You bring your dream gym shed ideas, we'll bring the HowTo!
Having a gym at home has gone from being a luxury to a lifestyle essential. It saves time, keeps you motivated, and allows you to exercise on your terms - no waiting for machines or crowded locker rooms. With a Stratco shed or garage, you can take your fitness goals to the next level by converting your backyard space into a fully functional, purpose-built gym.
Why A Shed Or Garage Is The Perfect Gym Space
Many people overlook sheds and garages as potential gym areas, but they’re actually ideal for a range of reasons, for example:
Space you can control - Unlike a spare bedroom or corner of your living room, a shed or garage can be custom designed for your gym needs. There's no need to restrict your gym equipment to what will fit through the door of your existing space.
Durability and structure - Stratco sheds and garages are engineered to last, with high-quality steel, weather resistance, and customisable layouts.
Privacy and convenience - No need to commute, line up for equipment, or fit into gym opening hours. Your space, your rules. Excercise and work out in the comfort of your own private space.
Flexibility for future or additional uses - If your needs change, your gym shed can easily double as a hobby workshop, play area, man cave, she shed, storage area, retreat.
Here are a few steps we recommend following when planning and building your dream gym shed:
Step 1: Choosing the Right Shed Or Garage
Stratco offers a wide range of sheds and garages, so think about:
Size and headroom - If you’ll be using treadmills, squat racks, or pull-up rigs, a Gable Roof Garage provides the vertical clearance and width you’ll need.
Compact options - For smaller backyards or simpler setups, the Stubbie Shed is a practical choice, especially for lighter equipment like yoga mats, dumbbells, or resistance bands. A roller door stubbie shed will make getting your equipment in and out easy, plus you can open up the roller door for air flow and light.
Access points - Roller doors or hinged doors make it easy to bring in bulky gear, while windows provide ventilation and natural light.
Tip: Consider where you’ll position your shed - morning sunlight can make cardio more energising, while shaded spots keep summer sessions cooler.
Step 2: Preparing The Space
Before you start moving in equipment, some groundwork will make all the difference:
Flooring - Foam tiles, rubber mats, or even synthetic turf reduce noise, protect equipment, and keep you safe during workouts.
Lighting - Bright LED strip lighting ensures you can train at any time of day, while spotlights or lamps add atmosphere.
Climate control - Insulation panels, fans, or small air-conditioning units keep your space comfortable year-round. Ventilation is especially important if you’ll be lifting heavy or doing high-intensity workouts.
Power access - Plan ahead if you’ll need outlets for treadmills, exercise bikes, or even a TV screen for guided workouts. A licensed electrician can safely install wiring or you can explore solar power solutions.
Step 3: Designing Your Layout
The layout of your home gym shed will determine how enjoyable it is to use:
Create training zones - Dedicate areas for cardio, strength, and stretching to make the most of your space.
Leave open floor space - Aim to keep at least 40% of your shed floor clear for bodyweight training, yoga, or HIIT.
Wall storage - Install shelves, racks, or hooks to keep weights, resistance bands, and mats neatly organised and off the ground. Stratco’s shelving units and workbenches are ideal for this.
Mirrors - Adding a mirror wall not only makes the shed feel larger but also helps with form and motivation.
Step 4: Adding The Essentials
Not every home gym needs to be packed with equipment - start with the basics:
Cardio machines - A treadmill, exercise bike, or rowing machine are great for endurance.
Strength gear - Dumbbells, kettlebells, barbells, and a sturdy rack are versatile for almost any workout.
Functional extras - Resistance bands, skipping ropes, yoga mats, or medicine balls add variety without taking up much space.
Personal touches - Speakers for music, a small fridge for water, or a chalkboard wall for tracking progress all make the space uniquely yours.
Tip: You don't need to do it all at once, design your shed with plenty of space for future needs. Start small and scale up over time as you learn what works best for you and your family.
Step 5: Take Inspiration From Real Stratco Customers
Take inspiration from projects like Adrian Fowler’s custom Stratco multi-purpose gable shed. Adrian has designed his garage with space for his car, storage and a home gym. With sliding windows for airflow, a roller door for easy access, and clever use of space, his shed doubles as both a premium gym and a retreat. His setup shows how flexible Stratco sheds can be - whether you want a minimalist yoga studio or a full weights and cardio station.
Step 6: Maintaining Your Gym
Keeping your gym shed clean and functional ensures it stays motivating:
- Sweep and wipe down regularly to keep dust off your equipment.
- Check ventilation and insulation seasonally.
- Update your setup as your fitness journey evolves - your shed can grow with you.
Your Stratco Gym Checklist
✅ Choose the right Stratco shed or garage for your space and goals
✅ Prepare the interior with flooring, lighting, ventilation, and power
✅ Plan an efficient layout with zones and storage solutions
✅ Select the essential equipment and add personal touches
✅ Keep it clean, functional, and inspiring year-round
Discover The Stratco Shed And Garage Range
A Stratco shed or garage isn’t just a place for tools and storage - it can be transformed into a space that supports your health, lifestyle, and wellbeing. Whether you’re lifting, stretching, cycling, or meditating, building your own home gym with Stratco gives you the freedom to create a fitness space that’s practical, motivating, and uniquely yours.