Home gym in garage

Garage Gym Essentials: Setting Up Your Outside-the-Box Fitness Space

March 28, 2025

Homeowners have long viewed garages as parking and storage areas. However, many individuals are now turning theirs into functional spaces that boost their property’s value and their quality of life. One of the most popular transformations is a garage gym, and we’re no stranger to helping transform garages into multi-use spaces. If you’re physically active, a gym in your garage could be one of the best investments to make for your health and lifestyle.

At Ohio Garage Interiors, we specialize in transforming concrete floors in garages, basements and commercial spaces. Our polyaspartic floor coating system can turn your crumbling concrete floor into a clean and low-slip surface that’s perfect for working out. Keep reading to learn more about turning your garage into a home gym.

Why Use Your Garage as a Gym?

If public gyms are everywhere, why spend money, time, and effort setting up one in your garage? Here are the top reasons:

  • Convenience: Your garage gym is open 24/7. No more commuting, waiting for machines, or dealing with peak-hour crowds.
  • Long-Term Cost Savings: A home gym requires an initial investment but eliminates monthly gym memberships and travel costs.
  • Personalized Equipment: You can tailor your gym to your fitness goals, whether you are into endurance, strength, or flexibility training.
  • Privacy: Some feel more comfortable working out in a private setting, especially when trying new exercises. Many also find sharing equipment with strangers unhygienic.
  • Family-Friendly: A garage gym allows the entire family to maintain a fitness routine without leaving home.

Garage Gym Essentials

Dumbbells in home gym

Even the most basic gym essentials are enough to create a practical workout space. Here are the key pieces of equipment that will set the foundation.

Racks

Sturdy power or squat racks let you do squats, bench presses, pull-ups, and other compound exercises. Choose a durable rack with safety features and adjustable settings.

Weights

Weights are crucial for strength training. Get dumbbells, barbells, and plates of various weights, depending on your fitness level.

Benches

An adjustable weight bench expands your workout possibilities. Look for a bench that allows incline, decline, and flat settings to support different exercises.

Cardio Machines

Treadmills are ideal if you do not want to walk, jog, or run outside but still want to get your heart rate up. Other options include stationary bikes and rowing machines.

Floor Mats

Rubber or foam mats provide cushioning for weightlifting and bodyweight exercises while absorbing noise and preventing damage to your flooring. But even the best yoga mat won’t make up for a cracked and crumbling concrete floor. Does this sound like your garage? Our polyaspartic floor coating system can help! Keep reading to learn more.

Exercise Balls

Stability balls and medicine balls add variety to your routine. Stability balls improve core strength and balance, while medicine balls are useful for explosive and functional training.

The Ideal Fitness Space

A garage gym is more than just equipment — the environment is also crucial in creating an optimal workout experience. What makes an ideal fitness space?

Adequate Space

Before purchasing workout gear, assess your garage’s available space and plan a layout that allows for movement. Designate areas for different exercise types, ensuring enough room for stretching, strength training, and cardio workouts. 

While the thought of having enough room in your garage to workout may seem like a pipe dream right now, the process of clearing out and organizing your garage becomes a lot easier when you have a storage solution standing by. When you undergo a garage floor transformation with Ohio Garage Interiors, we can provide a UNITS storage pod at an additional cost for your convenience. That way you have a place to store all the items currently in your garage while all the elements of your project come together.

OGI floor for gym at home


Smart Storage Solutions

An organized gym enhances efficiency. Use wall-mounted storage racks for weights, resistance bands, and other accessories. A pegboard system, shelving unit, or cabinetry can help maximize space while keeping supplements and supplies easily accessible.

Cabinets in OGI garage

Lighting and Ventilation

Good lighting is vital for safety and motivation; LED overhead lights bring bright and energy-efficient illumination. At the same time, proper ventilation maintains air quality. Install fans and other systems that prevent moisture buildup and stale air.

Cleanliness

A clean garage gym will make you want to spend more time exercising. Regularly wipe down equipment, sweep floors, and remove clutter. You need a space that looks good, minimizes distractions, and steers clear of risks.

Low-Slip Surface

Safety should be a top priority in dynamic areas in your home; a low-slip surface will help you avoid accidents such as falls and slips. At Ohio Garage Interiors (OGI), we recommend our polyaspartic coating system as it promises to withstand heavy equipment, sweat, and spills. It is durable, easy to clean, and capable of keeping you on your feet with a low-slip finish.

Get Started on Your Garage Floor Transformation

You deserve convenience, cost-effectiveness, and highly personalized fitness spaces. From racks and weights to proper flooring and storage solutions, every detail contributes to a functional and motivating garage gym!

Ohio Garage Interiors offers high-quality polyaspartic flooring and is eager to give you an area that is not simply used to park or store. Our team of flooring experts can evaluate your garage, recommend the best upgrades, and perform a professional installation for you. We also consider your fitness goals, promising your garage gym will fulfill your needs and preferences.

Reap the benefits of having your own gym at home. Let us start working on your garage floors so you can start working out. Contact OGI today!