New Year, New...Basement? An Ode to Home Gyms

When I was growing up, my older brother had a small weight bench in a corner of our basement. I only knew about it, and only remember it today, because it was the only corner that wasn’t dark and creepy (read: my dad put in a rug and a light) and it’s where I had to go when we had tornado warnings. To this day, I’m not sure if I’ve held onto the memory because of my fear of tornadoes or my fear of that basement. Maybe both.

Basements are a great choice for a home gym area, whether that’s your ancient boombox and some resistance bands, or a Smart TV and a top of the line treadmill. But, just like you’re less likely to go to the gym if it’s far away, or it’s snowing outside, or it’s Tuesday, you might be less likely to use your super-convenient basement gym if it has that creepy dungeon vibe.

In honor of all of the “New Year, New Me” targeted ads and fitness resolutions flying around this week, here’s an ode to all of the best gym equipment we’ve found languishing in less than ideal basements. And also a few “after” shots and some finishing tips that might inspire you to work out in your new and improved basement.

There's truly nothing like going for an energizing run while water leaks in through the walls and window surrounding you. Judging by the amount of efflorescence and staining on the visible portions of the block wall, these walls have been leaking for a while. 

Installing WaterGuard would take care of the water issues, and BrightWall panels on the walls will not only help route water from the walls into the system, but also give the room a clean look.

Now, I don't know about you, but I once rolled one of these exercise balls over the edge of a rug and the glue from the corner put a hole in it. So the owner of the one seen here is either very optimistic, or never uses it. Actually, maybe it's part of some sort of made up air hockey game with the shop vac.

Once a waterproofing system is installed, our ThermalDry floor tiles would be a great addition to make the floor not only safe for an exercise ball, but also warm enough to be comfortable when you inevitably roll off. Or is that just me.

This basement isn't even bad - our customer just wanted to make it more comfortable and up to fire code by installing an egress window - but the existing window is just so sad. The thought of trudging down to the basement to use an original Bowflex in the dark, dismal basement makes me laugh every time I see this photo. The egress window installation was definitely the right call. Side note: Our interns did not know what this machine was. Do you feel old yet? Because I do.

This, on the other hand, is bad. Just heading into the basement, bro, to curl some 15s in the corner where there aren't any walls and there's a bunch of mold. Fun fact: Exercising in the presence of mold is futile, because mold can cause breathing problems.

Once the mold and waterproofing are taken care of, this basement benefited from BrightWall panels. Since the panels are water and mold-resistant, they're a permanent solution.

Go ahead and hang some mirrors to admire your biceps.

As inspiring as the fuse box is, it and a wet wall could be upgraded to provide a more pleasant view while biking. Look at the difference (albeit from a different angle - we didn't actually move the fuse box).

Here, we installed Zen Wall panels after outfitting the basement with WaterGuard. I'd call it an improvement.

It's hard to stick with a fitness plan, even when it's a resolution. Life is busy and the couch is so comfortable. But if you consider creating a pleasant, safe space to house your gym equipment, using it might seem less like a strange solitary confinement exercise.

We can't do anything about your five patio tables and the Christmas ornaments and every picture your kids ever colored, as well as everything else you might be keeping in your basement. But we can make it safe and clean and you can take it from there.