Home Gym Design Mood Board & Workout Shed Progress: Your Ultimate Fitness Retreat at Home

Zaklan Harlow
Home Gym Design Mood Board & Workout Shed image

Creating a home gym is no longer just a luxury it’s a practical and inspiring way to prioritise health, fitness, and mental wellbeing. For many, converting a garden shed or spare room into a fully functional workout zone is the perfect blend of personalisation and productivity. Whether you’re mid way through your own home gym transformation or just collecting ideas, this guide dives deep into the essentials of home gym design, using home gym design mood board & workout shed progress.

Why Create a Home Gym?

Before we delve into the design process and mood board inspiration, it’s worth exploring the why. Here are a few compelling reasons to create your own home gym or workout shed:

Home Gym Design image
Source: https://www.houzz.com/
  • Convenience: No more commutes to the gym. You can work out anytime.
  • Privacy: Especially appealing for beginners or those who enjoy solo sessions.
  • Customisation: Tailor the space to your routines whether it’s yoga, HIIT, or heavy lifting.
  • Cost Savings: Over time, the investment pays off with no monthly gym fees.

Step One: Build Your Vision with a Mood Board

A mood board is a powerful tool when designing your home gym. It helps visualise textures, equipment, colour schemes, and overall style. Here’s how to get started:

1. Choose Your Aesthetic

Do you want a clean, minimalist space? Or a bold, energising workout room filled with colour and motivational quotes? Here are a few design themes:

  • Scandi Minimalist: Neutral tones, wood accents, calming vibes.
  • Industrial Vibe: Exposed brick, matte black finishes, rubber flooring.
  • Energetic & Bold: Bright colours, murals, LED lighting.
  • Spa-Like Wellness: Natural materials, soft lighting, calming greens.

2. Core Mood Board Elements

Include the following visuals to curate a well-rounded vision:

  • Flooring options (rubber mats, wood-effect vinyl)
  • Equipment styles (sleek black weights, wooden reformer beds)
  • Storage inspiration (wall racks, benches with hidden storage)
  • Mirrors and lighting ideas
  • Colour palette swatches
  • Motivational wall art
  • Tech integration (TVs, speakers, digital displays)

Use platforms like Pinterest, Canva, or Adobe Express to build your digital mood board, or cut images from magazines for a hands-on approach.

Step Two: Workout Shed Progress Turning the Vision into Reality

If you’re converting a shed into a workout haven, you’re in for a rewarding transformation. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:

Src: https://www.blesserhouse.com/

1. Shed Preparation

  • Clearing & Cleaning: Empty the space completely and clean from top to bottom.
  • Insulation & Ventilation: Essential for comfort all year round. Consider wall insulation and portable heaters or fans depending on climate.
  • Electrical Setup: Install sockets for lights, tech gear, and any powered fitness equipment.

2. Flooring Installation

Opt for durable, shock-absorbing flooring:

  • Rubber mats: Great for weightlifting zones.
  • Foam tiles: Best for bodyweight workouts or yoga.
  • Vinyl planks: Easy to clean and visually appealing.

3. Wall Treatments

  • Paint walls in motivating tones—light greys, whites, or a bold accent wall.
  • Install mirrors to check form and add a sense of space.
  • Add shelving or pegboards for equipment and accessories.

4. Lighting & Ambience

  • Natural light is ideal—add a window if possible.
  • Combine ceiling lights with LED strip lights or smart bulbs to control brightness and mood.

5. Bringing in the Equipment

Curate based on your training preferences:

  • Cardio: Treadmill, stationary bike, or rowing machine.
  • Strength: Dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, and a power rack.
  • Mobility & Recovery: Yoga mats, foam rollers, balance balls.

Styling Tips to Elevate Your Workout Space

Even a functional gym should feel inspiring. Here’s how to make it stylish and motivating:

Src: https://strongerwellness.com/
  • Add plants: Snake plants or peace lilies improve air quality and aesthetics.
  • Display your progress: Install a whiteboard to track workouts and goals.
  • Include a speaker system: Music boosts performance and mood.
  • Use cohesive storage: Matching baskets or bins keep things tidy.
  • Incorporate your personality: Whether it’s a neon sign with your motto or framed photos, make it yours.

Realistic Progress Timeline

If you’re starting from scratch, here’s a rough timeline for your shed-to-gym project:

WeekTask
Week 1Clear out shed, plan layout, and create mood board
Week 2Insulate, install electrics and ventilation
Week 3Lay flooring, paint, add mirrors
Week 4Move in equipment, final styling, and test workouts

Documenting Your Progress

Capturing your gym build journey is both motivating and useful. You can:

  • Take before-and-after photos.
  • Share progress on Instagram or Pinterest for community feedback.
  • Keep a journal tracking design decisions, purchases, and workouts.
  • Start a blog or YouTube series to inspire others.

Final Thoughts

Designing a home gym is more than just building a place to sweat—it’s about curating an energising, functional space that encourages your fitness journey. Whether you’re building from a garden shed or revamping a spare room, using a mood board and tracking your progress ensures your project stays focused and rewarding. Remember, the best gym is the one you love using.

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