Updated - February 2025
With the weather heating up and spring on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to build an outdoor home gym. Outdoor or garden gyms have become increasingly popular in the UK over the last few years because many of us don't have indoor space for efficient full body workouts. More of us are extending our living space by utilising garden areas and garages for fitness and other purposes. If executed well, an outdoor gym can significantly optimise your fitness routine, and it will last for years.
Table of Contents
8 Things You Need to Consider to Build Your Garden Gym
2. Temporary or Permanent Garden Gym
3. Weather-Proof Gym Equipment
4. Insulation and Air-Conditioning
6. Durable and Low Maintenance Materials
7. Lighting for Your Workout Space
8. Noise Level-Reducing Gym Flooring
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 or garden 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.
8 Things You Need to Consider to Build Your Garden Gym
There is nothing quite like the freedom of a garden gym and outdoor workouts. But you want to maintain your outdoor gym and invest in building a space that will last. There is a ton of home workout spaces inspiration, but let's get down to basics.
Here are eight things worth considering before planning your garden gym space.
1. Suitable Garden Shelter
If you want to work out in all types of weather, you must install a cover. You won't have to worry about rain or hot weather and can use your gym more throughout the year. Dozens of canopies and ready-made covers are on the market, and various materials can be used to create your handmade cover solution. Many homeowners design and construct patio and outdoor living areas using materials such as PVC, wood and brick for awnings and garden shelters, which is an excellent foundation for your garden gym building. Just make sure you give yourself enough headroom for those star jumps!
2. Temporary or Permanent Garden Gym
You may want to create a temporary outdoor gym or a more permanent set-up, depending on your situation. If you want to disassemble your gym space easily, consider loose laid gym tiles and equipment that can be efficiently moved around.
For a more permanent solution, consider installing proper quality gym flooring and anchoring equipment such as gym rigs and racks to make them more stable. A permanent structure around your gym 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 or extending your garage are also great ideas for establishing a framework for your home gym.
3. Weather-Proof Gym Equipment
Consider well-made, quality gym equipment made from strong materials that will not wear easily, which will be perfect as backyard workout equipment. Equipment protectors can also help keep your gear well looked after and fit for purpose. Try to opt for equipment that has the following:
- 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, remember your personal fitness goals, the activities you enjoy and what equipment you are 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 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 home gym should have a gym rig or power rack as its foundation. It allows you to build and add bars and attachments for multi-functional fitness, covering all the bases for barbell training, dips, squats, pull-ups, bench work and suspension training, plus storage space for weights.
Most cardio machines such as bikes, rowers and treadmills are now equipped to be moved around from place to place and can work well in home gyms 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.
See our quick guide of recommendations for outdoor gym equipment:
4. Insulation and Air-Conditioning
Depending on how built-up your garden gym is, you may need to consider 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 and direct sunlight in hot seasons.
Likewise, proper home gym flooring will seal your space and provide an extra insulation layer. In more closed spaces, you might want to invest in fans in the summer months when it can become warm and stuffy.
5. Suitable Outdoor Flooring
Not all gym flooring is designed for outdoor use. It is advisable to narrow down gym flooring options that 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 provide superior shock absorption and stability for outdoor use.
Recommendations:
- PRO Antishock Gym Tiles (1m x 1m)
- Available in 3 thicknesses from 43mm, 53mm and 63mm
- Heavy duty thick gym tiles for high impact
- Metal-free and made from recycled rubber
- Built-in drainage
- Anti-slip properties
- 4-year warranty
- Weather-proof
- Noise reduction
- From £62.99 per tile
- Ideal for weightlifting, crossFit, HIIT and functional training
3-Colour Outdoor Tiles (500mm x 500mm)
- Available in two thicknesses, 30mm to 40mm
- Built-in drainage
- Non-slip rubber tiles
- 4-year warranty
- Weather-proof
- Three colours (black/red/green)
- Multipurpose — outdoor gym flooring, garage gyms, garden gyms, outdoor play areas, parks and more.
- From £12.99 per tile.
Outdoor Sled Tracks/Sprint Tracks
- Available in 3 lengths and various marked lanes and artificial turf tracks
- Available in 6 colours
- 1-year warranty
- Integrated Drainage
- Suitable for outdoor functional training, sled pulling, sprinting, speed and agility
- From £960 per track
Customer Feedback:
"My bootcamp buddies absolutely love our new fitness yard. We used to make do in a small section of the gym carpark but this is next level! The new gym tiles make all the difference with outdoor training especially in bad weather. Would highly recommend to anyone thinking of extending their gym space to outdoors"
6. Durable and Low Maintenance Materials
Hardwearing and robust materials are important when planning and building a garden gym. Flimsy and lightweight gym and exercise 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 expense of upkeep cost-effective.
7. Lighting for Your Workout Space
Lighting is a must if you want to maximise the use of your outdoor gym space throughout the year or even use it in the evenings. The lighting you choose will depend on how your space is set up, whether you have access to mains electricity and what type of structure you have. There are many outdoor lighting options on the market, from dangling fairy lights to state-of-the-art outdoor lighting fixtures and solar panels.
8. Noise Level-Reducing Gym Flooring
Your outdoor gym should be a comfortable space with the freedom to drop weights and use noisy or heavy equipment at your leisure. This is where noise control comes in. Consider soundproofing gym flooring to dampen noise levels which will minimise disruption to other family members or neighbours.
DIY Outdoor Home Gym Ideas
Now that you know the basics to setting up your outdoor fitness hub, let's look at some creative DIY ways to embrace outdoor workouts and make the most of your space.
- Multipurpose Lifting Platform: Construct a sturdy, weather-resistant platform for weightlifting and powerlifting. Use plywood topped with rubber mats for durability and to cushion heavy weights.
- Outdoor HIIT Circuit: Designate a circuit track using natural stones or pavers for high-intensity interval training. Include stations with a jump rope, kettlebells, and a sandbag for varied exercises.
- Pull-up Frame: Erect a robust pull-up bar from galvanised steel pipes or a wooden beam. Make sure it’s securely anchored to withstand various body weights and movements.
- Tyre Sledgehammer Station: Repurpose an old tyre and a sledgehammer for a smashing strength workout. This is great for building upper body strength and cardio endurance.
- Balance and Agility Course: Use logs, ropes, and old tyres to create an obstacle course that challenges balance, agility, and speed—a fun way to spice up your workout routine.
- Yoga and Stretching Zone: Lay down outdoor friendly gym mats in a quiet corner of your garden for yoga and stretching exercises. A peaceful spot under a tree would be perfect for meditation and cooldowns.
- Resistance Band Hooks: Install hooks or a sturdy railing around your garden gym to attach resistance bands. These can be used for a variety of workouts targeting different muscle groups.
- Storage Bench: Build a waterproof bench that doubles as storage for your weights, bands, and workout accessories. This keeps your space tidy and your equipment in good condition.
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 gym in the garden, which, if done well, can be used all year round.
If you keep in mind your long-term fitness goals and the practical aspects of building an effective and durable outdoor space, you are on your way to an amazing garden gym for 2023 and years to come.
FAQ - Garden Gym UK
1. Where can I find garden fitness equipment?
There are a number of great outdoor gym equipment suppliers. We recommend SuperStrong for a wide choice of rigs and racks and other essential fitness kit that is suitable for outdoor use.
2. Gym Shelters? What do you recommend for outdoor coverings?
There are various shelter types from canvas coverings to more structural shelters on the market from brands such as Ikea and B&Q. For specific outdoor gym coverings we recommend Steelgram Fabrications.
3. How do I install Outdoor Gym Flooring?
Outdoor rubber gym tiles either come with connection pins which interlock the tiles together for a stable and easy installation. Another method is by butting each tile together (without using adhesive). Outdoor tiles typically come in thicker gym mat options and studded base ranging from 40mm and above so are very heavy and solid. They will not budge or move around due to their weight. See our list of helpful gym floor installation guides and tutorials for more details.
4. Do outdoor gym tiles have a stud base?
Yes all outdoor tiles should feature a stud or grooved base which allows for moisture drainage.
Ready to create your own fitness playground? Shop our outdoor fitness surfaces for some inspiration.
