Beautiful small home gym ideas to inspire your own basement home gym

It’s true that one of the most visited spots after the New Year are gyms! Though I have had my fair share of gym visits in the past, there was just a little anxiety about working out and being vulnerable around so many strangers. Listen, I’m well aware that they were probably not even thinking of me and I could have totally made up the entire scenario in my head. But, there is a level of comfort that is just present working out in your own home and that’s what I’ve been desiring for the last couple of years. I’m making it happen this year for my New Year, New Room Refresh Challenge!

What is the new year new room refresh challenge?

If this is your first time hearing about this annual, January challenge let me invite you personally to a quick origin story. Years ago, (about 8 years now!) I was still feeling the ups and downs of being full time at home with the kiddos but not loving the home we had. I had very little motivation to make a change but always complained that I didn’t love the spaces around the house.

I finally had enough and decided that I wouldn’t welcome yet another year of not loving my home. I created the New Year, New Room Refresh Challenge to motivate me to finally create the home I always wanted but was also mindful that it would take one space at a time. So, to kick off the New Year a new room was chosen to tackle during the month of January. Since I didn’t want to do this alone, I invited some DIY/decor bloggers to join in.

Here are my past rooms and it is a big eye opening for me to see my journey creating this home. I started with absolutely no budget the first year and now do a little planning ahead to prep for this project each year.

• Family Room refresh (2016)
• Global Eclectic Living Room refresh (2017)
• Boho Chic Craft Room (2018)
• Modern Bohemian Dining Room (2019)
• Artsy Industrial Big Boy Bedroom (2020)
• Small Blue Laundry Room (2021)
• Pink Boho Girl’s Bedroom (2022)

By the way, you can check out all the 2023 participants below and their Instagram handles. Their direct websites are also linked at the end of this post!

Small Basement Gym Before

Though I don’t emphasize weight as the only measure of health, I do find myself wanting to be healthier in all areas of life. I have to admit that I’m a bit sick of running out of breath when I walk from the basement to the second floor. I mean come on.. I used to do that with very little effort!

Maintaining a healthy weight is important, but heart health has been on my mind as of late. Let me clarify that I haven’t been told there is anything wrong with my heart. I’ve just been thinking more and more that my kids could be left without their mother from one of the most common and preventable women’s health issues, heart disease.

So, here we are deciding to tackle the basement home gym this January instead of heading to the public gym. It will be quite the journey, but I’m ready for the challenge.

Small home gym inspiration

Basement rooms are pretty tricky to decorate, but this room is my Mt. Everest. I’ll have to deal with the small window, poor lighting, and the awkward angles of the room. I’m remaining positive though! My refreshed small gym will happen and I have a few ideas to help me along the way.

Must have organic and airy feeling

One of the definite must haves for the gym is an organic and airy feel. I love the wood tones and plant wall of this gym, which makes the small gym seem so much larger and bright even with that one little basement window. Though the second photo has dark walls, there is still an organic feel created by the living wall.

Must have storage

I’m not sure if I’ll be able to squeeze in cabinetry, but I love the idea of having cabinets for storage and a little bar area for refreshments.

The benefit is that this gym is right off the great room in the basement which already has a wet bar so if I can’t squeeze it in, I can still enjoy a post-workout smoothie at the wet bar.

Must have large framed mirrors

Most public gyms I’ve been to usually have mirrors covering every inch of the wall. I like the idea of mirrors, but not so much that they cover the entire wall. Here are examples of large framed mirrors for small gyms that are inspiring me. The framed mirrors make the small work out spaces look much larger and also lends a more sophisticated touch compared to a full wall mirror.

how to join the new year new room challenge

Don’t miss out on any of the fun! Take a front seat and join each participant as they tackle their spaces. You can head to each of the websites linked below to check out all 17 participants each Tuesday this January. Stay tuned for all the behind the scenes progress available on Instagram too!

Feeling inspired to tackle your own space? You can join the challenge by sharing your own progress and using the hashtag #newyearnewroomchallenge on Instagram and all social media.

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