With most of our time being spent at home, many of us are longing for healthy habits to brighten our days. With lots of online workouts available, it's easier than ever to get your endorphin kick at home. Set up a beautiful and welcoming space to motivate consistency and inspire wellness - all before your morning coffee.

Designate a zone

Home gyms don't need an entire room to be functional; your workout zone could be an awkward living room nook or even the garage. Dedicate enough room for an exercise mat to allow for yoga, pilates and basic strength training. If you're lucky enough to have space for larger equipment, consider foldable or lightweight options that are easily moveable should you need to reclaim the area. 

High impact aerobic activity requires robust flooring with a little give, such as timber or vinyl, but be sure to add an area rug to protect finishes and help with noise reduction. Carpeted areas work well for resistance training like yoga or pilates.

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Set a welcoming tone

Regardless of your home gym size or location, creating a space you actually want to spend time in is key. Infuse your space with calming tones, such as crisp blues or relaxed greens, by painting walls or using removable wallpaper. Soothing neutral palettes work just as well, with faux greenery and textured pots instantly elevating any space.

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Light your space well

Natural light during the day helps to lift mood and regulate natural biorhythms, as well as providing a fresh feel to any interior, so try to set up your gym near some windows. When natural light isn't enough, varied light sources such as ceiling lights and floor lamps give you the flexibility to create a bright atmosphere or ambient glow. 

Keep gym accessories organised

Clearing clutter allows for greater floor space and exercise options. Look for multipurpose furniture like benches to create storage opportunities while doubling as equipment for tricep dips. Corral workout gear in baskets and consider shoe cabinets as weight cubbies. Maximise vertical space where possible with wall hooks to hang skipping ropes and exercise bands or shelving units to house spare equipment.

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Use mirrors to your advantage

Mirrors naturally bounce light around, enlarging smaller spaces and providing a chic focal point and are essential for keeping an eye on form or monitoring progress. Larger full length mirrors work best, but multiple smaller wall mirrors can be used for a similar and more affordable effect.

Stock up on the essentials

Whether your greatest love is hitting the treadmill before breakfast or zoning out with yoga at sunset, consider investing in equipment that allows for a holistic workout involving cardio, strength and recovery training. 

Cardio

An exercise bike or compact treadmill prevents bad weather from getting in the way and allows for multitasking. Short on space? Look for foldable options that can be easily tucked away under existing furniture.

Strength

Free weights provide a flexible option for varying strength levels and can be used for countless exercises, targeting different muscle groups and adding variety to your routine. While larger equipment units are an investment and require ample space, they guide movement and correct alignment to help avoid injury.

Recovery

Yoga mats and fitness balls serve multiple purposes and are instrumental in stretching routines, with many now made of natural fibres. Keep towels handy for additional cushioning or extra lumbar support and a water bottle within easy reach for instant hydration.

Create an atmosphere with music

Whether your style is blasting dance tunes through a speaker or zoning out to classical tones with headphones, allow music to set the tempo and spur motivation for your workout. Create playlists with different lengths to time your exercise for different routines.

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Use available outdoor space

If you love outdoor exercise but would prefer to move within the comfort of your own home, consider setting up your home gym on an undercover balcony or patio. Yoga mats, weights and skipping ropes can be easily stored in an outdoor cabinet and accessed quickly for an alfresco routine.