How to Keep Your Garage Gym Cool: 14 Tips That Work

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Tonya McIntosh

Tonya McIntosh—The main person behind TGFFitness as its Founder and Chief Editor. Get to know more about Tonya

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Working out in the summer can be very challenging due to the heat. Between the sweltering temperatures and the sweat, it can be challenging to make it through a workout. But keeping your garage gym cool doesn’t have to be a hassle.

So, how do you keep your garage gym cool? Use these 13 tips to make sure your space is cool and comfortable all summer:

  1. Park your car outside while working out
  2. Open the garage doors or windows an hour before you start working out
  3. Choose the right time to work out
  4. Add Powerful Fans
  5. Install a Ceiling Fan
  6. Use a dehumidifier
  7. Use Evaporative Coolers
  8. Get a portable A/C
  9. Upgrade/refine garage ventilation system
  10. Set up a permanent A/C system
  11. Use good insulation
  12. Consider repainting your garage door and wall in a lighter color
  13. Remove the Clutter

Let’s take a closer look at each tip!

13 easy ways how to keep your garage gym cool

1. Park your car outside while working out

If you’re looking to keep your garage gym cool, it’s best to park your car outside. Heat radiates from a recently used car, so if you’ve just got home from a drive, your car will still be radiating heat.

This can make it difficult to keep your garage gym at a comfortable temperature, especially if you intend to work out immediately after you arrive home.

Parking your car outside will help to dissipate the heat and keep your garage gym cooler.

2. Open the garage doors or windows an hour before you start working out

Before you start your workout, open the garage door to allow fresh air to circulate. If there are windows in your garage, open them as well. This will help eliminate stuffy air and prevent excessive heat build-up.

Avoid opening the doors when the sun is blazing hot, especially if it’s towards the entrance, as this can cause the temperature inside the garage to rise quickly.

3. Choose the right time to work out

The best time to work out is early in the morning before the sun gets too hot. Not only will you be able to avoid the heat, but you’ll also have more energy to push yourself.

If you can’t work out in the morning, try to wait until the evening, when the temperature has cooled down.

You should also avoid working out midday when the sun is at its peak. If you must work out during the day, stay hydrated and take breaks often to cool down.

4. Add Powerful Fans

Powerful fans are a great option if you’re looking for ways to keep your garage gym cool.

Fans circulate the air and help evaporate sweat, making it feel cooler in the garage gym.

Plus, they’ll also help dry out any wet equipment after use. While fans alone won’t be enough to keep the space cool during the hottest summer days, they can make a big difference.

5. Install a Ceiling Fan

There’s no need to suffer through a hot, sticky workout just because you don’t have air conditioning in your garage gym.

A ceiling fan is a simple and inexpensive way to keep your space cool and comfortable. Ceiling fans help circulate air and create a cooling breeze, making it much more pleasant to exercise in warm weather.

Unlike standard fans, industrial fans are more powerful and durable, so they are the best choice for a garage gym. However, industrial fans can also cost more, so be sure to shop around for the best deal.

6. Use a dehumidifier

Investing in a dehumidifier is a smart idea if you’re planning to use your garage gym during the summer. It keeps the space cooler and more comfortable by removing moisture from the air.

It also keeps mold and mildew from forming, which is crucial in a warm, damp environment such as a garage gym.

You will feel more comfortable exercising with a dehumidifier, and you will prevent corrosion and rust on your equipment, ensuring its longevity.

For garage gym owners who plan to use their gym all year round, a dehumidifier is an essential piece of equipment for removing warm air.

7. Use Evaporative Coolers

An evaporative cooler might be the answer if you’re looking for a way to keep your garage gym cool.

These portable units can reduce the temperature in a single room by 5° to 15°F, making them ideal for moderate climates.

However, they may not be able to cool a room adequately in hot climates. Still, an evaporative cooler might offer some relief no matter where you use it since the humidity it releases will quickly dissipate instead of being trapped in your home.

8. Get a portable A/C

A portable air conditioner can be a great solution to this problem. Most portable air conditioners can cool down medium-sized or large spaces, making them ideal for use in a garage.

Additionally, many models come with wheels, making it easy to move the unit around as needed.

The only downside is that most portable air conditioning units require access to a window in order to ventilate properly. This can be challenging since most garage gyms don’t have windows.

However, it is possible to make a hole in the wall and install an exhaust vent.

9. Upgrade garage ventilation system

There are a few different ways to upgrade your garage ventilation system.

One option is to install a ceiling fan. This will help circulate air and keep the space cooler.

Another option is to install vents in the garage door. This will allow fresh air to flow into the space and help to keep the temperature regulated.

Finally, you can also install an exhaust fan. This will help to remove hot air from the space and prevent the temperature from rising too much.

10. Set up a permanent A/C system

A permanent A/C system is the best way to ensure that your garage gym stays cool, no matter how hot it gets outside.

Although a permanent A/C system can be expensive, it’s worth the investment because you’ll be able to stay focused on your workout, even when the temperature starts to climb.

Get in touch with a contractor about the best type of A/C system for your needs and budget.

11. Use good insulation

Good insulation is essential for keeping your garage cool while you train. In the summer, heat from the sun can build up in the garage and make it unbearable to work out in.

By insulating the garage, you can trap the cool air inside and keep the temperature at a comfortable level.

In the winter, insulation will help to keep the heat from escaping, making it easier to maintain a consistent temperature.

Whether you’re trying to keep your garage gym cool in the summer or warm in the winter, good insulation is key.

12. Consider repainting your garage door and wall in a lighter color

If you’re lucky enough to have a garage that you can use as a gym, you know how important it is to keep the space cool.

Unfortunately, garages can get incredibly hot, making it difficult to work out comfortably. One way to combat this is by repainting your garage door and wall in a lighter color.

Lighter colors reflect sunlight rather than absorb it, which can help to keep your garage significantly cooler.

13. Remove the Clutter

If you’re working out in your garage, one of the best things you can do is to declutter the space.

When your garage is crammed full of boxes, containers, and different types of equipment, it’s difficult for air to circulate.

This can lead to a stuffy, uncomfortable environment – not ideal for working up a sweat!

By decluttering your hot garage, you can create more space for airflow, making it easier to stay cool while you work out.

Cheaper Alternative

If you don’t have the budget for an air conditioner, evaporative cooler, or portable A/C, you can still do some things to keep cooler during your workouts.

  • Wear light clothing
  • Drink lots of water
  • Take breaks often
  • Exercise during cooler hours of the day
  • Get a Cooling Jackets

Bonus Tip: Damp shirt

One of the quickest and cheapest ways to keep your body temperature down is to soak your shirt in water and then put it back on. This will help keep you cool for about 2 hours.

Summary

There are several ways that you can keep your garage gym cool, no matter how hot it gets outside. By installing a ceiling fan, vents in the garage door, or an exhaust fan, you can help to circulate air and keep the space cooler.

You can also upgrade your ventilation system by installing a permanent A/C system. Good insulation is essential for keeping your garage gym comfortable year round.

Consider painting your garage door and wall in a lighter color to reflect sunlight and keep the space cooler. Finally, remove any clutter from the space to create more airflow.

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Chief Editor
Tonya McIntosh

Hello there! My name is Tonya McIntosh, and I’m the Founder and Chief Editor of TGFFitness. I’m also a NASM-certified Nutrition Coach and Personal Trainer. With eight years of experience under my belt, I’ve found that one of the most common issues my clients struggle with is remaining consistent.

Finding your main motivator to keep going is easier said than done for Keep Reading.

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