.
Your design checklist
- Explore how you want the space to feel and what kind of workouts you’ll do now and in the future.
- Create mood boards that reflect your wants and needs; seek professional support to help sense check.
- Connect your gym with nature and consider temperature and daylight.
- Immerse yourself in the gym experience by considering all your senses.
Embracing bold architecture and simple colour palettes provide a dramatic canvas for uncluttered, high end equipment – buy better, don’t buy more.
Find out more at: solofitness.co.uk; and technogym.com
