Shedding a few pounds is a resolution that many of us have, and it’s one that you can easily achieve in the comfort of your own home. Whether you have a dedicated room or just a section of a larger space, you can skip the monthly gym fees and create an energizing space that you love to workout in. Continue reading for tips on how to design a home gym that will keep you fit and happy!

Watch the pounds melt away!

You don’t need a huge house or a lot of fancy gadgets to get the best workout of your life. The most important thing is to create a dedicated space where you can sweat out your stress and recharge day in and day out. If you have a spare room, by all means, take it over for the benefit of your health. Hitting the treadmill can be tiresome, and there is nothing better to get you through a workout than watching your favorite show! One episode in and you’ve already ticked off half an hour to a full hour of cardio. Hello summer bod!

The right TV or Media Console will help you set-up the perfect entertainment corner in your home gym. Look for a console with shelving to hold your extra workout gear like towels or small weights and a DVD player for home workout programs. Make sure that you choose a TV stand that will fit your space and leave you room to spread out for those days when you want to unroll the yoga mat or pop in an exercise DVD. A corner console will do wonders in utilizing available space, leaving you more room for workout equipment.

If you’re limited on space and have plans to utilize your living room as your workout space, no worries! Choosing an entertainment center that is both stylish and functional is a breeze. Look for one with sliding doors or cupboards to keep workout gear and electronics out of sight when not in use. If your treadmill, exercise bike or other workout equipment are dragging down your décor, you can set-up a room divider or partition.

A floor screen can do a fantastic job at keeping your workout space hidden when company is over. These dividers usually consist of three foldable panels, allowing you to designate areas of your room for various purposes, such as working out. They are easy to maneuver, so you can also put one up while company is over to hide unsightly gym gear, and fold it away when its crunch time!

Get Inspired

Don’t forget about storage. A cute wooden crate, set in the corner, can hold anything from yoga mats to foam rollers, keeping your workout gear organized. An ottoman or storage cube also works well to hold unsightly gym equipment out of the way when it’s not in use

You can also jazz up your space by adding some inspirational art to help motivate you through those intense sweat sessions. Adding nature scenes and delightful little paintings will help to create a soothing ambience that you won’t dread working out in.

Don’t forget: The National College of Sports Medicine recommends stretching not only before your workout but afterwards to reduce risk of injury and alleviate sore muscles. A thick rug provides the perfect cushion for stretching and practicing your sun warrior pose. Plus, a cozy area rug can help visually section off your workout space, creating distinction from the rest of your room.

Whether working out is on your New Year’s Resolution list or not, designing a home gym is still a fantastic way to incorporate healthy habits at home. Create a space that not only reflects your personal style but also encourages you through the most intense workout sessions with energizing decor and practical pieces that make your workout space fun and functional.