Iron House Design team Jim and Tanya Ryno believe carving out space for a gym is key in a secondary home, but it has to feel like an extension of the house. If its more inviting, youll use it, says Tanya. While clients increasingly request wellness-focused additions like plunge pools and saunas, these take up a lot of room alongside cardio equipment. Since space was at a premium in our 2024 Whole Home, they maximized half of the garage by setting up mini circuit zones for strength training and cardio. The elliptical machine and treadmill were both positioned to face out. Opening the doors can transform a typical garage gym into an inspiring space, letting in fresh air and a view that energizes you. It also extends your workout area to the driveway, allowing room for more dynamic movementsperfect for shaking up your routine and staying motivated, she says.I ask people to put something up that means something to themsomething motivational and personal.These days, the couple typically work on state-of-the-art facilities from the ground up. But theyre also firm believers that anyone with some extra square footage can carve out a workout zone thats not just functional but aesthetically motivational, too. Case in point: With some key foundational items, core pieces of equipment, and select storage elements, they assembled a setup in this vacation home that removes every excuse for skipping a sweat session. Heres how they pulled it offand their tips for how you can, too. 1. Make It Luxe Brie Williams When a workout space feels luxurious, youll actually want to spend time there. Choose appealing finishes and accessories, like the oiled ash weights by PENT (that also offers great grip) or Volares neutral color range of resistance bands, to help keep the space tidy and beautiful. 2. Consider multiuse machinesBrie WilliamsThe Technogym treadmill can transition for different HIIT workouts, while the Power Plate MOVE is a platform that vibrates: You can do body weight exercises on it in a very small footprint, Jim says.3. Turn It UpSamsung Music FrameInvest in a high-quality sound system to really getand keep you moving. The Samsung Music Frame is wireless and doubles as changeable wall art; a built-in 3D speaker offers incredible sound in a petite package. Music increases your endurance, your motivation, your power output, Jim sayslike a trainer in the form of a playlist. 4. Keep It NeatBrie Williams expand=Literally and visually, we mean. Storageand a place to set down your phone and water bottleis overlooked, explains Tanya. The garage features a wall unit of organizational shelving from The Container Store. Crafted with durable materials, the Elfa Garage+ system provides smart open, closed, and pull-out storage (on casters!) that keeps workout gear, garden essentials, and everyday garage items neat and accessible. Its the perfect unit to keep everything off the floor and to put stuff away, HOME GYMArt: Jaqui Falkenheim, from Minted. Mirror and Bench: Wayfair. Paint: Blackened, Farrow & Ball. Accessories: Wayfair.Explore Whole Home 2024Living-Dining RoomDane Austin DesignKitchenKelsey Leigh InteriorsReading RoomAnne McDonald DesignLoungeRajni Alex DesignGame RoomMA AllenPrimary BedroomHeidi Woodman InteriorsEn Suite SpacesID.ologyGuest & PlayroomByron Ridson Interiors StudioHome TherapyOutdoor SpacesCurated NestHome GymIron House Design