Are you tired of paying for yoga classes or gym memberships? Do you crave the convenience of a workout space at your own home? Adding a finished interior shed to your backyard will give you the perfect spot for your very own yoga studio or gym. A lot of homeowners are adding finished interior sheds to their properties for a variety of uses.

We all have busy lives and it’s hard to carve out the time for yourself to get some regular exercise on a weekly basis. Taking the time to drive to the gym eats up your time stuck in after work traffic, finding a parking spot, and hoping the equipment you want to use is available. Ugh, it’s no wonder we have so many excuses to not work out.  If you think about what you pay for the gym membership yearly costs are and apply those fees into your very own personal work out studio. And you could always invite a friend to join you for more motivation!

With a few simple steps, you can create a bright and inviting space that you’ll love spending time in. Follow these tips to create the perfect workout spot right in your own backyard.

Clear, Clean & Paint

The first step in transforming your shed into a yoga studio or gym is to clear it out. Remove any items that don’t belong, sweep out the dirt and debris, and give it a good cleaning. Once your shed is empty and clean, you’re ready to begin the transformation. Choose a fun and invigorating color to paint the interior walls. Bright shades of blues, greens, and yellows are perfect for yoga and workout spaces. Be sure to prime the walls before painting to ensure that the paint goes on smoothly and lasts for years to come.

Lighting & Mirrors

Next, install overhead lighting to brighten up the space. Choose energy-efficient LED lights for a clean, bright look. If you plan to do yoga or stretching, you’ll want to install some full-length mirrors. Not only will they make the space feel larger, but they’ll also allow you to check your form and make sure you’re doing the exercises correctly. Install the mirrors on a sturdy wall and be sure to use brackets that can support the weight.

Install Sturdy Flooring

The next step is to install flooring. If you’re doing yoga, you may choose a soft, cushioned flooring that will be gentle on your joints. Laminate or carpet tile flooring is perfect for a gym space. Be sure to choose a durable and easy-to-clean flooring option. Depending on your budget, you may choose to hire a professional to install the flooring, or you may be able to do it yourself with a little elbow grease.

Built In Designs

Adding a bench on one wall is useful as you can store accessories under it and on each side of the bench flank it with shelving for storage of smaller weights, baskets can be added for jump ropes and resistance bands etc. It’s nice to have a place to sit and tie your shoes or take a quick break in between workouts. And if you really want the yoga/gym vibe you could add some colorful lockers to store gym bags and shoes.

Adding a pull up bar to the top of the door frame for doing pull ups is easy enough as you can see where all the studs are. You can also add an over the door resistance band system to work every part of your body.

Venting & Fans

It’s always best to have a ceiling vent so the shed won’t get so hot during the summer months. If you’re handy and can install a ceiling fan to save space or add an oscillating fan on the floor or shelves that will help to air it out. And if weather permits you can keep the doors open for extra fresh air to circulate the area.  Everyone loves a home gym, but not the locker-room smells!

If on the other hand you enjoy doing Hot Yoga, you could bring on the heat with a space heater or hot mist humidifier. Just make sure you air it out before you close up for the day, to prevent moisture inside.

Shelving & Storage

Once you have the basics in place, it’s time to start adding the finishing touches. Hang some shelves between the frame of the shed to store your equipment. Yoga mats, balls, and straps can be stored in a basket or hung from a hook. Free weights and kettlebells can be stored on lower sturdy shelves. You may want to invest in a few pieces of workout equipment, such as an exercise bike or treadmill. Be sure to store everything in a way that keeps the space tidy and organized.

Work Out Plans & Calendar

A great way to stay focused on a routine and keep track of you goals is by adding a white board with colored markers for designing a weekly/monthly work out plan so you can jump right into an exercise each day without thinking about how to get started.

Another fun way to see your accomplishments is to hang a calendar on the wall and when you’ve completed your work out mark it on the calendar with an X.  For multiple users in the family choose a color marker for each person.

Music & Motivation

Finally, it’s time to plug in the music and really enjoy your new space. Create a playlist of your favorite music to get you energized and motivated. Or use a tablet or laptop to tune into your favorite online workout routine of aerobics, yoga, or palettes.

Make sure the space is well-ventilated and comfortable. With a little effort and creativity, your shed can be transformed into a beautiful and functional yoga studio or gym.

Conclusion

Transforming your shed into a yoga studio or gym is a great way to save money and create a convenient workout space right in your own backyard. Take the time to clear out the space, paint the walls, install lighting and flooring, and add the necessary equipment and storage. Turn on the music and you’ll be enjoying your new space in no time. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get started on your very own backyard gym!