Home Gym Conversion in London

Design the Perfect Home Gym

A dedicated home gym offers convenience, privacy, and saves money on gym memberships. Whether you're converting a spare bedroom, garage, basement, or garden room, a well-planned fitness space motivates regular exercise and adds value to your London property.

Hampstead Renovations creates functional home gyms across North London. This guide covers space planning, flooring, equipment, ventilation, and design considerations for your perfect workout environment.

Space Requirements

Minimum Dimensions by Activity

• Cardio machines: 2m x 3m (single treadmill/bike area)
• Free weights: 2.5m x 3m (dumbbells, bench, rack)
• Yoga/Stretching: 2m x 3m (mat space)
• Multi-functional gym: 3m x 4m minimum
• Full home gym: 4m x 5m+ ideal

Ceiling Height

• Minimum: 2.4m
• Ideal: 2.7m+ (allows overhead exercises)
• Consider: Height when jumping rope, overhead press

Location Options

Spare Bedroom

Pros:

• Convenient access within home
• Existing electrical and heating
• Natural light from windows
• Quick conversion

Cons:

• Loses bedroom (affects property value if below 3 beds)
• Noise may disturb other rooms
• Limited size

Cost: £2,000-£8,000

Garage Conversion

Pros:

• Generous space
• Separate from main house (noise isolation)
• Easy equipment access
• Can accommodate large/heavy equipment

Cons:

• Requires full conversion (insulation, heating)
• Lose vehicle storage
• May need planning permission

Cost: £8,000-£20,000

Basement

Pros:

• Out of the way
• Good for heavy weights (ground floor support)
• Naturally cool (good for cardio)

Cons:

• May need damp-proofing
• Low ceilings in some properties
• Limited natural light
• Ventilation challenges

Cost: £5,000-£15,000

Loft Conversion

Pros:

• Private, separated from living areas
• Natural light (skylights)
• Adds property value

Cons:

• Expensive conversion
• Floor loading concerns (heavy equipment)
• Temperature extremes
• Access via stairs (equipment delivery challenge)

Cost: £15,000-£40,000 (full conversion)

Garden Room/Outbuilding

Pros:

• Completely separate (no household noise issues)
• Fresh air access
• Doesn't use house space
• Modern, light-filled

Cons:

• Expensive purpose-built option
• Uses garden space
• Need to go outside to access

Cost: £15,000-£50,000+

Flooring - Critical Decision

Rubber Flooring (Most Popular)

• Pros: Shock-absorbent, durable, protects subfloor, reduces noise
• Types: Tiles (interlocking), rolls, mats
• Thickness: 10-15mm general use, 20mm+ for heavy weights
• Cost: £20-£60 per m²
• Best for: Free weights, functional training

Foam/EVA Tiles

• Pros: Soft, comfortable, affordable, easy to install
• Cons: Less durable, can compress, marks from heavy equipment
• Cost: £10-£30 per m²
• Best for: Yoga, Pilates, light cardio

Vinyl/LVT

• Pros: Easy to clean, water-resistant, attractive
• Cons: Needs mats under weights, less shock absorption
• Cost: £25-£60 per m²
• Best for: Cardio zones, yoga areas

Artificial Turf

• Pros: Excellent for sled pushes, agility work, outdoor feel
• Cons: Specialised use, harder to clean
• Cost: £30-£80 per m²
• Best for: Functional training zones

Sprung/Cushioned Wood

• Pros: Professional aesthetic, good for dance/aerobics
• Cons: Expensive, can be damaged by weights
• Cost: £40-£100 per m²
• Best for: Dance studios, aerobics rooms

Mirrors

• Essential for: Form checking, making space feel larger
• Placement: Full wall (most common) or strategic spots
• Size: Floor-to-ceiling or minimum 1.8m height
• Safety: Safety-backed glass (won't shatter)
• Installation: Professionally fitted to wall
• Cost: £100-£300 per m²

Ventilation and Climate Control

Ventilation (Essential)

• Natural: Openable windows (minimum 1/20th floor area)
• Mechanical: Extractor fan (min 3 air changes/hour)
• Combined: Windows + extractor for best results
• Air quality: Prevents stuffiness and odour buildup

Heating

• Radiators: Wall-mounted, keep clear of equipment
• Underfloor heating: Even warmth, no wall space used
• Electric panel heaters: Good for garage conversions
• Target temperature: 15-18°C (cooler than living spaces)

Cooling

• Ceiling fan or wall-mounted fans
• Air conditioning (for intense cardio areas)
• Portable fans

Electrical Requirements

• Treadmill/equipment: Dedicated 13amp sockets
• Multiple sockets: Every wall for equipment flexibility
• Audio/TV: Power and aerial/HDMI points
• Phone charging: USB sockets or shelf with power
• RCD protection: Safety requirement
• Lighting circuit: Bright, motivating lights

Lighting Design

• Brightness: 300-500 lux (bright, energizing)
• Type: LED recessed spotlights or panels
• Colour temp: Cool white (4000-5000K) for energy
• Dimmers: Adjust for yoga/stretching (lower light)
• Natural light: Maximise for mood and wellbeing
• Avoid glare: Position to not reflect in mirrors

Sound System

• Bluetooth speakers: Portable, affordable
• Ceiling speakers: Built-in, cleaner aesthetic
• Soundbar: Good sound quality, compact
• TV/Screen: For workout videos, classes, motivation
• Tablet mount: Wall or equipment-mounted for apps

Storage Solutions

• Weight racks: Dumbbell, kettlebell, plate storage
• Wall-mounted: Resistance bands, yoga mats, foam rollers
• Cupboards: Towels, cleaning supplies, spare equipment
• Hooks: Jump ropes, resistance bands
• Shelving: Water bottles, supplements, speakers

Equipment Zoning

Cardio Zone

• Treadmill, bike, rower, cross-trainer
• Position near windows for natural light
• TV or screen visible
• Good ventilation essential

Strength Training Zone

• Squat rack, bench, barbell, weights
• Rubber flooring 20mm thick
• Mirrors for form checking
• Chalk, rosin, equipment nearby

Functional Training Area

• Open floor space
• Artificial turf or rubber tiles
• TRX, kettlebells, medicine balls
• Wall space for ball slams

Stretching/Yoga Space

• Quieter area away from weights
• Softer flooring or mats
• Dimmable lighting
• Calm aesthetic

Design and Decor

Colour Schemes

• Energizing: Bold accent walls (red, orange, yellow)
• Calming: Blues, greens for yoga/stretching area
• Neutral base: White, grey walls with colorful accents
• Dark colours: Can make space feel smaller but create focus

Motivational Elements

• Inspirational quotes (vinyl wall decals)
• Progress boards or whiteboards
• Before/after photos
• Achievement displays (race medals, certificates)

Special Features

• Boxing bag mount: Ceiling or wall-mounted heavy bag
• Pull-up bar: Doorway or wall-mounted
• Battle rope anchor: Floor or wall anchor point
• Climbing wall: Bouldering section (if ceiling height allows)
• Sauna: Small infrared sauna for recovery
• Shower: If converting garage or outbuilding

Noise Considerations

• Soundproofing: Acoustic insulation in walls/ceiling
• Rubber flooring: Reduces impact noise
• Equipment mats: Extra protection under machines
• Weight drop pads: Deadlift/Olympic lifting areas
• Avoid: Locating above bedrooms if possible

Budget Planning

Basic Home Gym (£2,000 - £6,000)

• Spare room redecoration
• Rubber mat flooring
• Mirrors
• Basic lighting and electrical upgrades
• Excludes equipment

Mid-Range (£6,000 - £15,000)

• Full room conversion
• Professional rubber flooring installation
• Wall mirrors
• Improved ventilation and climate control
• Built-in storage
• Sound system

Premium (£15,000 - £40,000+)

• Garage or basement full conversion
• High-spec flooring and finishes
• Full soundproofing
• Air conditioning
• Built-in equipment and storage
• Shower room addition
• Smart home integration

Note: Equipment costs separate (£1,000-£10,000+ depending on setup)

Planning and Regulations

• Planning permission: Usually not needed for internal conversions; may be needed for garage/outbuildings
• Building Regulations: Apply for structural, electrical, major conversions
• Structural assessment: For heavy equipment (500kg+ total)
• Party wall: If soundproofing affects shared walls

Contact Hampstead Renovations