Whether due to poor weather conditions or because you canceled your gym membership once COVID-19 took hold of the world, you’re one of many people who have converted a room in their homes into a gym. While some have space in their basements or a spare bedroom, not everyone is fortunate enough to have that much elbow room. If you’ve been stretching it out in front of the TV and keep bumping into things, you need these tips for using your living room to exercise.
Get Creative With Living Room Space
No one needs to give up their designer home dreams because workouts have turned into “work-ins.” You can still arrange your living room like a professional and have space to exercise. If you’ve set up your living room well, it will naturally have exercise space. Before you situate your furniture, be mindful of where you place larger pieces that are difficult to move. You may need just enough space for a yoga mat, but if you plan to pull out a stationary bike or a set of free weights, you should plan more room for those items.
Choose Lightweight Decorations
Additional decorations in your living room should be lightweight enough that you can move them without too much difficulty. It is troublesome enough getting to the gym—even if it is in your home—so you don’t need more problems getting in your way. Ideas for lightweight decorations include:
- ottomans
- cedar coffee tables
- wicker accent chairs
- standing lamps
- metal side tables
Choose Sturdy Flooring for Living Room Workouts
If you already have hardwood in your home, keep it! Sturdy ground is best for any type of exercise. It will hold up to foot traffic well, and you can lay yoga mats or interconnecting rubber mats over it for different workouts. If you insist on keeping carpet, consider a low pile carpet.
Change the Aesthetic of Your Living Room
No one wants to work out in a space that is unappealing or dirty. Keep your living room clean and free of clutter so that it remains an inviting place to work out. Open the shades and give yourself a nice view, or put up a beautiful piece of art to look at while you exercise. Complete the aesthetic with music that inspires you, or put on a workout video to guide and motivate you.
If you previously found motivation from seeing people at the gym or getting a fresh breath of air from nature, try to incorporate those elements into your living room workout, too. Whether it is at home or a communal gym, getting there is easier if you are heading to a place you love. You’ll uncover more tips for using your living room to exercise as you begin to use your space more and more.
