How to Turn a Bedroom Into a Home Gym

Measure the area of the room. Use a tape measure to measure all four walls, the door that equipment will be brought in through and any extra space, such as closets, to determine how much room is available. This will give an idea as to what type of equipment can be placed in the room, how large the equipment can be and where it will be positioned in the room. Record all these measurements on paper for future reference.

Decide what physical needs you want to meet with a home gym. Some people like to work on upper-body muscles using barbells and weight benches, while others prefer workouts like boxing. Others like aerobic exercise, such as dancing, step exercises, indoor cycling and jumping rope, while others like to combine cardio and weight training.

Shop around for equipment to place in the gym. Based upon your physical needs, look for equipment that can cover one or more workout requirements. Workout machines are plentiful on the market today and are made to give workouts to the upper and lower body. A treadmill can be used for indoor running and walking. Yoga mats, exercise balls and steps can all be added to the gym. Preference plays a big part in this decision, as does space. Too many devices will make the room appear smaller and feel cramped. Measure all equipment and relate it to the size of the room to determine if it will fit and leave room for other pieces. Don't forget to utilize closet or any other extra space in the room.

Add accessories to the room. Add pieces of furniture, posters, a small refrigerator or cooler -- anything that will enhance your mood and give an overall feeling of a home exercise room. A mirror is a common sight at a gym and can be added to a home gym. A television or stereo can cause distraction, which may help you get through a grueling workout, and a towel rack can hold towels for sweat. Mats and rugs can be placed under equipment for stability, especially in the case of wooden floors. Visit a professional gym or look at gyms on the Internet to figure out what items in a professional gym would be most useful and could be incorporated into a home gym. Again, personal preference is a leading factor in forming a home gym that you can feel comfortable in.