How to Create a Home Gym in Your Log Cabin

To help you create the perfect garden gym out of your log cabin or shed, here is the complete and practical guide to help you take the next step.

There are a lot of benefits to setting up a home garden gym instead of travelling to and from a commercial gym and paying for memberships. Some of the other benefits to a home gym include:

• You can set your own schedule
• It’s easier to remain motivated when you don’t have far to travel
• Privacy
• The distractions found in most commercial gyms won’t present themselves in a home gym, allowing for better focus
• No waiting to use equipment

It can also be a better option to install a separate garden structure for such a purpose, allowing you to make the most of your workout without leaving your home.

1. Decide on your log cabin size

When it comes to the size of your log cabin gym, a spacious structure will provide more equipment options. If circumstances do not allow, however, you will need at least a 3m x 3m building. It will grant ample space for you to move around whilst working out.

Before purchasing a log cabin, you will also need to measure the available space in your garden and how much you can allot. When it comes to the height, you should consider the types of exercises you opt to do, such as overhead weights.

Our range of log cabins come in a variety of sizes to choose from, allowing you to consider the width, depth, and height of your ideal garden building.

2. Plan for its best location in the garden

You can use your garden space in a variety of ways, as dictated by your needs. So, if you plan on installing a home gym in it, make sure to choose the best location without greatly interfering with your other garden activities.

For example, you may opt for the area farthest from your home to get a good view of your lush outdoor space while working out. This technique can also prevent kids and pets from constantly barging into your workout space.

3. Set up safe and sturdy flooring

Since a garden gym will cater to various physical activities, make sure to choose sturdy wood for the flooring. You can also opt for an easy to clean design to help keep the structure neat after some intense workouts!

Deciding on your gym floor setup will also depend on the type of fitness equipment you will use. If you use free weights, it’s important to select a specific rubber matting.

You can purchase our range of log cabins with optional tongue and groove or Durellis solid sheet flooring options which perfectly fit the requirements of a garden gym.

4. Insulate and ventilate the structure

If you want the gym to be functional all year round, you’ll need to both insulate and ventilate it. For an easy ventilation technique, opt for a structure with windows large enough to let sufficient air in during the summer.

You can also choose double-glazed windows which keep the log cabin warm during the cold season. They will also allow you to turn the music up without annoying the neighbours! It would even be better to install an extractor fan and additional air vents to let the warm, moist air out while drawing in cool air.

When it comes to insulation, you can either invest in a highly-insulated garden building or do it yourself. You can use rock wool or other sturdy insulators for such purpose.

5. Power up your log cabin gym

Two of the most common options to power up a garden building is to run a cable from the home or using solar panels on the roof. The first option, however, must be done by a qualified electrician.

6. Buy the right equipment

When choosing your equipment, consider your available space, fitness needs and budget. For your cardio sessions, you can choose from simple items such as jumping rope and stepping box, to a treadmill and elliptical trainer.

Beyond cardio, a set of dumbbells will also allow you to implement an excellent all-round training routine. If you are a beginner, it is important to employ various weight progressions to support a natural progression.

7. Decorate and work it out

What’s great about a home gym is that you can create your preferred environment. This is applicable to both your workout requirements and the physical structure.

For your finishing touches, you can add window blinds for more privacy, mirrors, and a good music system. Setting up benches and squat racks will also be a great idea if your indoor space allows.

When it comes to the external look of your garden gym, a log cabin’s wooden surface can easily blend into an established garden. Nevertheless, you can still spruce it up with paint and other decors.

8. Secure the garden building

Lastly, with all the equipment and furniture you have installed in the garden gym, you will need to keep it secure. A sturdy lock will do, but additional security systems such as an alarm or security camera will work better.