When it comes to living in an apartment, a major obstacle for many is finding space in their apartment to make sure that their living space fits all their needs. Whether it be a lack of space for a comfortable study setup, or not enough room for a proper workout area, you may be struggling for ideas on how to make the most out of your apartment space. Keep reading for tips on setting up a workout area in your apartment, giving you the perfect space to work on your fitness goals from the comfort of your own home.
Select the equipment you want to keep in your apartment
When you are setting up a workout area in your apartment, you are obviously not going to get the variety of equipment you would typically see in a gym setting. Not only will you lack the space to have an extensive gym setup in your apartment, you will also find that proper equipment can get expensive.
With that being said, consider your fitness goals and what kind of workouts you want to complete in your apartment. Do you want cardio-based workouts? Are you looking to build up your strength with weight training? Are you looking for somewhere to practice daily yoga stretches? Design your workout area around your fitness goals so that you will actually use the space for workouts you would actually want to complete. There’s no point in getting a larger piece of equipment that you are never going to make use of.
If you want to focus on cardio, elect to get a machine made for cardio, like a treadmill. There are treadmills designed specifically for smaller spaces that are compact and have the ability to be folded and tucked under beds, couches, or in a storage closet.
If you are looking for weight training, a set of resistance bands and dumb bells can help you achieve your goals. If you lack the type of space to have a variety of dumbbell weights, invest in a set of adjustable dumbbells so you can lift a variety of weights without having to worry about storing multiple pairs. A kettlebell can also help you complete a full body workout with a variety of workouts and eliminate the need for a set of dumbbells.
Equipment can get pretty expensive, but take some time to search for some good deals. Search local Facebook pages or local thrift stores to find deals on secondhand equipment. If you and your roommates are looking to make a workout space you can collectively take advantage of, chip in to split the cost of equipment everyone can use.
Make the most out of your space
Your apartment space may not necessarily have the space you need to have a dedicated workout area, but you can choose to double up a space to function as a workout area. For example, you may not have enough space to store a workout bench in your apartment, but you may already have furniture that can help you complete your workouts. A sturdy chair/bench from your dining area can be used for some of the same exercises you would use a workout bench, or installing a pull-up bar can turn a doorway into a mini workout station.
Once you have the equipment and workout plan for your apartment, try to make a dedicated space for your workout. Of course, you can always move your workouts around your apartment depending on what space is available that day, but having a space dedicated to workouts can help get you in the mood for workouts and eliminate the fuss of having to move your workout equipment from room to room.
If you’re not sure which part of your apartment to choose as a workout area, consider which areas offer ample storage and floor space. You will want to have space to store equipment (weights, yoga mats, foam rollers) like an ottoman, closet, or space under your bed and couch. You will also want to choose a space where you won’t be knocking into furniture whenever you are moving around during your workout. If you don’t have the space right now, consider rearranging your furniture to free up more floor space and make the most out of your room. At the very least, you will want enough room to lay down with your legs and arms fully extended.
Remember to be considerate of your neighbors, especially if you have downstairs members that are going to hear every jump of your high-intensity workout. There are countless videos online to give you inspiration for apartment-friendly workouts that are designed for smaller spaces, or with downstairs neighbors in mind.
You don’t have to compromise your fitness goals just because you are living in an apartment. With these tips in mind, you can set up a workout area in your apartment perfectly fitted for your fitness goals.
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