As many gyms and fitness centers have been closed across the greater Boston area, residents have been exploring new ways to workout from the convenience of their homes.
Homeowners have started exploring different areas of their homes where they could place workout equipment such as treadmills, weight benches, Pelotons, Yoga mats, etc. Not surprisingly, these spaces also need technology (Wi-Fi, tablets, TVs, audio, etc.) where the latest workouts can be streamed online. Areas such as unused bedrooms, basements, garages, and even attics are being converted to home gyms.
Home Gym Attic Conversation by Wendel Klein
The Attic Location
The homeowners contacted Wendel Klein because they had a vision for a home gym in the space above their existing garage. Like many of the homes in our area, the original home was built in the early 1900’s. The space above the garage was a rough unfinished area with a pull-down stair hatch. There were no existing walls or ceiling and the floor was made functional with a few wood planks.
Our Approach
Recognizing the home gym area needed to withstand heavy equipment, we started by reinforcing the floor with new floor joists and plywood and installed a durable, floating, engineered floor. The engineered flooring would provide durability and withstand moisture. The walls were insulated, a new picture window was installed to provide natural lighting to the gym, and we finished the walls with plaster.
Starting with the Invisible
To maximize the functionality of the newly remodeled home gym, there were several improvements you can’t see. We installed a new electrical panel to handle current and future electrical needs. This would provide power to a new highly efficient WIFI controllable “Mini-Split” heat pump system to heat and cool the space. To stream online fitness classes or music, network cabling was installed along with a dedicated wireless access point. Other small details also included the installation of smart light switches.
Designing and Building the New Home Gym
When we first saw the unfinished space, we couldn’t help but marvel at the original wood beams and posts. Again, we wanted to be respectful to the 1920’s style of the home so we decided to restore the original wooden beams. The beams had been covered in graffiti from the previous owners' kids, but our craftsmen were able to restore them to their original condition. To replace the pull-down stairs, our team created a pine stairwell in order to blend the new space with the original home.
The Results
The homeowners love their new home gym! Having the gym above the existing garage makes workouts convenient. Because the home gym is on a separate electrical circuit, it can always be made comfortable for the family fitness enthusiasts. Some of their other favorite features are the restored wooden beams and the new picture window. Two antique surfboards were placed on the exterior wall as a decoration - and perhaps beach body inspiration.
With social-distancing now part of our everyday vocabulary, we may continue to see home gyms rise in popularity. Home gyms are no longer just a treadmill tucked away in the corner of a bedroom. Home fitness equipment has become more sophisticated and technologically advanced. Many have become as effective as professional fitness centers.
If you’d like to explore a gym in your home, call the design and remodeling experts at Wendel Klein. We can help you explore all your options and create the perfect gym for your home. Schedule a call with one of our consultants by calling us at (857) 253-1890.
