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Joining the Workout from Home Movement? A Few Tips!


If you’re considering dumping your gym and working out at home, you’re part of a growing movement. With the explosion of online fitness platforms, streaming workouts, remote coaching, professional-quality home gym equipment, exercise apps and wearable technology, a home gym makes getting into shape and staying in shape easier than ever.

Whether you’re planning on creating the perfect space for yoga, barre, Pilates, weight lifting, treadmill running or a fancy connected exercise bike, don’t forget to take your indoor climate into account. Here are a few things to consider before you make the leap:

  • Will you use an existing room or will you be adding on to create a specific workout space?

  • What’s the size of your room and will the current HVAC system be adequate?

  • Will your room face south, potentially making it warmer?

  • Will your room be on the north side of your home where it tends to be cooler?

  • Will your room experience wide temperature swings throughout the day or across seasons?

  • Will your room be in the basement where sunlight isn’t an issue but cold, humidity and airflow often are?

  • Does your basement already have air conditioning or will it require more ductwork?

  • Will your room be in your attic, which may be prone to overheating in the summer?

  • Does your attic have an exhaust fan? Heating? Cooling? Insulation?

  • Will you work out in your garage where it may be more challenging to control the climate?

  • Do you have an HVAC system that regulates humidity? Sweat considerably increases the humidity — and discomfort — in a room.

  • Will you have a way to increase airflow in your home gym? Airflow is more important than temperature when you’re working up a sweat. A ceiling fan, portable fan, sliding door or window can help.

  • What’s your ideal temperature range for a comfortable workout? According to the International Fitness Association, health clubs that offer group aerobics, cardio, Pilates and weight training should average between 65 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity levels between 40 and 60%. Many yoga studios are set for temperatures as high as 75 degrees in order to encourage muscle flexibility.

  • Does your room have its own cooling system already? Can it be zoned so it can be easily climate controlled?

  • Are you putting in new finishes that will off-gas, like carpet, flooring or paint? — you’ll want an HVAC system to remove VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that affect air quality and your health.

Be sure to get a recommendation from your HVAC expert to make sure your system is sized right for your home gym and determine whether you’ll need more air exchanges to reduce the chance of overheating during a workout. You want to crush your fitness goals — and a heating and cooling expert may be the one coach you never knew you needed to help you get there!

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