How to Make a Small Room Into a Treadmill and Exercise Room

Make the room inviting. This will help take away some of the dread you might feel about working out there. For instance, paint the walls in a bright, cheerful color. Avoid dark colors, which can make a small room seem even smaller. Add some artwork to the walls; motivational pictures work well for this room, but avoid giant pieces that will put emphasis on the smallness of the room. Mirrored panels can make the space feel bigger and reflect light, plus allow you to watch yourself performing stretches so that you know you’re doing them right.

Add distractions. A wall-mounted magazine rack or wall-mounted book shelf provides a place to put reading material for you to read while exercising if you so wish, without taking up floor space. A wall-mounted flat-panel television allows you to watch your favorite shows while burning calories without using precious floor space as well. A music player allows you to listen to tunes that will get you pumped up.

Move the treadmill into the room. Position it near a window if you like to look outdoors while you work out or facing the television if you prefer to watch that while you walk. However, avoid placing it in the center of the room, as you’ll need whatever space is left for floor exercises. If you have yet to purchase a treadmill, consider one that folds up and can be stored in a closet when not in use, allowing you to use more floor space for other activities.

Set down an exercise mat if your floor is not carpeted so you have a soft surface to stand, sit and lay on. Take measurements before purchasing a mat to ensure it will fit in your small space.

Place free weights on a weight rack near the mat so you can reach them easily if doing a quick weight workout or if adding weights to your walking or running routine. If a weight rack takes too much room, consider investing in adjustable dumbbells instead to save space.

Put towels in the closet so you don’t have to go far for one after you’ve worked up a sweat. The closet is also a good place to store additional workout equipment, such as a jump rope, a balance ball and abs machine. This leaves as much space as possible open in the room for working out.