A basement is a great place for an office, but it can also be used to create a functional wellness hub. This article will provide some tips on how you can turn your basement into a fitness area with all the amenities you need to stay healthy and get in shape.
Be sure to use a waterproof flooring
Basements are naturally moist and can have leaks, so you must go with a flooring option that will be moisture resistant. For example, for a high-traffic area, you could use tile or linoleum. In addition to being moisture resistant, these options provide a good grip for when you need to walk in the basement during your workouts. For a low-traffic area, you could use vinyl flooring or carpet. Carpet is great because it will provide some cushioning for your head when you are doing crunches, and it can absorb sweat. The type of flooring you choose should be functional as well as visually appealing to you.
Be sure to include ample lighting
Lighting is important in any room, but it’s particularly necessary when exercising. If you don’t want to install overhead lighting, fluorescent lights that are attached to the walls or suspended from the ceiling work well for basements. These can be purchased at your local hardware store.
If there is a window in your basement, take advantage of the natural light it provides. Place workout equipment near the window so you can take advantage of the light and also get some fresh air. If your basement doesn’t have a window, you can install a skylight or use a light fixture with a built-in timer to ensure you have enough light during your workouts.
Consider creating separate spaces for different purposes
Many people have a multipurpose room in their basements, but it can be difficult to use if you need different types of equipment for your workouts. An ideal layout includes spaces for weight training, cardio equipment, and stretching/Yoga/Pilates. You may also want a separate space for household storage-closets are great for this.
Painting walls with softer colors will make you feel more relaxed
Consider using a soothing color palette in the basement. Although you may like bright colors, studies show that softer colors can make you feel more relaxed and calm while doing your workouts. This will allow you to focus better on your exercise routines. If possible, try painting one wall with a bright color to add visual interest and cheerfulness to the room.
You can also add memorabilia from an online store to enhance the appearance of the basement. Using these decorations also allows you to show your personality and encourage you to use the wellness hub as often as possible.
Be sure to include an ample power source
Proper access to power when exercising is important because it will allow you to use the equipment you need. Of course, if your basement has low ceilings it can be difficult to install overhead outlets. However, there are portable power tools that will easily solve this issue for you – be sure to read reviews before purchasing one. Other workout equipment like treadmills and ellipticals may require an AC power outlet, which you can easily install if your basement doesn’t have one.
Invest in a fireplace for those cold winters
Since basements are moist, it’s important to have a source of heat. If you don’t want to use your furnace or other sources for this purpose throughout the rest of the house, consider having an electric fireplace installed in your basement. These come in all different styles so you can choose one that suits your tastes and complements other decorations in the room.
Maintain good air quality by using dehumidifiers and fans when necessary
The basement is usually a damp environment. If you don’t want moisture to accumulate on your workout equipment, purchase a dehumidifier for the room. You could also install ceiling fans near any windows in the basement to let fresh air circulate inside.
A dehumidifier is important in a basement because it helps to reduce the level of moisture in the air. When moisture levels are lowered, it’s less likely that mildew and mold will form. This is important for two reasons: first, it’s unhealthy to breathe in mildew and mold spores; second, these organisms can damage your exercise equipment.
Dehumidifiers also help to regulate the temperature in the basement, which can be especially beneficial in winter when the space is used for workouts. By keeping the temperature comfortable, you’re more likely to use the basement as a wellness hub throughout the year.
With these tips, you can create a functional wellness hub in your basement. Whether you need to use the space for exercise or storage, there are many ways that it could be used!
