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Tradition says that, with the clink of the champagne glass and a kiss as the ball counts down to zero, it’s time to start the New Year with a clean slate. And so you make a resolution. Many Americans will make resolutions related to health, fitness, weight loss or self-care. If you’ve made a fitness resolution in the past and struggled with success, maybe your new resolution is to make 2019 the year you succeed.

To make it a little easier, why not bring the gym to you? If you’ve been vowing for years to finally get your basement finished, this is the perfect opportunity to make that happen. Here are some tips for converting your basement into your new home gym, so you can finally make good on that New Year’s resolution…

Measure

In order to house your home gym in your basement, you need at least a 7-foot minimum ceiling height to accommodate exercise equipment. In addition to your vertical space, you should account for the types and number of machines you’d like to incorporate. For instance, treadmills and elliptical trainers require about 30 square feet of space each.

Waterproof

If your basement has the space you need to plan your perfect home gym, it’s time to take the first step toward finishing a basement: waterproofing. Work with a professional to determine if your basement can be sealed from water and properly finished. Skipping this step can cost thousands in damage to the space and equipment.

Insulate

Once the basement has been waterproofed, plan on insulating the ceiling. Ceiling insulation will help provide a sound barrier between your workout playlist blasting over the exercise equipment and your spouse’s book club taking place upstairs.

Contemplate Color

Know how color will affect your success. If you’re working to develop a meditative space or place to practice yoga, then cool, relaxing and spa-like colors will be most inviting. If you’re looking to build some serious muscle with weights or burn major calories with cardio, energizing and vibrant colors will be most motivating.

Flooring

As with any home renovation or remodel, flooring will play an important part in the overall feel and function of your space. Depending on your basement, you may have a variety of flooring options for your gym. If your concrete is in good shape, you might opt to stain or polish the existing slab. Other options include carpet tiles, rubber flooring, foam flooring and vinyl tiles. All have benefits and drawbacks. Be sure to do your research and work with a professional, so you can determine what’s best for your space.

Electrical

Each piece of exercise equipment you place in the space will have electrical needs. While most machines can be plugged into standard outlets, you may want to plan for additional outlets in the space to accommodate several machines in close proximity and to allow the flexibility to move your machines around. Contact a professional to be sure your basement’s wiring can handle the load of the machines you have planned.

Lighting

Make sure your home gym has plenty of lighting. Nothing will sabotage your New Year’s resolutions more than having to force yourself to workout in a space that is dark and dingy. If you don’t have access to natural light with basement windows, take care in planning your overhead lighting.

Add Some Extras

Determine if you’d like to save room in your budget for some finishing touches in your home gym, such as mirrors, overhead fans, or a large flatscreen on the wall.

Tip For The Budget-Conscious

If you’re working to stay within a specific budget for your basement renovation and home gym, the cost of the renovation and equipment can add up fast. But here’s a tip: don’t skimp on the renovation steps to save money. If you do, you’ll regret it. Instead, consider purchasing machines second-hand to save some cash.

Set yourself up for success with this year’s resolution and trust the professionals at Craftsmen Home Improvements today to start planning your home gym. A finished basement can allow you to add value to your home and have additional space just for you. Call 937-299-5201937-299-5201 to get a free in-home consultation to determine the cost to finish a basement in your home.