Some fitness enthusiasts are becoming more interested in setting up mini-gyms in their homes. You know how it is: gyms get crowded, and you may be self-conscious about working out in public. Setting up a home gym allows you to exercise at any time of day and in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Homes, on the other hand, can be shared with family members, roommates, visiting guests, and so on. As a result, those who prefer to exercise entirely on their own are turning to a new source: storage units. Bringing exercise equipment to a rented storage unit and establishing a gym is becoming more common.
Why Did I Create a Private Gym in a Storage Unit?
Why would anyone want to work out in a storage unit? For one thing, it’s convenient. There are no membership fees, enormous crowds, or distracting noise and activity at their new personal gym.
Here are a few of the reasons:
- The Covid-19 Outbreak occurred
- I despise glob-gyms.
- I’m constantly on the move.
- I am presently residing in a densely crowded neighborhood.
What Are the Difficulties of Working Out in a Storage Unit?
Other issues arise when you set up a gym in your storage unit. Because they are intended to store property rather than people, these mini storage buildings may have lower ceilings that are not suitable for tall exercise equipment such as treadmills and elliptical machines. It is also critical to ensure that you do not inadvertently damage the storage unit while working out, using weights, or other heavy equipment.
10 Things to Think About Before Building a Gym in a Storage Unit
Here are some pointers and miscellaneous suggestions I have for anyone considering doing the same:
- Is renting a storage unit a wise idea? Check to see if it would be more cost-effective in your location to simply rent an apartment with an extra bedroom to house your home gym. It wasn’t in my case, but your mileage may vary.
- Check with the storage unit management to ensure that they are okay with you working out in the unit. They aren’t always.
- Purchase at least a 10′ x 10′ unit. A tiny complete rack and possibly a bench can be kept in 10*10. A decent half-rack, on the other hand, would be a better option.
- Understand that not all units are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Before you lease, double-check the hours.
- Public Storage is always the cheapest option, however, this may not be the case in yours. Just be aware that there may be a significant price variation between the various storage providers in your area.
- Purchase a climate-controlled unit. When it’s 110 degrees outdoors, you don’t want to work out in a 130-degree storage unit. Make sure you visit the unit during the hottest part of the day to ensure the AC units are operational.
- Waiting for a good offer is worthwhile. Storage Units frequently hold sales where you may find units for half the price of their standard prices.
- Rates can be altered at any time. Keep in mind that Storage Units can raise their pricing at any time. Within less than three months, I hiked the price of my “amazing offer” by $6. Examine your contract.
- Elevators are quite useful. If you acquire a unit that isn’t on the first floor, be sure the building has an elevator and carts to transport your heavy equipment.
- Storage People. Prepare to meet and engage with some weird folks, depending on your location. For a few weeks, a guy “moved in” to the unit next to mine and bugged the heck out of me every time I went to the gym.
How to Convert a Storage Unit into a Personal Gym
Locate the Appropriate Storage Unit Size
The first step in converting a storage building into a personal gym is to determine the size of the unit. Because storage facilities aren’t often constructed for gym use, the ceilings may be too low for certain pieces of equipment. Consider the unit’s material composition as well; you don’t want fallen weights to damage the flooring or anything else.
Examine how the storage unit opens as well. Most aren’t meant to be accessed from the inside and Leaving the door ajar while working out is an excellent method to being trapped by a passing storage facility. An employee who believes the unit was left unlocked by mistake. Set up measures to avoid any unintentional lockups.
Obtain Priority Permission from the Facility
As previously stated, obtaining approval from the storage facility’s employees and owner is critical, as some storage facilities may outright forbid the creation of a storage unit gym. Make a written agreement outlining your authority to use the unit as a gym, as well as any regulations you’ll need to follow about its use and occupancy.
Select Climate Control.
Climate-controlled storage facilities have mechanisms in place to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. These units are often used to better preserve sensitive things in storage, but they may also be necessary for temperature control in your personal gym.
Ensure you have access to electricity.
Storage units frequently lack enough lighting, and occasionally lack power outlets. Inquire with the storage facility about the availability of electricity in the unit. Even if you don’t intend to use equipment that requires plugging in (exercise cycles, ellipticals, etc.), you’ll want the option to add additional illumination.
Make a Plan for Your Storage Unit Gym Space
Once you’ve finalized your storage locker plans, add the final missing piece: basic storage unit organizing! Bring in all of your own belongings and arrange them however you see suitable. Decorate with a yoga mat, lighting, inspiring posters, and even speakers, and add a storage unit or locker to store workout gear. In a 5’x10′ storage container, you can store one workout equipment, some free weights, and a yoga mat. Two cardio machines, free weights, and a bench, a yoga mat, and a stability ball may all be accommodated in a 10’x20′ space.
Conclusion
We understand that for many people, having a personal gym is not an option. Fortunately, that’s where we come in. We encourage you to use your storage unit as you like (within reason! ), and using a storage unit as a gym is entirely possible. You can purchase your own storage buildings and design them to meet your specific needs.
