9 Simple Steps to Creating an Inspiring Fitness Space
1. Choose peaceful colors. Whites and light grays are traditional picks, but there’s no need to stick to neutrals: Blues, purples, and yellows can be peaceful, too. While we do recommend staying away from bold colors like red and orange, really, it’s about making yourself feel at ease. So if there’s a color you love, paint it!
2. Unclutter. It’s hard to be mindful with a stack of papers sitting a foot from your right knee. Think about how clutter makes you feel: Scattered, disorganized, and anxious. To create a healthy area you’re excited to be in, focus on clearing the clutter — no matter how big the space is.
3. Add houseplants. Bringing nature into your workout space is a great substitute for working out outside. Plants help filter the air, but they also create a calming environment that feels more natural. Don’t go wild — a few plants is all you need — but adding a little greenery can make your daily workout just a little more pleasant.
4. Take advantage of natural light. No one wants to work out under harsh fluorescent lights. Instead, try to select a workout area that gets plenty of natural light, which is more energizing and relaxing than harsh lights from above. And if you’re working out at night — or if natural light is out of the picture — think “calming,” not bright, choosing sconces and lamps instead of overhead lights.
5. Think minimalistic. It’s so easy to get distracted during a workout — ooh, I should read that book! Fend off potential distractors by removing them entirely. There are plenty of opportunities to go decor-wild in your home, but leave your fitness area simple.
6. Indulge in organization. Fitness equipment isn’t known for being super-attractive, even if you’ve got a minimal set (a few weights and bands and a yoga mat). While its by no means a requirement, don’t feel bad indulging in an attractive bookcase or storage solution.
7. Make space for movement. Forgive me, this may be obvious, but: Fitness takes space. All that lunging, vinyasa flow-ing, and running in place means you need at least a few free feet in every direction. After all, what’s fun about hitting your head on your coffee table while doing push-ups? (Nothing. Not fun at all.)
8. Don’t forget about scent. The best fitness rooms feel spa-like: A calm space in the middle of the hubbub of everyday life. One essential — but often overlooked — ingredient is scent. Whether you opt for diffusers or potpourri or candles or the fresh mountain air floating in through your windows (jealous), don’t skip this important step in creating a peaceful space.
9. Select inspiring artwork. No, don’t clutter your walls. But a few well-placed prints will make your room more beautiful — and more inspiring. Choose panoramas of vistas you love or artwork that pushes you to do your best, even in the middle of a tough workout.
Taken from Elle Decor’s Fitness Room Decor article by Jamie Wiebe
