DIY Outdoor Home Gym Ideas
With the weather heating up and spring on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to build an outdoor home gym. Outdoor gyms have become increasingly popular in the UK over the last few years because quite simply, many of us just don't have the space indoors. More of us are maximising our living space by utilising Garden areas and Garage spaces. If executed well, an outdoor gym can significantly optimise your fitness routine and it can last for years.
When it comes to building your outdoor gym, there are a few things you need to think about so that you get it right first time. Here's our list of things to consider before building your outdoor gym for 2023.
In this article:
What is an Outdoor Gym?
Outdoor gyms can be a great way to exercise at home without using a room in the house. If you don’t have the extra space or garage for a home gym, think about your outdoor space. An outdoor gym can be as complex or simple as you like. While some people create an outdoor garden gym to rival the best boutique fitness studios, for others, it’s an outdoor space with some rubber fitness tiles and a few weights. It’s a place to exercise that gives you room to move around and get the most out of your equipment.
The main selling points of an outdoor gym are that you have no commute to the gym and can exercise whenever you need. Often, when you create a fitness zone or gym for exercise at home, it can help you to transition into your 'workout vibe' much easier and motivate you to be more consistent with your training.
7 Things You Need to Consider to Build Your Outdoor Gym
There is nothing quite like the freedom of an outdoor gym and exercising in nature. But you want to maintain your outdoor gym and invest in building a space that will last. With that said, here are 6 things worth thinking about before you plan your outdoor gym space.
Suitable Garden Shelter
If you want to workout outdoors in all types of weather, you will need to install a cover. You won't have to worry about rain or very warm weather and can use your gym more throughout the year. There are dozens of canopies and ready-made covers on the market as well as various materials that can be used to create your own handmade cover solution. Many homeowners design and construct patio and outdoor living areas using different materials such as PVC, wood and brick for awnings and garden shelters which is a great foundation for your outdoor gym.
Temporary or Permanent?
Depending on your situation, you may want to create a temporary outdoor gym or a more permanent set-up. If you want to easily disassemble your gym space then consider loosely-laid gym flooring and equipment that can be efficiently moved around.
For a more permanent solution, consider installing proper gym flooring and anchoring equipment such as gym rigs and racks to make them more stable. Having a permanent structure around your gym set-up will also protect your equipment and give it a more purposeful place within your outdoor space. Alternatively, you can go big and invest in a modular summerhouse or 'gym pod' which is a fully contained building. Repurposing an old garden shed is also another great idea for establishing a framework for your outdoor gym.
Weather-Proof Gym Equipment
Consider well-made, quality gym equipment made from strong materials that will not wear easily. Using equipment protectors can also help to keep your equipment well looked after and fit for purpose. Try to opt for equipment which has:
- UV Protection
- Steel Frame Construction
- Powder-Coated Steel finish
- Anti-Rust
- Chip & Corrosion -Resistance
When choosing the various types of gym kit for your garden gym, keep in mind your personal fitness goals, the activities you enjoy and what equipment you are most likely to use the most and benefit from. There is no point in kitting out an entire gym with every type of weight when you actually want to focus more on cardio for example. Less is more in this instance so think about the amount of space you have and select your equipment wisely.
A well balanced gym should have a gym rig or power rack as its foundation. This allows you to build and add on bars and attachments for multi-functional fitness so you are covering the bases for barbell training, dips, squats, pull-ups, bench work and suspension training plus storage space for weights.
The majority of Cardio machines such as Bikes, Rowers and Treadmills are now equipped to be moved around from place to place and can work well in an outdoor gym if the space is well insulated. Think about adequate storage space for items such as Kettlebells, Dumbbells and accessories so that you have enough floor space for comfortable workouts.
Recommendations:
- Gym Rig/Power Rack or Squat Rack
- Rig Attachments such as Dip Bars, Pull-Up Bars, Landmines, Gym Rings, Suspension Training system
- Barbells & Bumper Plates
- Selection of Free Weights
- Plyo Box
- Skipping Ropes
- Resistance Bands
- Slam Ball
Insulation & Air-Conditioning
Depending on how built-up your outdoor gym is, you may need to think about temperature changes. If you have a semi-open space, it is best to consider an adjustable hanging style cover to keep wind and cold out as well as direct sunlight in very warm seasons. Likewise, proper flooring will seal your space and add a layer of insulation. In more closed spaces, you might want to invest in fans in summer months when it can become warm and stuffy.
Suitable Outdoor Flooring
Not all gym flooring is designed for outdoor use. It is advisable to narrow down gym flooring options which have built-in drainage and are made to withstand various types of weather such as heavy rain, frost and extreme heat. Thicker gym tiles will also superior shock absorption and stability for outdoor use. See our Floor Requirements for an Outdoor Gym checklist.
Recommendations:
Pro Antishock Gym Tiles (1m x 1m)
- Available in 3 thickness from 43mm to 63mm
- In Built Drainage
- Non Slip
- 4 Year Warranty
- Weatherproof
- Noise Reduction
- From £62.99 per tile
3-Colour Outdoor Tiles (500mm x 500mm)
- Available in 2 thicknesses, 30mm to 40mm
- In Built Drainage
- Non Slip
- 4 Year Warranty
- Weatherproof
- 3 Colours (Black/Red/Green)
- Multipurpose
- From £12.99 per tile
- Available in 2 thicknesses, 25mm - 50mm
- Available in 3G and 4G
- 2 Lengths Available
- 5 Year Warranty
- From £2393 per roll
Durable & Low Maintenance Materials
Using hardwearing and hardy materials is important when planning and building a garden gym. Flimsy and lightweight gym equipment, structural materials and gym flooring will not last in an outdoor setting. Similarly, opting for low maintenance materials where possible will keep the time and cost of upkeep cost-effective.
Lighting
If you want to maximise the use of your outdoor gym space throughout the year or even use it in the evenings, lighting is clearly a must. The lighting you choose will be dependent on how your space is set up, if you have access to mains electricity and what type of structure you have. There are loads of outdoor lighting options on the market from dangling fairly lights to state-of-the-art, outdoor lighting fixtures and solar panels.
Noise Levels
Your outdoor gym should be a comfortable space with the freedom to drop weights and use noisy equipment at your leisure. This is where noise control comes in. Consider sound reducing gym flooring to dampen noise levels which will minimise any disruption to other family members or neighbours.
Conclusion
Building an outdoor home gym is an exciting project where you can benefit from regular workouts and outdoor fitness. Avoid the commute and costly gym membership fees by creating your own gym in the garden which, if done well, can be used all year round. If you keep in mind your long term fitness goals as well as the practical aspects of building an effective and durable outdoor space, your on your way to an amazing garden gym for 2023 and years to come.
You may also be interested in:-
Home Gym Styles & 5 Amazing Examples to Inspire You
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