Did you know that Drew Scott from Property Brothers used to be a personal trainer? Given his background in fitness and his expertise in home renovation and interior design, there’s no one better suited to explain how to turn a small space into an effective home gym.
In a recent YouTube video, Drew Scott, known for Property Brothers, shared how he transformed his garage into a home gym. Since he didn’t need to park his car indoors in California, Drew decided to turn the area into a space that promotes wellness.
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He explains, “I’m getting older, so it’s not just about lifting weights and trying to build muscle. For me, it’s more about longevity and having an enjoyable life, which means staying mobile. I want to be able to touch my toes when I’m 80 years old.”
One of the reasons his home gym is so effective is that he organizes his workout space to maximize every inch. For instance, he swears by adjustable dumbbells. Drew states, “I have two sets of dumbbells here in the garage. I’m also a nerd and have tested all kinds of dumbbells. I wanted adjustable dumbbells because otherwise, I’d have an entire section filled with weights from 1 KG to 45 KG.” He gestures widely across the room. “Whoever invented adjustable dumbbells, I love you.”
A key factor in designing a home gym in a small space is ensuring you include everything you personally need. Drew explains, “There are a few things that can turn a gym from not-so-functional into something perfect for you. For example, when I was dealing with wrist issues, I couldn’t do traditional pull-ups because the position hurt my arm, and I wasn’t great with full rotation, so I just added these straps.” He then demonstrates how this customized equipment allows him to perform pull-ups in a way that works best for his body.
Small stylistic touches make the compact space feel more than just functional. Drew installed ceiling speakers that he can control with his phone, helping him “reset his brain” in addition to the physical benefits of working out. He also had a custom-made “Scott Family Gym” sign created for the back wall. Keeping a home gym clean, just like any other area of the house, is also crucial to maintaining an inviting space.
Finally, the foundation of a well-designed basement or garage gym is the flooring. Whether you’re looking to upgrade or simply make your home gym look more premium, Drew recommends starting with a foam base.
He says, “For anyone converting their garage into a gym, flooring is an important factor because you don’t want to work out directly on concrete. This is a sports court-style floor that offers a little flexibility in the base but is still strong enough that I could drive a vehicle on it if I wanted to. Plus, you can see I have foam mats everywhere for extra cushioning.”
Every space has the potential to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, contributing to your home’s design. By building a home gym that maximizes space and joy, you’ll want to spend more time there.
Source: Homes & Gardens. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
