I’m beyond thrilled to have my best friend and interior designer Sarah Forster write this very special blog post for us explaining how to create the perfect space for working out at home!
Let’s dive right in, here’s what Sarah had to say:
Working out can be tough, am I right? Finding the motivation to workout is usually the first step and since our homes are not only our homes but now our offices, daycares, and also workout spaces, it can be even harder to get up off the couch and take some time to get the body moving, stretching, and feeling the burn.
Luckily, Pilates On Demand has made working out from home so easy and enjoyable during these past few months. I know for me one of the hardest things is deciding what workout to do, and having the option of live classes, participating in the monthly challenges, or trying their new classes released weekly makes the decision easy!
Maybe for you the struggle isn’t what workout to do today, but where the heck to actually do the workout?! Maybe it’s tricky because you’re in a smaller space, the kids toys are taking up the living room, or the home office doesn’t feel very ‘zen’.
As an Interior Designer, and Co-founder of Common Good Studio, my team and I understand the importance of a functional space, and how it can affect you physically and emotionally! Since we’ve all been working out at home these days, these are some of our tips and tricks for making your home workout space more inviting, functional, and help you stay active!
1.Dedicate a space to be your ‘Workout Space’
Sticking to one spot in your home to workout makes it a no-brainer each time you want to get a class in. With Pilates especially, you really don’t need that much space. A mat is only 24” wide by 68” long, and a few feet either side is sufficient. A space 5’ x 7’ or 35 square feet would do! So push that coffee table off to the side and you’ve got yourself a perfect space.
2. Have your equipment and accessories handy
Keeping your mat, weights, resistance bands, toning balls, etc. stored together at your dedicated workout space will make it that much easier to jump into a class. Store them in a cabinet nearby, or a decorative woven basket like the Snidad basket from IKEA. Having a sturdy chair nearby is handy for the barre classes, and even a couple books can act as blocks and help you balance for a yoga pose.
3. Having a connection to Nature
It’s no secret that nature makes us feel good. It’s been proven that natural light and being surrounded by the great outdoors makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones. Incorporate a few beautifully potted plants in your go-to workout space and situate yourself near a window.
4. Surround yourself with things that make you happy
A pleasing environment has a big effect on our mood and productivity. Having your favourite art on the wall, family photographs nearby, or a beautiful textural wall hanging, can not only make your space feel good but give you the boost of motivation.
5. Get rid of clutter
Keep your workout space clean and clutter free so that your mind can be present in your yoga or pilates practise. Organize and style your open shelving, purge your old trinkets, and make a place for things that are frequently out in the open.
For more design tips and inspiration, you can follow us on Instagram at @commongoodstudio and at www.commongoodstudio.ca Feel free to reach out if you’re in need of any design services, whether it’s a living room or workout space refresh or a complete home renovation. Now more than ever, it’s important to love the home you’re in!
Thank you so much Sarah + team for all of these amazing tips! I’ve learned so much and plan on incorporating these into my home workout space 🙂
I want to take this opportunity to mention how proud I am of my friend Sarah for starting this incredible business and following her heart; although I know this new endeavour will be challenging, it will be so worth it. I am excited to see you grow and I know that you will be successful in whatever you pursue.
Please make sure to check out her business Common Good Studio and support her however you can (hire their team, follow them on social media and share their business with friends).
Until next time,
xoxo