As more people prioritise health and flexibility in their routines, a garden room gym has become a natural extension of the home. In our latest blog, Horto explores why garden wellness spaces are on the rise, what makes them so appealing, and how you can design the perfect garden room gym for your lifestyle.
Why garden room gyms are booming in 2025
The post-pandemic shift towards remote and hybrid lifestyles has fundamentally changed our daily routines. Gym memberships are being replaced with home workouts, and the mental health benefits of exercising in the garden are increasingly recognised. A garden gym offers the following benefits:
- Privacy and freedom: No waiting for equipment or feeling self-conscious
- Convenience: Work out anytime without the daily commute
- Customisation: Tailor the space to your exact needs and goals
- Year-round use: Well-insulated garden rooms can be used in every season
From HIIT and weightlifting to Pilates, yoga and meditation, garden room gyms can be as versatile as you need them to be.
Types of garden room wellness spaces
Your wellness priorities will shape how you design your ideal garden room gym. Here are a few popular options:
The gym
A fully equipped garden room gym with weights, resistance bands, a treadmill or bike, and mirrors. You can also add:
- Rubber or vinyl flooring
- Ventilation or air conditioning
- A wall-mounted TV or speakers
The Yoga or Pilates studio
A calm, light-filled space with natural textures and soft lighting. Essential features could include:
- Wooden or cork flooring
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Minimalist storage for mats, blocks and props
- A scent diffuser or essential oil burner
The recovery and meditation room
A peaceful sanctuary for mindfulness, reading, breathwork, or post-workout recovery. Some popular internal features include:
- Bean bags or reclining chairs
- Soft textiles and natural colours
- Himalayan salt lamps or soft lighting
- A cold plunge tub or massage chair
5 design considerations for a garden room gym
A garden room gym or wellness space should feel good to be in, not just practical, but calming, energising, and motivating. Below are some ideas from the team at Horto for how to make it work:
1. Light and views
Natural light is essential, therefore position your garden room to maximise daylight, and if possible, build it to face the most attractive part of your garden. Full-length windows or skylights help create a bright, open feel.
2. Ventilation and temperature control
Whether you’re in the middle of a summer sweat session or stretching out in winter, good airflow and insulation are key. Thing you should consider include:
- Windows or internal ventilation systems
- Underfloor heating for cooler months
- Ceiling fans or portable air conditioning in summer
3. Flooring
Your flooring will depend on your use:
- Gym use: Shock-absorbing rubber or heavy-duty vinyl works well
- Yoga/Pilates: Wood, cork, or cushioned mats are a must
- Multi-use: Consider modular flooring that can adapt as needed
4. Acoustics and atmosphere
Wellness is about how a space makes you feel. Soundproofing can help you focus without disruption. Add mood lighting, calming colours, plants, and personal touches such as artwork or music set-ups.
5. Storage and equipment
A clutter-free space supports a clutter-free mind. Opt for a Horto garden room gym with built-in smart storage such as:
- Hidden shelving for mats and equipment
- Hooks for resistance bands or towels
- A small fridge or water cooler for hydration
How to keep your garden room gym motivating all year
Consistency is the key to any wellness routine, and that’s where a garden room gym has the obvious advantage. It’s right outside your door, and ready when you are. To maintain motivation, consider the following:
- Regularly change your music and routines
- Use digital workout platforms or apps with a TV or tablet set-up
- Invite friends or family for a group workout
- Change the décor seasonally to keep it fresh and energising
Wellness and property appeal
Aside from improving your lifestyle, a high-quality garden room gym or wellness room can increase your property’s value. As buyers continue to seek lifestyle-led features in 2025, homes with dedicated fitness spaces are proving to be increasingly desirable.
Whether you’re lifting weights, stretching into downward dog, or simply sipping a smoothie in the morning sun, a garden room gym gives you a personal sanctuary for wellness that’s just a few steps away.