Building a home gym is one of the most exciting times in your workout life.
You no longer have to pay dues or fees, hunt for available machines, and you can work out whenever you want, without a commute or getting stuck in traffic.
Basements are one of the default go-to home gym building rooms for any household.
What happens, though, when you have a basement with low ceilings? Can you build a home gym in a basement with a low ceiling?
The answer is yes, and we will show you how.
With low ceilings, you will need to make some adjustments. Let's cover what you should expect.
Low Ceiling Height Basement Gyms (Ideas To Consider)
Getting inspiration from others that have gone through the process will help you visualize your own goals and basement gym.
Here are some examples of low ceiling home gyms and how people have chosen the space.
Hopefully this will help highlight what works, and highlights some aspects which you'll want to avoid.
Related Article - Home Gym Ideas For Small Apartments
1. Fill The Space
As you can see in the image above, the ceiling is barely high enough to fit the rack.
There's no space for pull-ups here, no overhead press, and very few jumping or bouncing cardio exercises. Instead, there's a squat rack with a weights bench.
The key benefit of this setup is that it fills the vertical space, allowing you to stretch out and get a full workout.
You can't do everything, but you can do all manner of upper body, lower body, and arm exercises.
The lighting is also out of the way of possible contact and bright enough to see everything you need.
Storage is taken care of too. The only downside is the lack of overhead movement with the padded mounted rack.
Read More - Home Gym Storage and Organization
2. Keep It Minimalist
Here we see a similar approach to the basement setup. There are several good things about this minimalist approach, including the short rack to offer space to perform a pull up.
In addition, the adjustable bench seat allows for seated overhead pushes and other movements, while the ample legroom will enable you to keep up on cardio and much more.
There are a few drawbacks to this room, though. First is the placement of the bare bulb lighting.
While it gives off ample light for the space to see everything clearly, it is also directly in the way of any front of rack movements and can break when lifting overhead.
The second is the lack of storage space with the rack.
Keeping the tools and equipment on the floor neatly will help prolong their life, but it won't make it easy to use and keep the area clear while working out. A simple shelf or mounted rack would fix that issue.
3. Consider The Ventilation
In this image, you can see the exposed beams of the low ceiling, which prevent a full rack from being used. Instead, a half-rack cut to size and a small bench are used in its place.
You can still bench press, squat, and perform lunges, cardio workouts, and more.
What we also see is proper ventilation.
A small window won't do a lot for airflow, but when mixed with an oscillation fan, airflow will significantly improve.
The portable air conditioner will also vent out the window, keep things cool and help control humidity levels.
The downside here is limited natural light and artificial light, too.
The recessed lights are helpful, but more light fixtures would help minimize shadow zones and more clearly see the equipment and tools.
As before, we are also missing proper storage space, weight racks and shelving.
4. Use Natural Light (if you have it)
In this home gym with larger basement windows, we can see that lighting is not an issue, and you can see they've made the most of it.
Airflow is a non-issue too, and you can add a fan to force air in or out as needed.
The low ceilings make it nearly impossible for a full rack or smith cage to be used, which is why the half-rack cut to size is needed.
The adjustable bench, interlocking padded floor, and weight racks make use of the space easy and convenient.
The floor size allows for more storage, which is always a good option, but that is also something that can be added over time.
The ceiling lighting and exposed ceiling may be an issue. The insulation and ducting can chip and fall on you while working out. However, a layer of drywall will solve that issue, too.
5. Install Flooring And Mirrors
This finished basement gym has a slightly larger ceiling height than the others we have shown.
With an 8-foot ceiling height, the 7-foot full rack fits easily and can accommodate certain pull-ups and overhead movements.
The recessed lighting and mirrors also eliminate shadows and help you see everything that you need to see.
The storage is ideal, and everything has a home off the floor.
The addition of wall-to-wall rubber mat flooring is also helpful to protect the equipment and floor from damage.
Dual benches and plenty of room to work out are also ideal here.
With a narrow space, you won't have much room for bulky cardio machines, treadmills, or rowers.
However, in an otherwise ideal basement home gym, this can be easily overlooked.
You can even have the cardio machines upstairs in a living room if needed.
Best Workout Equipment For Lower Ceiling Gyms
When thinking about a home gym, you may think about the equipment first. However, when you approach a situation like this, you limit yourself based on the equipment you think you need.
For example, if you ask most home gym builders, you will find that a smith cage or full rack is "essential". These are quite large and may not fit in a low ceiling room.
However, you can be creative with the home space, and still find strength and cardio equipment that will work well in a home gym with low ceilings:
Power Rack
Power racks (sometimes called squat racks, squat stands, or a power cage) offer one central workout station for all your needs. You can use them to support all your key lifts, like squats and deadlifts, and some even come with a pull up bar.[1]
They can be a useful addition to a low ceiling gym, but you need to find the right power rack.
You may need to look at short power racks, or a specialty rack which will fit in basements with ceilings slightly below 7 feet.
These have a lot of the same functionality as full power racks, but the frames are smaller so they can fit under a low ceiling. Popular brands like RepFitness and Rogue offer short frames under 82 inches tall which are perfect.
A good power cage will also provide some storage, with hooks for weight plates, bars, and accessories. This can save you purchasing additional storage solutions.
Remember, even with a short power rack you may not be able to use the pull up bar or do some overhead exercises if your ceiling is very low. However, a power cage is still a good investment for your home gym and offers a lot of functionality.
Weights
Free weights are one of the most important pieces of equipment in home or commercial gyms.
Free weights are great for strength training, or cardio, and can be used to work your whole body. Plus, they're a great replacement for tall equipment which can take up a lot of space.
An olympic barbell and set of olympic weight plates is usually the best option. These can be used in conjunction with your power rack and lets you do all the major lifts (though not all overhead exercises if you have a very low ceiling gym).
Alternatively, some beginners prefer a set of dumbbells to weight plates. These are just as effective, but having a full set can take up valuable floor space.
No matter how much space you have, you need a good set of weights to make the most of your home gym.
Adjustable Bench
A good quality, adjustable bench lets you use your weights effectively.
You can use the bench for compound exercises, like bench presses, or isolation movements, like tricep kickbacks. Plus, you can sit on the bench and perform seated overhead presses without hitting the ceiling.
A weights bench lets you get closer to the floor and perform more exercise in a low ceiling home gym.
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Cardio Equipment
Cardio machines are just as important as strength training gym equipment. They will help you lose weight, tone up, and improve your cardiovascular health.
Many home gym owners want to focus on cardio, but if you have low ceilings you probably can't fit treadmills or elliptical machines. However, there are plenty of cardio machines which will fit in a low ceiling home gym:
Rowing Machines
A rowing machine combines strength and cardio in one, and you can burn over 300 calories in 30 minutes!
Plus, a rowing machine is useful for people of all fitness levels and gives you a full body workout.
A rowing machine is perfect in a low ceiling home gym setting because it is usually only a couple of feet off the ground, and doesn't require any vertical clearance.
Exercise Bike
Most commercial gyms have a range of stationary bikes to choose from and they're one of the most effective cardio machines. In just 30 minutes you can burn over 400 calories if you push yourself.
You can use an exercise bike comfortably even if you only have a small space and short ceilings, making it the perfect cardio solution in a low ceiling gym.
Considerations When Building Your Basement Gym
Fitting out a low ceiling room can be daunting at first, but with time and a little creativity, you can customise it so you are still getting a full, explosive workout.
And while you may not have enough room to do full jumping jacks, you can raise your heart rate and cardio levels without having to raise the roof.
Check The Measurements
When you set out to build your home gym, the first thing to check is the actual ceiling height.
Many basements only appear to have low ceilings when in fact, it is a dropped or false ceiling.
Tiles and false ceilings are placed lower to hide lighting and air ducts, but when removed may provide up to 24 more inches, raising your ceiling from 8 feet to 10.
Take the time to double check the measurements. Use your measuring tape and go from the existing flooring to the true ceiling so you know exactly what space you're dealing with.
This will influence the home gym equipment buy, and how you structure the space.
Install Gym Flooring
The concrete floor in a low ceiling home gym can be harmful for your joints and impact your form.
Good quality flooring helps to stabilize the equipment and act as shock absorption, keeping it functioning properly for longer.
Even if you can't afford properly installed flooring, you should always use mats or padding on the existing flooring in home gyms. This is an affordable way to protect you and your equipment.
If you are serious about flooring in your low ceiling home gym then you have three main options:
1. Rubber Flooring
Rubber flooring provides traction to stop you from slipping, it absorbs the shock of dropped weights, and it's much easier on your joints and muscles.
Rubber gym flooring is cheap too, and isn't too thick so you won't lose valuable inches in a low ceiling room.
Rubber flooring is easy to install yourself and is generally the best home gym floor option.[2]
2. Plywood Flooring
Plywood flooring is generally used to level a floor out and is an affordable option for home gyms which slope.
Plywood floor isn't as shock absorbent or durable as rubber, but it's better than concrete gym flooring. You usually put rubber mats on top but if you have a very low ceiling room you may not want to sacrifice the vertical space.
3. Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring can make your low ceiling home gym look much better, but it's not the most protective material.
It's affordable, but thin, and while it can be useful under a cardio machine - it won't offer much more protection than an unfinished basement.
Get The Right lighting
The right lighting in a home gym completely changes the feel of the room. Light can make a low ceiling gym feel bigger, but can also improve your mood and motivation - so it's important to get it right.
There are two methods for lighting your home gym:
- Even Lighting - This is where lights are spread evenly around home gyms and it won't be impacted by your gym equipment. This is the most basic and effective way to light a home gym.
- Spot Lighting - This is where lighting is arranged around your home gym equipment. This works too, but if you move your gym equipment you'll have to reconsider the lighting.
Here are some specific lighting options to consider:
Overhead Lighting
If you've just removed a false ceiling, or you want to maximise space in a low ceiling gym you may have to remove any ceiling lighting. However, this type of lighting is very effective.
Depending on the ceiling height and size of your gym, overhead lighting can be really effective in a small home gym.
Wall Mounted Lighting
Wall mounted lights are a great way to light larger home gyms.
You can use standard tube lighting (LED or fluorescent) mounted on the walls instead of on the ceiling. This lets you spread light around the room as needed.
Floor Lamps
This is a quick and easy solution for a home gym with low ceilings. You will need access to electrical outlets, but it's a fast solution to lighting that isn't impacted by ceiling height.
If you can, look for rotating lamps so you can direct the light as needed.
Install Mirrors
Mirrors won't provide a direct source of light, but they can reflect the light sources so it covers more of the available space.
Mirrors are a great way to make a small home gym seem bigger and can be used to direct more natural light into the room.
Plus, you can use the mirrors to watch your form and track your progress.
Design, Planning & Layouts For Low Ceiling Gyms
Designing your basement gym may take some time and dedication, but the effort will be worth it.
First, you need to decide if you will plan and build the gym yourself or hire a professional contractor to design and build it for you.
If the latter, you are done, make your call and start writing the checks.
If you want to save money and build the gym yourself, you have some work to do.
Low Ceiling Basement Gym FAQs
How do you lift weights with a low ceiling?
The first step is to check your clearance. Depending on the type of exercise you are performing, the ceiling height may not be a factor. For things like overhead press, you may need to do a sitting version or kneeling version.
While this removes the leg push from the exercise, it adds to the core workout. Minor adjustments like these are key for a complete and proper workout under a low ceiling.
See Also - Overhead Press Alternative Exercises
How do you ventilate a basement gym?
Basements are notoriously difficult to ventilate and keep fresh air moving around. If you are lucky enough to have ducting in the basement, you can route your air conditioner into the basement.
Otherwise, you need to open any windows your basement may have, install ceiling fans or box fans to help move air or use humidifiers and dehumidifiers to help freshen and circulate airflow.
Read More - Best Dehumidifiers For Home Gyms
What are some pros to having low ceiling basement gyms?
Building a home gym in your basement can have a few benefits over other rooms. For example, a basement can retain temperature better than other rooms, staying warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
You also don’t have to worry about damaging the floor since it has a concrete floor. You also have better sound dampening in the basement thanks to the construction of the rest of the house sealing the basement off.
What are some cons to having low ceiling basement gyms?
There are downsides, too. Things like not enough headroom to perform your favorite lifts, moisture or humidity accumulation, and let's not forget, setting up large equipment and racks can be difficult in a smaller, more confined space.
Conclusion
Building a gym in a low ceiling space can be a challenge. If you like to use a pull up bar or do overhead presses, you will find that full-size racks and overhead movements may be limited.
However, with proper planning, some creativity, and attention to detail, you can build a home gym that makes your neighbors jealous.
Hopefully, this guide has given you some ideas and inspiration. Feel free to check out our reviews on home gym equipment to get you started.
References:
1. https://blog.bodysolid.com/2015/02/05/power-racks-uses-benefits-more/
2. https://www.rubberflooringinc.com/rubber-roll/install.aspx
Last Updated on January 19, 2023
