Buzz
Since March, I've been working out at home and have grown quite familiar with my home gym, which I jokingly call 'a heap of rusty equipment in my garage.' Beyond the basics like weights, I've discovered a few small additions that can transform a garage into a more functional gym space.
A horse stall mat
Instead of splurging on high-end flooring or gym mats, consider visiting a farm supply store to pick up a four-by-six foot horse stall mat for around $40. Use one mat or combine two for a larger 6x8 workout area.
These mats are ideal for heavy lifting exercises, such as deadlifts, where dropping weights is common. Unlike softer gym flooring, the mat provides a firm, flat surface, making it perfect for Olympic lifts or any activity requiring a solid foundation. (I often move mine to a flat area in my otherwise uneven, gravel-covered driveway.)
Chalk
Many gyms avoid chalk due to its messy nature—it gets smeared on equipment, left on the floor, and rarely cleaned up. However, in your personal space, you can ensure it’s properly maintained.
Chalk is excellent for improving your grip on deadlift bars, pull-up bars, or any surface where sweaty hands might slip. Avoid using sidewalk or chalkboard chalk; instead, opt for 'gymnastic' or 'weightlifting' chalk, which comes in blocks. Crush a block into a resealable container, and either rub the pieces on your hands or dip them into the fine dust at the bottom.
Tunes
Why limit yourself to headphones when you can fill your entire space with music? Invest in a quality Bluetooth speaker or revive an old boombox to enjoy your favorite tunes without constantly wearing earbuds.
Charts and chalkboards
In a home gym, even the walls can be utilized. Consider installing a chalkboard to track your personal records for lifts or workout times. You can also display your go-to workouts, conversion charts for kilos to pounds, or formulas for calculating percentages of your max lifts—ideal for percentage-based training programs.
While I haven’t added a chalkboard yet, I let my son jot down his deadlift achievements on a piece of cardboard hung on the wall. I also have a playful thermometer chart that I update as I progress toward my major lifting goals. After all, it’s my gym, so I can decorate it however I like!
