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A garden gym gives you a dedicated space outside the house, with the bonus of fresh air when the weather is good. And with a routine that suits you, it’s easier to stay committed all season.
This guide gives you tips to help you build your garden gym workout routine. You’ll also find exercises to include in your fitness plan for variety or an extra challenge. Ready?
Set a Weekly Workout Goal
Training 3 to 5 times a week is a great starting point. Three weekly sessions will do for getting into a garden gym workout routine. If you aim for strength, weight loss, or better performance, 4 to 5 sessions might be more up your alley. Feel free to adjust based on your fitness level, schedule, and goals.
Once you’ve decided how many sessions you’ll do, pick set times each day to head out to your garden gym. For instance, early morning is perfect if you like to get it done before the day starts, without the harsh sun. You can bring your yoga mat from your gym shed and enjoy the fresh air.
After work works, too, especially if you spend most of the day at the office. This schedule gives you a nice way to switch off and reset. Or consider midday if you’re working from home and can step away from the screen for a while.
Pick the time that feels most realistic for you, and try to keep it the same on each workout day. This helps turn it into a habit.
Outdoor Gym Workouts for Warmer Days
If you can, make the most of sunny days by taking your workout outside. Here are some categories of workout to get your body moving in the comfort of your garden:
- Circuit session: Use bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, press-ups, and planks. They’re excellent for a full-body workout.
- Skipping rope or HIIT sprints: Both are great for cardio and can be done on the lawn or patio. If you’re on the grass, rubber mats can help with stability and comfort.
- Yoga or mobility work: Try stretching or yoga to improve flexibility and wellbeing.
- Weight training: The fresh air is a great place to build your strength, whether it’s under the open sky or under a shelter.
If you’re not sure where to start with any of these categories, a quick online search for one of them will take you to plenty of resources with the basics.
Next: find the ideal equipment for your outdoor gym area. Got equipment like battle ropes or a pull-up bar? Use it to mix things up. Check out these outdoor gym ideas for set-up tips, equipment, and workout inspiration.
Indoor Garden Gym Routines for Colder or Rainy Days
Don’t let cold or wet weather stop your progress. Keep moving in your garden gym room with these ideas:
- Strength training: Dumbbells or a kettlebell will do for simple strength exercises. These include squats, press, and rows.
- Resistance bands or core work: A mat and a set of bands are all you need for low-impact but effective training.
- Follow-along workouts: Stream a cardio or strength session on your phone or TV. Various online workouts, especially on YouTube, can help you stay guided and motivated.
- Cardio machines: If you’ve got a rowing machine, exercise bike, or treadmill, it’s time to make use of them.
Switch Up Your Routine with the Seasons
You don’t always have to stick to the same routine. Switch things up to keep your workouts fresh, stop you from getting bored, and help you stay on track all year. It could go like this:
Spring and summer
These seasons are perfect for outdoor workouts. Focus on cardio or dynamic sessions like running, cycling, or HIIT. The warmer weather is a good time to go outside and enjoy it.
Autumn and winter
As the weather cools, prioritise strength training, mobility work, and indoor routines. You can still get in a solid workout while staying warm in your garden gym room. Refer to our list of indoor exercises for ideas.
Try switching one session a week to something outdoors, even in the colder months. It brings variety to your routine and lets you enjoy fresh air, even if it’s just a short walk.
Tip: Ventilation is something you don’t want to ignore, no matter the season. Here are the best ways to ventilate your garden gym and make it a comfortable space for working out.
Round-up
To wrap up, start small with your workouts and adjust as you go, even if you have a small garden room. Make the most of your garden space for outdoor sessions during nice weather. Switch to indoor workouts in your garden gym when it’s chilly.
The flexibility of having both options lets you stay active all year round. Good luck; you’ve got this!
Speaking of small garden rooms, you can turn one into more than just a personal gym. Check out these garden room ideas for creating a versatile space.
