Are you challenged on finding time to visit the gym after work and wish you had access to a gym without leaving your house? Do you want to get the most out of your space available by combining the use of a room in two? If yes, then you are probably looking for a way to combine a home office and a home gym.
Creating a home office and gym combo may actually be just what you need to achieve the perfect work-life balance.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of assessing your space and needs, designing the layout, choosing the right furniture, and creating an inspiring and motivating atmosphere where you can sweat from both working and working out.
Before starting to plan your new home office and home gym combo start off by assessing what you need from your room. The space should cater to both the working part while also allowing you to power through a tough workout.
The more space you have, the easier it is to plan your home office and gym combo. However, even with limited space you can end up creating a workspace that enables you to be productive while also staying fit.
Measuring Your Available Space
The first step to creating the perfect home office and gym combo is to measure the available space in your home. This will help you determine the size of your office and gym areas, and identify any potential limitations or challenges in combining the two spaces.
If in doubt, I have written a guide about the right size for a home office here. You might be able to take some inspiration from it.
Take note of any windows or lack of windows, doors, or other features that may impact the layout of your space. Additionally, consider the lighting in the room and how it may affect your work and workout routines.
Once you have measured your space, it’s time to start thinking about how you can best utilize it. Will you need to invest in space-saving furniture or equipment? Can you incorporate any existing furniture or decor into your new setup?
These are all important factors to consider as you begin to plan your home office and gym.
Identifying Your Office Requirements
Remember. The shared room is not meant for one sole purpose. As such, the home gym side of it cannot overtake the working side of things. Make sure to prioritize that you create a home office that suits your needs to be productive.
When designing your home office, it’s important to identify your specific requirements. This may include the need for a large desk, comfortable seating, or adequate storage for files and paperwork. Take the time to consider your work habits and preferences, and how they will inform the layout of your office area.
Also, consider incorporating elements that will inspire productivity and creativity, such as plants, artwork, or motivational quotes.
Just make sure that your home office caters to all the accessories and all of the stuff you need to create a well-working workspace.
Determining Your Fitness Goals and Equipment
When setting up your home gym, it’s important to determine your fitness goals and select the equipment that will best help you achieve them. If you want to get jacked or ripped you may need some more extensive equipment. If you just want to maintain your fitness or stop gaining weight when working from home you might not need that much.
Basically, it is your goals and your workouts that determine what equipment you need.
- If you enjoy cardio workouts, consider investing in a treadmill or stationary bike.
- If strength training is more your style, a set of dumbbells or a weight bench may be a better fit.
- Additionally, think about incorporating elements that will make your gym area feel inviting and motivating, such as a wall-mounted TV or a stereo system for playing music.
Remember, creating a home office and gym combo is all about finding a balance that works for you. Take the time to assess your space and needs, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your design.
With a little bit of effort, you can create a functional and inspiring space that will help you stay productive and healthy from the comfort of your own home.
Designing Your Home Office and Home Gym Combo Layout
Before you start buying furniture and gym equipment you need to have a plan for the layout of your room. You should know exactly how much gym equipment and office furniture you can fill up your office with.
The best solution is if you can find some multi-functional furniture that can help you save even more space. At least if you don’t have a garage for your home office or with a similar large size.
Creating a Functional Office Area
As mentioned, the first step in designing your home office and gym combo is to assess your space and needs. Once you’ve done that, it’s time to create a functional office area that fits your specific requirements.
This may include a desk that is big enough to accommodate your computer and work materials, a comfortable chair that provides good back support, and storage solutions that keep your office organized and clutter-free.
When choosing a desk, consider one that is adjustable so that you can switch between sitting and standing throughout the day. This can help improve your posture and reduce the risk of developing health problems associated with prolonged sitting.
Standing is also a great way to get more steps in when working from home. And if you are interested in fitness, getting a lot of steps – maybe 5000 or 10000 each day – is potentially an important goal for you.
Incorporating Gym Equipment and Storage For Your Weights
Now that you’ve created a functional office area, it’s time to incorporate gym equipment and storage solutions into your space.
This may involve installing a weight lifting machine, setting up a yoga mat and resistance bands, or adding a treadmill or stationary bike. It is very dependent of what you want from your home gym, your fitness goals, and the space available.
To keep your gym equipment organized and easily accessible, consider adding shelves or cabinets to your space. The more you can hide your dumbbells, kettlebells, or other weight when not in use, the better. That makes your combined home office much easier on the eye with less clutter.
Also, if you have children or pets then you need to keep your equipment off the floor and prevent injuries.
Make Sure There is Plenty of Light and Ventilation
When designing your home office and gym combo, it’s important to maximize natural light and ventilation.
This can help create a calming and energizing atmosphere that promotes productivity and fitness. If possible, position your desk near a window so that you can take advantage of natural light throughout the day.
If your home office is dark and moody it can be detrimental to your motivation to work and work out. Unless you love a dark place to do these things. But without natural sunlight and ventilation, you can easily feel tired or feel lazy. That makes it harder for you to actually work out and use your new home office and home gym.
Proper ventilation is also important for maintaining good air quality in your home office and gym. Consider installing a ceiling fan or opening a window to get some more air in.
If you work out at a high pace you would want to get some fresh air afterwards. For that reason, you should try and pick a room with a window for your combined home office and home gym.
Consider Privacy and Noise When You Create a Home Office and Gym Combo
Thinking of privacy and noise reduction features in your home office and gym combo can help ensure that you can focus on work and exercise without distractions. Consider adding curtains or noise-reducing panels to separate the two spaces and create a quiet environment.
If you share your home with others, it’s important to establish boundaries and communicate your needs. Let your family members or roommates know when you will be working or exercising so that they can respect your space and time.
But, as working out can be pretty noisy it goes both ways. Make sure you respect your partner, your roommates, or another when you work out. If they work from home themselves, unwanted background noise can really ruin it for them.
Creating an Inspiring and Motivating Atmosphere For Yourself
Motivation is very important, both when we talk about work and working out. The more you can help yourself stay motivated and disciplined the more you can get out of creating a combined home office and home gym.
Here you can get som tips on creating a motivating atmosphere in you home gym and office combo.
Choosing a Color Scheme and Decor
The color scheme and decor you choose can have a significant impact on the atmosphere of your home office and gym combo.
Consider incorporating colors that promote productivity and energy, such as blue, green, or yellow.
- Blue is known to help with focus and concentration.
- Green is associated with calmness and balance.
- Yellow is a great color for boosting energy and positivity.
When it comes to decor, choose items that inspire and motivate you. Hang up pictures of your favorite athletes or fitness quotes that keep you going during tough workouts. You can also add in personal touches such as a vision board or a whiteboard to keep track of your goals and progress.
Adding Greenery and Air-Purifying Plants
Adding plants to your home office and gym combo can help purify the air and create a calming atmosphere.
Consider adding air-purifying plants such as snake plants or peace lilies. These plants not only look great but also help to remove toxins from the air, making your workspace a healthier place to be.
Plants also have a positive effect on mental health and can help reduce stress and anxiety. Having a few plants around your workspace can make a big difference in your overall well-being.
If only for the aesthetic factor, you can add fake plants as well. They will give some life and contrast to your home office and gym combo.
My name is Frederik
I am a passionate marketeer who loves the freedom that comes with working from home whenever I choose to do so.
I love getting nerdy with every single detail about making everything related to my home just a tiny bit better.
That is what motivates me to write about home stuff on this blog.