For some time now I have been really keen on building my own space in which to train in. Whilst I was lucky enough to have space I had to share it with the kids toys, trikes and the cat's scratching post and food bowl. Not the most conducive environment for a quality workout. I made it work but there was always this nagging feeling that I could have it better.
Over the past month I have sought the help of my old man, brother and father in law in building my strength sanctuary and I am pleased to announce it is here and frankly it is a thing of beauty. Not only do I now have an awesome place to train I actually got in a good workout building it in the first place as the previous blog post outlines.
There are a couple of tips I can give if you are considering building your own shed:
- Take the time to work out the exact dimensions you require to not only fit all your gear but to also be able to then complete all the workouts you want to eg - if you want to do snatches and powercleans as well as kettlebell swings make sure you factor the required space in.
- When building your formwork for the concrete slab make sure you get the dimensions right for your shed to sit directly on top off to allow the water to run directly off when it rains and then use plenty of stakes if you are going to use wood that may flex when all the weight of the wet concrete goes into it.
- Get your concrete measuerment requirements checked closely as you don't want your concrete truck to show up and you find out you either have too much or too little concrete.
- Make sure you shop around for the right shed. I looked at aluminium but settled on a timber shed. Whlst it is more expensive there is no doubt it looks better and gives it a more old school feel when inside it.
- Shop around for the right matting. I ended upo buying mine from ebay for $40 less per tile then what was been sold at the local rubber shop.
- Take the time to think carefully about where you are placing all your gear and make good use of hooks and shelves to keep things off the floor so you can have more floor space for all your exercises.
Whether you are considering building your own shed or are quite happy with what you have make the most of it because for those of you like me it is the training on your own,in your own space which sets you apart from the rest of those lifters trying to get strong in a world of aerobic machines and chromed dumbells in commercial gyms. Go lift heavy