Things to Consider when Buying a Garden Gym
Published: 29 August 2024
Reading Time: 9 minutes 40 seconds
As home gyms have grown in popularity, more people are considering utilising part of their garden to create a dedicated space for exercise. Whether to avoid the cost and inconvenience of commercial gym memberships or simply for the convenience of having a workout space at home, a garden gym can be an excellent investment. However, there are several factors to consider when purchasing a garden gym to ensure it meets your needs and remains a valuable addition to your property.
Here are some key aspects to keep in mind:
1. How Tall Should Your Garden Gym Be?
The height of your garden gym is a crucial consideration, particularly if you enjoy exercises that require overhead movements or if you're tall and plan to use equipment like a treadmill.
Most garden rooms are designed to comply with Permitted Development rules, which typically limit the height to 2.5 meters if the structure is within 2 meters of a boundary. This height restriction means that the internal ceiling height may be just over 2 meters, which can be restrictive for certain exercises.
However, if you have the option to position your garden gym at least 2 meters from the boundary, you have more flexibility in roof design. For example:
- Mono-Pitch Roof: You can opt for a mono-pitch roof, where the eaves (the lower edge of the roof) can be up to 2.5 meters high, and the ridge (the highest point) can reach up to 3 meters. This design provides a sloped roofline that may offer the additional headroom needed for certain exercises.
- Dual-Pitched Roof: Alternatively, a dual-pitched roofline can have eaves up to 2.5 meters and a ridge height of up to 4 meters. This type of roof design offers even more internal height, making it ideal for those who require ample headroom for their workout routines.
If you require even more height but want to stay within the 2.5-meter external height limit, one less common but effective solution is to excavate the ground beneath the garden room. Over the years, a few garden room companies have employed this approach, digging down to create additional internal headroom while keeping the building within the permitted height limit. Although this option can be more costly and complex, it can provide the extra space needed without the need for planning permission for a taller structure.
For those seeking even taller garden gyms, many bespoke garden room designers offer custom solutions that, while requiring planning permission, provide greater flexibility in height. These companies often handle the planning application process as part of their turnkey service, making the experience hassle-free for the customer. In such cases, it’s common to apply for garden rooms with a height of 2.8 meters or even 3 meters. This additional height can make a significant difference in creating a spacious, comfortable workout environment tailored to your needs.
2. Do You Need the Floor Reinforced?
When planning your garden gym, it's essential to consider the weight of your gym equipment and the potential impact of dropping weights during your workouts. The type of exercise you plan to do will significantly influence the suitability of different floor constructions.
A variety of floor build-ups are utilized in garden room design, many of which are combined with ground screws or pad foundations that result in a suspended floor system. While these types of floors are suitable for many uses, they may not always be ideal for a gym, particularly when heavy equipment or high-impact activities are involved.
Dropping heavy weights on a suspended floor can cause damage not only to the flooring itself but also to the structural integrity of the building. This is particularly concerning if the floor has underfloor heating, which could be compromised by such impacts.
An experienced garden room designer will take these factors into account when designing your garden gym. They can incorporate reinforcement elements to strengthen the floor, ensuring it can withstand the demands of gym use. In some cases, they may recommend a concrete slab foundation instead of the typical suspended floor. A concrete slab provides a solid, stable base that can handle the weight and impact of gym equipment more effectively, reducing the risk of structural damage.
Additionally, many companies offer the option of installing specialist rubber flooring designed specifically for gym environments. This type of flooring helps absorb the impact of dropped weights, protecting both the equipment and the structure of the floor. Rubber flooring also provides a non-slip surface, enhancing safety during workouts.
By carefully considering the type of floor construction and materials, you can ensure that your garden gym is both durable and fit for purpose, providing a safe and comfortable environment for all your fitness activities.
3. Ensure Year-Round Usability
A key advantage of a garden gym is the ability to use it throughout the year, regardless of the weather. To achieve this, your garden room needs to be well-insulated to stay warm in winter and cool in summer. When comparing garden rooms from different companies, one of the most effective ways to assess the insulation quality is by comparing the U-values of the structures.
U-value measures how effective a material is as an insulator; the lower the U-value, the better the insulation. Garden rooms are multi-layer structures, and each layer—from the external cladding to the internal finishes—contributes to the overall U-value of the building. This means that the performance of the insulation depends on how well these layers work together to minimise heat loss.
Experienced garden room designers aim to meet or exceed the U-values required for new build houses, ensuring that their buildings are energy-efficient and comfortable throughout the year. By choosing a garden room with a low U-value, you can be confident that your space will be warm in the winter and cool in the summer, making it a pleasant environment for exercise in any season.
To further enhance comfort, many garden room companies offer a range of heating and cooling options. Underfloor heating is a popular choice, providing even warmth without the need for radiators or wall-mounted heaters. Air conditioning is another option, particularly favoured by gym buyers, as it allows you to set your ideal temperature year-round, ensuring a comfortable workout environment regardless of the weather outside.
In addition to temperature control, proper ventilation is essential in a garden gym. While large doors can provide some airflow, relying solely on them may not be sufficient, especially during intense workouts. Incorporating opening windows into your design is important for maintaining good air quality and providing additional ventilation options. This can help to quickly refresh the air in the room, preventing it from becoming too stuffy and ensuring a more pleasant environment during your exercise sessions.
By prioritising high-quality insulation, effective heating and cooling systems, and adequate ventilation, you can ensure that your garden gym is a comfortable and energy-efficient addition to your home, ready to be used in any season.
4. Consider Adding a Shower Room
When planning your garden gym, it's worth considering whether you want to incorporate a shower room into the design. Having a shower room on-site allows you to freshen up immediately after your workout, adding convenience and enhancing the overall functionality of your garden gym.
Not all garden room companies offer the service of installing a shower room. Some companies may partition the walls to create a designated space for a shower room but leave the plumbing and sanitary installations for you to organize with a separate contractor. On the other hand, companies that provide a turnkey service typically handle the entire process, including the fitting of sanitaryware and connecting the shower room to your mains services, making the experience much more streamlined.
It's important to note that the main costs associated with adding a shower room often lie in the groundwork and the connection to mains services. These tasks can be complex, especially if your garden gym is situated far from your home or if there are obstacles that make trenching for pipes and electrical connections difficult.
For this reason, it's crucial that the company you choose conducts a site visit before you commit to the project. A site visit allows them to assess the specific conditions of your property and provide a more accurate estimate of the costs and feasibility of adding a shower room. This step can help you avoid unexpected expenses and ensure that the installation process goes smoothly.
Incorporating a shower room into your garden gym can significantly enhance its usability, making it a more self-contained and convenient space for your fitness routine. By choosing a company that offers a comprehensive service, you can ensure that all aspects of the installation are handled professionally, from design to completion.
5. Embrace Multi-Functional Spaces
Garden rooms are incredibly versatile and lend themselves well to serving multiple purposes. This flexibility is one of the key benefits of investing in a garden gym, as the space can be adapted to meet a variety of needs beyond just fitness.
Some people opt for a single open-plan room, which they zone for different uses with carefully selected furniture. For example, one corner might be dedicated to gym equipment, while another area is set up as a cosy relaxation space or home office. This approach allows for a fluid and adaptable layout that can change as your needs evolve.
Others prefer to have the space divided into separate areas using partition walls. This creates distinct rooms within the garden building, each with its own specific function, such as a dedicated gym, a quiet office, or a reading nook. Designers will work closely with you to decide on the best division of space, considering how you plan to use each area. They will also help you configure the placement of doors and windows in each room to ensure that the space is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
If you explore our archive of gym projects, you'll find numerous examples of how people are using their garden gyms while also incorporating areas for work, relaxation, and other activities. These case studies can provide inspiration and ideas on how to maximize the utility of your garden room, making it a multi-functional space that enhances your lifestyle.
Whether you choose an open-plan design or prefer distinct rooms, a well-designed garden room can provide a flexible, multi-use space that adapts to your changing needs over time. By working with a skilled designer, you can create a garden gym that not only supports your fitness goals but also serves as a valuable extension of your living space.
6. Size Matters, But Bigger Isn’t Always Better
When designing a garden gym, size is important, but bigger isn’t always better. The right size depends on your specific needs, the available space in your garden, and how you plan to use the room.
For those with ample garden space, a larger garden room offers the flexibility to house various exercise equipment and even incorporate additional features like a shower room or a small office area. However, if your garden space is limited or you only need room for specific equipment, a smaller garden gym can be just as effective.
Compact garden gyms are ideal if you have favourite pieces of equipment, such as an exercise bike, rowing machine, or free weights. With smart design, even a small space can feel open and functional, allowing you to focus on your workouts without feeling cramped. Smaller gyms are also more energy-efficient and budget-friendly, making them a practical choice for many.
Large windows or full-length glazing can help smaller gyms feel more spacious by bringing in natural light and connecting the interior with your garden. This creates a motivating and pleasant environment for your workouts.
Ultimately, a well-designed small garden gym can be just as effective and versatile as a larger one, providing a space that meets your fitness needs while fitting perfectly into your garden.
7. Future-Proof Your Investment
When designing your garden gym, it's wise to consider how the space might be used in the future. While your immediate goal may be to create a dedicated fitness area, making thoughtful choices now can ensure that the room remains versatile and appealing to future homeowners if you ever decide to sell your property.
To future-proof your investment, consider design features that make the space adaptable. For example, choosing neutral finishes and flexible layouts can allow the room to be easily transformed into a home office, studio, guest room, or hobby space down the line. Opting for larger windows or additional electrical outlets can also increase the room’s functionality for a variety of uses.
By creating a space that can serve multiple purposes, you not only enhance its value to you but also to potential buyers. A well-designed garden room that can function as more than just a gym is likely to appeal to a broader range of buyers, making your property more attractive on the market. This can be a significant selling point, adding both practicality and value to your home.
Incorporating these flexible design elements ensures that your garden gym remains a valuable and versatile addition to your property for years to come.
8. Consult with Experienced Garden Room Designers
Designing a garden gym involves more than just selecting the right size and equipment. To create a truly functional and comfortable space, it’s important to consult with experienced garden room designers who understand the nuances of designing a home gym.
These professionals can guide you through the design process, helping you make informed decisions about everything from floor reinforcement and insulation to heating, cooling, and ventilation. They’ll consider the specific demands of a gym environment, such as the need for durable flooring, adequate ceiling height, and effective temperature control, ensuring that your garden gym meets all your requirements.
Moreover, experienced designers can offer valuable advice on the layout and configuration of your space, helping you optimize it for both current use and future flexibility. They can suggest design elements that enhance the room’s usability for other purposes down the line, as well as practical features like storage solutions and lighting options that improve the overall experience.
Working with a designer who has expertise in garden gyms ensures that you get a space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, safe, and built to last. Their insights can make all the difference in creating a garden gym that truly enhances your lifestyle.
