Having a customized home gym makes keeping up with your fitness routine much more convenient, especially if you have mobility issues. In the video above, Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor head to Montana to build a customized home gym for an injured Navy SEAL. While this isn’t a manageable do-it-yourself (DIY) project for just any homeowner, we’ve included the general process below if you’re interested in how it’s done. Your desired gym features, equipment weight, and DIY capabilities will determine whether you need to hire help.
Choosing the Right Location
First, figure out where you’re putting your home gym. Consider factors like available square footage, natural lighting and ventilation, your flooring type, plus functionality for you and whoever else will be using it. An oversized or unused garage could be a good option, as could a basement area or storage room.
In the video, Silva and O’Connor work with a 10-by-16-foot corner of a garage. This proved to be an ideal location, offering ample room to move around and accommodate multiple pieces of equipment.
Preparing the Floor
Not just any flooring will do for a home gym. It must be able to support heavy equipment and dropped weights. Plus, you want it to be comfortable when doing strenuous movements. Silva recommends a thick rubber pad. Choose interlocking rubber pad squares, available at most home centers. Start laying the pads from one corner, working your way out. Use the locking system to connect the pieces securely. Trim the edges with finished foam pieces for a clean look.
This padded flooring not only protects the existing garage floor but also provides a softer surface for moving around.
Installing a Mirror
Most gym users want a mirror in their gym to check their form while working out. The safest route is to securely mount one to the wall so there’s no chance of it tipping over. In the video, Silva and O’Connor went with a mirror approximately 120-by-72 inches. They got two sizes of metal J-channel framing and mounted the smaller J-channel at the bottom and the larger one at the top using screws and a driver. They then carefully slid the mirror into place, ensuring it was secure in both channels.
Selecting Appropriate Equipment
Those with accessible gyms often include modified equipment such as free weights and dumbbells, multifunctional strength training machines, resistance bands, and cardio equipment adapted for seated use.
The video shows Silva installing a specialized cardio machine designed for sled hockey players and cross-country skiers, demonstrating how to adapt equipment for specific needs.
Mounting Equipment
When setting up an accessible home gym, think about appropriate heights and security. Use wall studs for mounting heavy equipment, and adjust heights based on the user’s needs and preferences. Ensure there’s enough clearance around each piece of equipment.
Silva and O’Connor installed a chin-up bar at a custom height to accommodate the user’s needs when exercising without prosthetics.
Ensuring Accessibility
To make your home gym truly accessible, consider these additional factors:
- Adequate lighting
- Easily reachable storage for smaller items
- Nonslip surfaces
- Temperature control for comfort
- Wide, clear pathways between equipment
Accessibility needs vary from person to person, so tailor the space to the user’s specific requirements. In many cases, you’ll be working with limited space. Here are some tips for maximizing efficiency while still making the space accessible:
- Use foldable or storable equipment.
- Opt for multifunctional pieces that offer various exercise options.
- Use wall-mounted equipment to save floor space.
- Utilize vertical space with shelving or pegboards for storage.
Creating an accessible home gym goes beyond just the equipment and layout. Here are some additional considerations to think through:
- Adjustable furniture: Include adjustable furniture and benches to accommodate different heights and user needs.
- Clear pathways: Keep the floor free of clutter, cords, and equipment that could cause trips or falls. Regularly tidy up the space to ensure clear, unobstructed pathways.
- Doorways and entrances: Ensure entrances and doorways are wide and barrier-free to accommodate wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
- Emergency procedures: Have a plan in case of emergencies, including accessible communication devices and first aid supplies.
- Flooring: Choose nonslip, shock-absorbant flooring that is easy to move on and reduces the risk of falls. Rubber mats or cushioned vinyl flooring add safety and comfort.
- Signage and instructions: Use clear and easy-to-read signage and instructions for all equipment, aiding users who may have visual impairments or cognitive challenges.
- Simple controls: Depending on needs, you may want to choose equipment with easy-to-use controls that don’t require fine motor skills or complex adjustments.
- Stable equipment: Ensure all equipment is stable and secure, with no risk of tipping over.
- Support bars: Install grab bars or support rails where necessary to provide additional stability.
Consulting Experts
Even if you can tackle a home gym setup by yourself, consulting professionals can offer insights that may increase functionality and safety. Here are some recommendations:
- Accessibility experts: These professionals can provide advice and design ideas for making your gym effective for the type of workouts you want to and are able to do.
- Medical professionals: Consult with occupational and physical therapists who specialize in working with people with mobility issues.
- Fitness trainers: They can recommend equipment and exercises tailored to your fitness level and goals.
- Contractors: Skilled contractors can ensure that installations are performed safely and according to building codes.
