Sports and exercise areas are being carefully positioned and designed within homes for today's modern lifestyles.
Once confined to dark basement corners, sports and exercise areas are now regarded as 'special and essential' for modern individuals and are carefully positioned and designed within homes. In these prized spaces, hygienic design is naturally as important as function.
Personal care, physical and mental health, a holistic approach and strong motivation are all vital to today's daily routines. This precious period devoted to self-care can prompt people to cancel meetings, postpone appointments and give it such priority that everything else comes to a halt.
With the subject so important and its influence so broad, the design and location of the spaces where these activities take place also deserve special attention. Would it surprise us, for example, to find a room for yoga, now practised by a large part of society, designed according to feng shui principles? Or properly considered acoustics in a home gym full of a treadmill, exercise bike and weights? Of course not. These are today's norms.
Sports and exercise areas have design requirements just like any other room. Let us explore what we can do: how can we design spaces that are functional, attractive, hygienic and inspiring?
In spaces that already call for private, uninterrupted time away from the outside world, we first need elements that encourage us to spend more time there. Light and fresh air are the most important sources of this inspiration. We need windows that let in fresh air and daylight, which lowers blood pressure, creating good light levels and airflow.
Planning the equipment you need is important because it determines how much space you require. If you are just starting, think simply rather than making a major investment in space. An exercise mat, weights, a kettlebell and resistance bands may be enough to begin with. TRX suspension straps that attach easily to a door are another option, as they are functional and take up little room.
Your space is defined and your equipment is ready. Now you need a well-organised storage system. Sooner or later, shelves or cupboards will be needed for ropes, towels, yoga blocks, mats, speakers and trainers that might otherwise lie around. Nobody can focus on exercise in a cluttered room. If you want an effective area for movement, think vertically. Shallow industrial cupboards or raised shelving systems that use the wall's height rather than the floor are ideal solutions.
Many people now take a 'portfolio' approach to exercise, combining cardio, resistance training, Pilates and yoga. Lighting therefore needs to suit different moods, from high-intensity workouts to calming yoga. Adjustable light sources make this possible. Cordless models that can be moved easily may also be useful.
Who says sports and exercise areas have to be joyless rooms? You can make them enjoyable and stylish. Cover a wall with wallpaper or mosaics, for example, to introduce colour and pattern. An oversized mirror, a motivational neon message on the wall or a vintage coat rack will make the space more inviting.
The right flooring is particularly important because it helps protect your joints and prevent injuries caused by slips and falls. It also improves stability and plyometric power.Rubber is the most widely used material because it is strong and sturdy. It is easy to install, durable, soundproof and water-absorbent. Foam is the most comfortable option for floor-based exercises such as yoga and Pilates. It has high impact resistance, although weights and equipment can leave compression marks over time.
