Getting motivated to work out in the cold winter can be tough. Many people end up just staying inside and skipping their workout altogether. If you have a garage gym, you don’t have to let the cold weather keep you from getting your workout in!
So, What is The BEST Way to Heat Your Cold Garage Gym?
- Use an Electric space heater
- Wear Layers
- Insulate Your Garage
- Warm Up your Barbell
- Install a Heater
This blog post will discuss each of these in more detail and explain how you can make each work for you and your garage gym.
The 5 best tips for staying warm in a cold garage gym
1. Use an Electric space heater
Space Heaters or Portable Radiators
Whether it’s cold outside or inside, space heaters and portable radiators will help keep your garage gym warm in the winter. Warm air is circulated by space heaters, while portable radiators provide warmth between sets.
To get the most out of your workout, turn on both units about one hour before you start working out.
How long you keep the heaters running depends on how cold it is, but generally, you’ll want to turn off the space heater halfway through your workout, so you don’t get too hot.
There are two great options for space heaters or portable radiators that can help keep your garage gym warm, the Andily Electric Space Heater and the Aikoper 1500W Oil-Filled Radiator Heater.
The Andily Electric Space Heater is perfect for small spaces. It has a carrying handle for easy transport and an adjustable thermostat for comfortable warmth.
The unit also features a high heat setting of (1500-watt), a low heat setting of (750-watt ), and a fan only setting. The power indicator light lets you know when it’s plugged in.
This ceramic space heater is fast to heat and produces abundant heat without open coils.
The Aikoper oil filled radiator heater is a great choice for those who need a reliable and efficient way to heat their rooms. This heater has three heating modes.
- “1”-600W
- “2” -900W
- “3” -1500W
And it can be adjusted to meet your specific needs. It also uses strong convection heating technology to warm the room evenly.
Plus, it has a permanently sealed oil reservoir to help prevent any oil leakage issues. The heater is also equipped with tip-over and overheat protection in case of accidents.
Finally, it’s made of rust-resistant steel for durability.
Portable Forced-Air Heater
These heaters produce a lot of heat and can quickly warm up a room as large as 1500 square feet.
However, they are noisy, which will not only be annoying but can also interrupt your workout.
Additionally, they introduce moisture into the air, leaving condensation on your equipment and causing rust.
If you use a forced-air heater in your garage, ensure the space is well-ventilated. Otherwise, the fuel odor can cause some side effects with long-term exposure.
It would help if you kept a carbon monoxide detector in the garage.
2. Wear Layers
Wearing layers is always good when working out in a cold garage. You can start with a base layer that wicks away sweat, a mid-layer for insulation, and a top layer to maintain a warm barrier between the insulation layers while allowing moisture to escape.
Base Layer
Layering is key to staying warm, but choosing the right materials for each layer is important.
The base layer is in contact with your skin, so choosing a tight-fitting and wicking material is important. Polypropylene, silk, polyester, Thermax, Thinsulate, and wool are all good choices.
These materials will help to keep you dry by wicking away sweat and allowing it to evaporate quickly.
Mid Layer
The mid layer provides insulation. It should be a bit looser than the base layer, but to function properly, it needs to maintain contact with the base layer.
Common mid-layer material includes
- Polyester
- Fleece
- Wool
- Synthetic/natural blends
Most mid-layer clothing includes armpit zips, long front zippers, and adjustable cuffs and collars.
Outer Layer
Outer layers are key to trapping heat and keeping the elements at bay. Look for shells made of Gore-Tex or a similar material, which will block wind and allow moisture to escape.
You’ll also want to ensure that your layers fit snugly but not too tightly, as you don’t want to restrict your movement.
By choosing the right outerwear, you’ll be able to stay warm and focused on your workout – no matter how cold it is outside.
Wear gloves
If you’re working out in a cold garage gym, one of the most important things you can do is to wear gloves. Gloves help to keep your hands warm, which is especially important in cold weather.
When choosing gloves, select a pair that fits tightly and provides great grip when performing deadlifts, rows, etc.
Look for gloves made of breathable material, such as leather or mesh, to help keep your hands dry.
You can check out the SEALSKINZ Waterproof Extreme Cold Weather Glove.
3. Insulate Your Garage
Insulate your Garage Door
One of the best ways to keep your garage warm is to insulate your garage door. By doing this, you’ll help to keep the heat in and the cold out.
There are a few different ways that you can insulate your garage door, Wooden garage doors should be insulated with rigid insulation panels, and you can also use weatherstripping to seal any gaps.
Fiberglass batts are a great way to insulate metal garage doors. To install them, just cut the batting to size and staple it to the inside of the door.
Insulate your Garage Wall
There are two main ways to insulate your garage walls: fiberglass batts or spray foam.
Fiberglass batts are the more traditional option and are typically less expensive than spray foam.
However, they can be difficult to install and don’t always provide a tight seal. Spray foam, on the other hand, is more expensive but is much easier to install and provides a better seal.
As a result, it’s generally the better option for insulating your garage walls. If you’re not comfortable doing the work yourself, you can hire someone to do it for you. Just be sure to get multiple quotes before making a decision.
Insulate your Garage Ceiling
Insulating your garage ceiling is one way to ensure that your garage gym is at the temperature you want it to be without spending much money on heating bills.
Garage roofs are often made of metal because metal conducts heat well. However, this does not mean that metal roofs will protect you from the cold. Metal roofs represent about the same heat exchange as no roofs.
This is why it’s important to insulate your garage roof with an insulation kit or by attaching styrofoam.
Insulate your Garage Floor
A cold garage floor can be a real pain, especially when trying to stay warm while working out.
You can do a few things to help insulate your garage floor and keep the temperature cozy.
Rubber mats or horse stall mats are a great way to add some extra insulation. They’ll also help protect your flooring from damage.
Epoxy is another great option. It adds an extra layer of protection against the cold and can make your garage floor look great.
If you want to go all out, you could install underfloor heating. This will definitely keep your feet warm, but it’s also a bit of an investment.
If you’re on a budget, try placing a carpet on the floor. It’s not as effective as some of the other options, but it’s better than nothing.
4. Warm Up your Barbell
You can do a few things to warm up your barbell if you’re working out in a cold garage gym.
First, try bringing your barbell inside for an hour before your workout. This will help warm the steel and make it more comfortable to grip.
You can also use a space heater to warm up the area around your barbell. Just be sure to keep the heater at a safe distance.
Finally, it’s always a good idea to wear gloves when working out in cold conditions. This will help to protect your hands from the cold steel and provide an extra layer of insulation.
5. Install a Heater
Installing a heater in your garage gym may be beneficial if you want it to be more pleasant.
There are many different sorts of heaters available.
- Infrared heaters
- Propane heaters
- Ductless heater
- Electric heaters
These are just a few of the most common ones.
Infrared Heater
Installing a heater in your garage gym can seem daunting, but it’s quite simple.
An infrared heater is the best option for a garage gym because it warms the objects in the space rather than trying to heat up the air. This means you’ll feel warm even if the air around you is cold.
You won’t waste energy trying to heat the air in a large space. Infrared heaters are also one of the safest heating methods.
Ductless Heating System
This system transfers warm air from one location to another through a cycle of evaporation and condensation.
To properly install a ductless heating system, you will need both an indoor and an outdoor unit.
While ductless heating systems are not difficult to install, they can be quite expensive. For this reason, it is always best to hire an HVAC technician to complete the job.
A ductless heating system can last up to 20-30 years with proper care and maintenance.
Propane Heater
Propane heaters use propane tanks to distribute radiant heat and are excellent at heating up a space fast.
However, the downside to a propane heater is its price and efficiency. They can be expensive to purchase and maintain, and they’re not always the most efficient way to heat a garage gym.
If you decide to get a propane heater, ensure you get one that is odor-free. Otherwise, your garage gym may end up smelling like fumes whenever you turn it on.
Electric Heater Mounted to Ceiling
If you have an electric heater mounted on your ceiling, it can be convenient and ideal for several reasons.
First, it doesn’t take up any floor space, which is especially important if your car is parked in the garage with you when you work out.
Second, these types of heaters can be set to precisely the temperature you want, so you can be sure you’re not overheating or underheating your space.
Third, they are also known for heating up large spaces quickly, so you won’t have to wait long to heat up your garage gym. The only disadvantage is that an electrician may be required for installation.
Other Alternates to Consider
If you’re not having much success with the tips above, consider trying one of these alternatives.
One way to add warmth is to bring a wood stove. This will not only take the chill out of the air but also provide a relaxing ambiance.
Another way to stay warm is to bring a towel and an electric blanket. You can use the towel to wipe down equipment and wrap yourself in the electric blanket during breaks.
Finally, don’t forget to bring a yoga mat. This will provide insulation from the cold concrete floor and cushion your joints during workouts.
Garage Gym FAQs: Keeping It Warm
Are garage heaters worth it?
For anyone who spends time working in their garage, a good heater can make a world of difference. Not only does it take the edge, but it also makes it much easier to spend extended periods in the space.
While there are several ways to heat a garage, such as electric heaters or natural gas-powered furnaces, many people find that infrared garage heaters are the best option.
Infrared heaters work by emitting waves of heat that quickly raise the temperature of the surrounding area.
This makes them ideal for garages, as they can provide evenly distributed warmth without circulating air.
How do you exercise in a cold garage gym?
When working out in a cold garage gym, it is important to ensure you do not get too cold.
One way to do this is to wear layers of clothing that can be removed if necessary. Having a space heater to help take the chill out of the air is also a good idea.
Another way to stay warm is to keep moving during your workout. If you are doing exercises that require you to stay in one place for an extended period, take breaks frequently to walk around and get your blood flowing.
How do you heat a garage gym that is not insulated?
One common and effective method is to use an infrared heater. Infrared heaters emit waves of heat that penetrate the air and object, heating them up from the inside out.
This is similar to how the sun heats up the earth. Because they heat objects rather than air, they are very efficient and can quickly raise the temperature of a garage gym.
What is the fastest way to heat a cold garage gym?
There are a few things that you can do to heat up the space quickly.
First, if possible, bring a space heater into the garage and place it near where you will be working out. This will help to create a direct source of heat.
Additionally, you can wear layers of clothing while working out, which can be easily removed as your get hotter.
Finally, be sure to warm up slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your workout.
How can I insulate my garage gym cheaply?
One of the most popular and effective options is fiberglass roll insulation. This type of insulation is easy to install and can significantly affect your garage’s comfort.
Another option is to purchase some weatherstripping and seal up any gaps around doors and windows. Finally, you may want to consider investing in a space heater.
How can I heat my garage gym without electricity?
There are a few ways to heat a garage gym without using electricity. One option is to use a small wood-burning stove.
This will provide enough warmth for a small space, and you can use scrap wood that otherwise would be thrown away.
Another option is to install a gas-powered space heater. These heaters are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, and they can be vented out the side of the garage.
Finally, you can also try installing a solar panel to power a space heater. This option will require some initial investment, but it will eventually pay for itself and help you save money on your energy bill.
Conclusion
If your garage is cold and you want to heat it up, there are a few things you can do. You can buy a space heater, install insulation, or use a floor mat.
Space heaters are the most expensive option but also the most effective. Insulation will help keep the heat in, and a floor mat will help prevent the cold from coming up through the floor.
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