What good is a home gym if it’s in an unappealing basement you never want to visit? You don’t need a whole wall of mirrors, and only minimal equipment is necessary if you’re just starting to put your home gym together.

However, you do need organization, a space that motivates you, and enough room to move around. A simple, practical space with inspiration on the walls and room to cross over from cardio to stretching or yoga is ideal.

You can use interlocking foam tiles under any rug to allow your workout space to blend in seamlessly with the décor in other parts of your home.

The space can still be dedicated to getting a workout, but it won’t stand out against everything else if there’s no space to tuck away your weights, exercise ball and other equipment in a basement or garage.

Setting up the cardio equipment near a window with a view will allow you to reap the benefits of a little sunshine without overheating and keep you from getting bored while you’re getting your workout indoors.

A fantastic view will help you zone out and latch onto some of the mental benefits working out offers more easily, and don’t forget to set up fans of some kind in order to keep your home gym comfortable to use. Finish up with yoga on the balcony to feel rejuvenated.

If there is plenty of room, install large mirrors along the walls to check your form and keep yourself motivated, then place a yoga mat near the treadmill or elliptical so you can stretch out without the temptation to skip it and jump right into the shower.

Organize weights of various sizes on a shelf so that when your strength grows, you’ll be ready to pick up the next set. Don’t be afraid of using green plants to perk up the space; surrounded by neutral shades and touches of the outdoors could keep you focused and centered.

When designing a home gym, keep in mind what type of equipment you have at the moment, what you’d like to add in the near future, and the colors and accents (like plants) that keep you motivated to push harder and stay focused.

Photo credit: Rock a Healthy Body, Elle Decor, elliottcable, Kitty Raulston-Thomas Interior Designs via Houzz, and Celebrity Communities via Houzz

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