No matter how good your garage gym setup, if you don't have the right temperature, it can seriously impact your performance.
During the coldest months of the year, you need to start thinking about how to properly heat your cold garage gym.
In this guide, i'll explain why it's important to keep your garage warm and help you find the best heaters for garage gyms that are guaranteed to keep you warm in winter.
- What Temperature Should You Keep Your Garage Gym At?
- 7 Best Garage Gym Heaters Reviewed
- 1. Newair G73 – Best Ceiling Mount Electric Garage Heater
- 2. Mr. Heater MH60QFAV – Best Forced Air Heater for Large Spaces
- 3. Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI – Best Wall Mounted Radiant Heater
- 4. Dr Infrared Heater Exaco Industrial – Best Budget Electric Hanging Heater
- 5. Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 – Best Wall Mount Infrared Heater
- 6. Pro Breeze – Best Small Space Heater
- 7. Mr. Heater F232000 – Best Small Propane Heater
- Other Ways To Beat The Cold In Your Garage Gym
- Why Is Heating So Important For Your Garage Gym?
- Types Of Heating For Small and Large Garage Gyms
- What To Look For When Choosing Garage Gym Heaters
- FAQs
- Conclusion - Which Heater Should You Buy?
What Temperature Should You Keep Your Garage Gym At?
Ideally, you want your gym to be between 68- and 72-degrees Fahrenheit. This allows you to work out comfortably and hopefully achieve the best results.
If it’s too cold, your joints can tighten, and when you start to exercise, you can injure yourself. If it's too hot, you can suffer from dehydration and even pass out.[1]
Keeping your gym at an ambient temperature will help protect you and your gym equipment.
*Please note that we did not include reverse cycle mini split air conditioners in this guide despite many models offering both heating and cooling.
7 Best Garage Gym Heaters Reviewed
1. Newair G73 – Best Ceiling Mount Electric Garage Heater
- [RUGGED EXTERIOR BUILT TO LAST] - The...
- [SAFETY FEATURES FOR PEACE OF MIND] - This...
- [HARDWIRED TO YOUR 30 AMP BREAKER] - The...
- [AMBIENT HEAT CONTROL WITH ADJUSTABLE...
Features
- Electric
- 17000 BTUs
- Covers up to 500 Square Feet
- 15lbs weight
- 200 CFM
- 5000 Watts
The Newair G73 is a tough, durable, and effective heater for garage gyms and it works best for those who want to keep their gym warm most of the time.
It blows out air quickly, and was able to warm up my 3 car garage in about 10 minutes, which isn't bad going considering I have large double doors.
This ceiling mounted heater won't take up much floor space and it has some adjustable louvers to direct heat to the cold parts of the room - so it's a great heater for garage gyms with specific cold spots.
The heater itself is light, which is great for mounting it on your own, but I wouldn't say it's portable. The Newair G73 works best when it's hardwired in and isn't as well suited for occasional use or moving around to heat rooms in your home.
The Newair isn't the easiest garage heater to install or the most energy efficient way to heat a garage gym.
It's also probably too much for a small garage, and if you aren't using your garage gym every day then you're better off with a portable heater.
However, if you have a medium or large garage gym that you're using regularly, and you want an effective longer term heating solution, this is the best electric heater around.
Pros
Cons
2. Mr. Heater MH60QFAV – Best Forced Air Heater for Large Spaces
- Quiet Burner Technology-50% Quieter than a...
- 10ft hose & regulator
- High-Temperature limit switch
- Heavy-duty handle
Features
- Propane Gas
- 60,000 BTUs
- Covers up to 1500 Square Feet
- 13lbs weight
- Portable
If you've got a very large cold space that you need to heat quickly, short term, then this Mr. Heater model for garage gyms is the one for you.
It's extremely powerful, and made short work on my larger than average garage. It warmed the space in about 2 minutes and I was able to direct it to the cold spots as needed.
This type of heater is typically found on building sites and used temporarily, and it certainly isn't designed as a permanent solution. It's portable and reasonably light though, so you can just take it out as needed.
It's a regular propane heater, which are generally more efficient, but be warned because this heater can drink fuel. It will run for 14-18 hours on a single tank if you use it sparingly, but if you crank it up then you'll have to refill the propane canisters more often.
One thing I did appreciate with this high powered garage heater was how quiet it was. Considering the power it has, it was almost unnoticeable and didn't disrupt my workouts.
It's an expensive propane heater, and it's not a heating solution for every day. However, this is the best heater for those with a large, drafty gym who only want to heat it at specific times of year.
*Note that there are several models available at different BTUs. If the 60000 BTU model is not available then other models may be shown on Amazon.
Pros
Cons
- (Wall Mounted Heater Only.) Wi-Fi enabled...
- Tip-Over safety shut off, Touch screen with...
- Space saving wall mount design means you...
- When installed over the outlet, you can hide...
Features
- Infrared heater
- 5200 BTUs
- Covers up to 200 Square Feet
- Fixed wall installation
- WiFi controlled thermostat
The Heat Storm is the best heater for those with smaller garage gyms who want a way to keep it warm year round.
The wall mounted design takes up very little space and it shouldn't get in the way, even in a small home gym.
The infrared doesn't reach the whole area, and even though it heats very quickly it's worthwhile installing it near the colder spots for the best results.
I was a big fan of the intelligent technology and WiFi controls (though it did take me a bit of time to configure everything correctly).
I was able to heat the space before I even went in the room, and it's the perfect solution for those who never want to have to brave a cold garage gym again!
Plus, the infrared technology is safe for kids and pets because it doesn't get hot to the touch.
You can safely leave it unsupervised and if you have family members and animals running through your garage gym it's one of the safest options.
This Heat Storm heater for garage gyms isn't going to do well in a large space, but if you've got a small garage which you want to heat quickly, efficiently, and frequently, then this is a great choice.
Pros
Cons
- 240-Volt is required. Power Consumption...
- Special Outlet (NEMA# 6-30R) is needed for...
- Power Cord : NEMA#6-30P (receptacle NeMA...
- Temperature Range: 37-113 °F degree. Comes...
Features
- Electric infrared heater
- 18,500 BTUs
- Covers up to 750 Square Feet
- Portable
- 18lbs in weight
The Dr. Infrared Heater is a great choice for small or medium sized garage gyms that don't need heating all the time.
It uses a mix of infrared heating, which warms very quickly, and a fan to spread the heat quickly. This makes it one of the best electric heaters for garage gyms that need to be heated quickly.
It's bulky, and looks like it belongs on a building site, but it does the job well. It's also reasonably easy to move so you can store it when it's not in use.
There's no fancy technology with these electric heaters, and the thermostat only really has two heat settings - low or high. However, it's quite efficient won't cost much to run at all.
If you want a permanent solution to heat a garage gym then this model probably isn't for you.
However, if you want a cheap, efficient, and effective way to heat a medium sized space during the cold season then the Dr. Infrared electric heater offers a lot of value.
Pros
Cons
- INDOOR and OUTDOOR HEATER - Heater is IP55...
- CLEAN and INSTANT HEAT - Clean, instant and...
- PLUG and GO - uses standard 120V, remote...
- WALL and CEILING MOUNTED - Included wall and...
Features
- Electric infrared heater
- 5,200 BTUs
- Covers up to 200 Square Feet
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Remote controlled
If you want a heater which can warm a small garage gym, a backyard, or a patio - then this is perfect.
This slim, electric heater is designed to fit onto your garage wall and take up very little space. It can also be ceiling mounted, and the remote control system is very simple to use.
The infrared heating mechanism is safe and won't get hot to the touch. This means you can use it unsupervised to heat up the space before you enter it, and it's no danger to pets or kids.
This heater isn't powerful enough for a large space, and in my 3 garage gym it just wasn't enough. However, it can work well in a small space, and has extremely low running costs so you can leave it on for longer.
It's completely resistant to moisture because it's designed for indoor or outdoor use, and it's perfect for a high humidity garage or basement gym.
If you have a small garage gym and only need to heat it a few months a year then this is a great choice. You've then got the option of using the electric heater on your patio or garden during the summer months.
Pros
Cons
- COST-EFFECTIVE, SUPER-FAST WARMING: This...
- EASY CONTROL WITH 3 OPERATING MODES: The...
- ADJUSTABLE THERMOSTAT: This indoor heater...
- ADVANCED SAFETY FEATURES: Pro Breeze goes...
Features
- Space heater (fan electric heater)
- 5,200 BTUs
- Covers up to 200 Square Feet
- Portable
- 3 heat settings and fully adjustable thermostat
- 3lbs in weight
This space heater is one of the best options for those with a compact garage gym that doesn't need to be heated constantly.
The Pro Breeze space heater won't warm a big space, but in a small home gym it works fast and will only take a few minutes to have an impact.
Space heaters are generally expensive to run [2], but the Pro Breeze is actually quite economical. It's also budget and won't break the bank.
It's tiny and portable too, so you can leave it out of the way or move it to other rooms as needed.
This space heater has a lot of great safety features to protect you and your home - but it isn't designed to be left running.
It isn't a permanent solution to keep your garage gym space warm. However, it's the best space heater for anyone who wants a simple, plug and go, portable heater which can be used as and when needed.
Pros
Cons
- Heat your camper, cabin, porch, picnic area,...
- Gives off 4,000 or 9,000 per hour with a heat...
- Single control start knob for easy usage with...
- Connects to 1-pound propane tanks with swivel...
Features
- Propane heater
- 9000 BTUs
- Covers up to 300 Square Feet
- Portable
- 3 hour run time (at max)
- 9lbs in weight
If you want a short burst of intense heat to warm up your small or medium sized garage them then this propane heater is one to consider.
It's budget, and has very low running costs - though the propane tank isn't huge so you can't run it for more than a few hours.
This Mr. Heater propane model is lightweight and easy to move from room to room. It's not going to work in a larger home gym, but if you have some isolated cold spots, then it can be useful.
Space heaters have a bad rep for being a fire hazard, but there's a lot of safety features built into this model (like a tip over automatic shut off feature and oxygen sensor) to help protect you and your home.
This definitely isn't a permanent heating solution, but if you just need temporary heating in your small garage gym for a few months, then this propane heater works well.
Pros
Cons
Other Ways To Beat The Cold In Your Garage Gym
Electric and propane heaters are usually the best way to warm your garage gym, but there are some other methods you can use to stay warm in the colder months:
Insulate The Garage
Insulation won't warm the garage directly, but it will help keep the heat in your home so you can stay warm.
When used in conjunction with a heater, you can really feel the benefit and raise the temperature of the garage gym quickly.
You should focus on sealing your windows with insulating foil and fitting draft excluders to the garage door, as this is where the cold air gets in and warm air gets out.
Use a sealant to fill any holes in the walls, gaps in concrete floors, ceilings and around the garage door. It may be worth getting insulation professionally installed to help maximize warmth retention.
Use Rubber Flooring
Rubber gym flooring puts an extra layer between you and the cold ground under your garage to help you stay warm.
This helps to keep the heat in and cold out, but also has the added benefit of giving you an even, quiet surface for lifting weights on.
Rubber flooring is inexpensive, and you can usually fit it yourself. Make sure you get the right thickness of rubber gym flooring to protect the floors and keep the warm air in.
Layer With Warm Clothes
It can be tempting to strip down to work out, but if your garage gym is cold, you’ll need to layer up to stay warm.
Look for breathable layers which keep the heat in but still allow your body to sweat.
Warm Up Your Barbell & Dumbbells
Metal weights can get really cold and this can make your whole body feel colder.
Ice cold barbells can also make lifting more hazardous because the bar is difficult to grip properly.
Try wrapping up the weights to keep them warm and storing them inside, so you don't feel the cold on your hands. You can also buy a good pair of weightlifting gloves.
Use Chalk When Lifting
Chalk helps to improve your grip on the bar and protect your hands from heavy lifting.
In cold conditions, it also helps to keep your hands warm, so if the bar is cold, it can help keep you slightly warmer.
Why Is Heating So Important For Your Garage Gym?
You may think that you're going to get warmer while you workout so it doesn't really matter. However, the wrong temperature in your garage gym can impact your health and performance.
If the garage is too warm, it can lead to dehydration and fatigue; if it's too cold, it can cause your muscles and joints to tighten, which can lead to injury.[3]
It can also be harder to motivate yourself to work out if you have to go into an ice-cold room.
A properly heated garage gym will help to protect you and your equipment. It will make it easier to work out for longer and help to maximize your gains over the winter months.
Also See - Best Garage Gym Dehumidifiers
Types Of Heating For Small and Large Garage Gyms
There are a lot of different heaters which can be used in a garage gym. Each have their pros and cons, but it pays to understand the options so you can choose the best one for you.
Here's a quick breakdown:
Electric Space Heaters
You do get propane space heaters, but electric space heaters are more common.
These electric heaters work by drawing in cold air, heating it within the mechanism, and then blowing hot air out into the room.
This then heats the area and raises the temperature of the room. These electric heaters are usually quick and easy to set up, and you can just plug them in and go.
If you have a small garage and live in a moderate climate, then any home electric space heater can work.[4]
Advantages:
- Cheap
- Simple to install and use
- Usually portable
Disadvantages:
- Only useful for small spaces
- Can be expensive to run
- Potential fire hazard - can't leave them unattended
What are space heaters best for?
The best space heater will work well in a small or medium workout space which doesn't need constant heating. These electric heaters are usually a temporary heater which is moved between rooms as needed.
Natural Gas & Liquid Propane Heaters
Natural gas and propane are efficient fuels which produce a lot of heat.[5]
These gas and propane heaters use the gas to power a heating mechanism that warms the air and circulates the hot air in your home.
Gas and propane heaters come in a range of sizes and you often have to buy the fuel separately.
Advantages:
- Provide a lot of heat, quickly
- Cheap to run
- Generally compact
Disadvantages:
- More complicated to set up
- Gas/propane needs to be manually refilled
- Potential health risks (you should install a carbon monoxide detector)
What are gas and propane heaters best for?
They’re well suited for larger spaces or very cold conditions. They're generally a temporary heating solution and work well in garage gyms over the winter months.
Forced Air Heaters
Forced air heaters are often electric heaters, but you do get some forced air gas heaters too. They use the gas or electricity to provide heat, which is then forced around the room using a fan, or series of fans.
They can be used as portable models or installed in a room to provide heat permanently.
Advantages:
- Able to heat large areas
- Can be installed permanently to heat the space (usually wall mounted)
- Cheap to run
Disadvantages:
- Expensive to buy
- Complicated to install as they need a power source and ventilation
What are forced air heaters best for?
Forced air heaters work well in medium or large garages and can heat a space very quickly. They're usually a longer term solution and not used as a portable heater.
Infrared Radiant Heaters
Infrared heaters work differently from traditional heaters as they provide direct heat through light rather than heating the air around you.
You'll tend to feel the heat more with infrared radiant heaters because they heat you directly, and you can focus them on areas that need to be heated more quickly.
Advantages:
- Quick to warm up and provide focused heating
- Safe for kids and pets
- Works as a permanent solution and can be left on unsupervised
- Cheap to run
Disadvantages:
- High upfront costs
- Takes longer for heat to spread throughout a room (unless you use a fan)
- Only suitable for smaller spaces
- Larger infrared heaters are too dangerous to use indoors.[6]
What are infrared radiant heaters best for?
Infrared radiant heaters are best suited for small or medium garages. They work well in busier areas because they're safe for kids, and they're often used as a permanent heating solution.
Convection & Wall Heaters
Convection heaters are essentially modern furnaces that provide a lot of heat to the room. They're bigger than most other types of heater and aren't really designed to be portable.
Advantages:
- Works well in large spaces
- Heats whole rooms evenly, no cold spots
- Low cost to run
Disadvantages:
- Big, clunky, and take up a lot of space (though can be mounted out of the way)
- High upfront costs
- Can't be left on unattended
What are convection & wall heaters best for?
These are generally used a more permanent heating solution and are best in large garage gyms that need to be heated year round. They work well for those who live in cold climates.
What To Look For When Choosing Garage Gym Heaters
Here are some key factors to consider to help you find the best heater for your home:
High & Low Heat Range
The measure of how much heat you'll get from a heater is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs).[7] The more BTUs your heater gives out, the more heat you'll get from the device.
Generally, the bigger the room, the more BTUs you'll need, so you'll need to find a heater that is large enough to heat the room.
Remember, the more BTUs, the more energy you'll use, so don't get a heater that's too big, or your electricity bill can spike. Instead, try to find a garage gym heater that will heat the space effectively.
Safety Features
Most house fires in America are caused by space heaters, and it's crucial that you buy a safe heater. Look for a garage heater that is fully certified, so there's less risk of a malfunction.
Most modern space heaters also have integrated features that switch the device off if it overheats or topples over.
It's worth looking out for these features so you can guarantee your safety and the safety of your family.
Easy & Secure Mounting Options
In a small garage, you're going to have limited floor space. A heater can take up that valuable space and leave you less room for equipment or to work out.
It's worth looking at the different mounting options available to see if they can be installed on your wall or garage roof.
Always look for easy mount options, so you don't need to pay a professional for help.
Adjustable Louvers
Louvers are used to direct heat from the device into your room.
Adjustable louvers allow you to focus the heat where it’s needed most and help you get a warm garage gym.
Efficient Running Costs
Heaters, particularly space heaters, can be very costly to run and a lot more than your average central heating system. Energy bills are at an all-time high globally, so it pays to look for an energy efficient model.
Gas heaters are typically cheaper to run than electric, so it’s worth exploring these options.
Favorable Warranty
Typically, garage heaters will offer a 1–2-year warranty, but some brands will offer 5 years or more on their garage gym heater. It’s worth exploring the market to find a good warranty.
Look for a good warranty to help protect your purchase and increase the longevity of the heater.
FAQs
How can you heat a detached garage gym?
Garage heaters will work just as well in a detached garage gym, but you need to make sure there’s an electrical outlet that can be used. If not, you may be limited to propane or natural gas heaters.
Can treadmills be kept in cold weather?
Treadmills can become damaged if kept in cold conditions for a prolonged period. Ideally, you should move it into a warm area or look to cover it with an insulated material. By warming your home gym, you'll help to protect all your equipment.
Why is it so hard to exercise in the winter season?
The cold weather can discourage people from working out, it can also be challenging to find the motivation, and naturally, we eat more during the winter months. Many people are tempted to wait until the new year to really start exercising, but consistency is key, so you should keep going during the winter season.
Is it better to work out in a hot or cold home gym?
You should try to keep your gym around 70 degrees Fahrenheit as gyms that are too hot or too cold can be hazardous to your health. A cold gym can make your muscles tight and impact them, and a warm gym can make you dehydrated and faint.
Conclusion - Which Heater Should You Buy?
Your garage gym can be fitted with the best equipment, but if you don't have the right temperature,[8] then it can still be an unpleasant experience.
Garage heaters are the best way to heat your gym and help you get the most from your workout.
We love the Newair G73 and rate it at the top our list.
Hopefully this guide has helped explain the benefits of garage gym heaters and introduced you to some of the top heaters on the market.
References:
- https://www.eatright.org/fitness/sports-and-performance/hydrate-right/exercise-safely-in-hot-weather#:~:text=Exercising%20in%20hot%2C%20humid%20weather,or%20unbalanced%20replacement%20of%20fluids.
- https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/space-heater-safety-guide/#:~:text=Keep%20out%20of%20high%2Dtraffic,extension%20cords%20or%20power%20strips.
- https://www.rgj.com/story/life/wellness/2016/01/20/exercise-cold-weather-injuries/79066056/
- https://airconditionerlab.com/best-space-heater-for-apartment/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_heater
- https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/heating-and-cooling/infrared-heaters.htm
- https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/units-and-calculators/british-thermal-units.php
- https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna23344876
Last Updated on September 18, 2024
