11 Ways to Store Workout Equipment When Not In Use

Keep your home exercise equipment accessible—and out of the way—with these space-efficient storage solutions.

Home workouts have their fair share of advantages, from saving money on a gym membership to enjoying the peace and privacy of your own space rather than navigating a busy, crowded fitness studio. The drawbacks, however, include finding the motivation to exercise when the couch is calling your name and creating space for a treadmill, rower, or other workout equipment.

If you don't have a dedicated home gym area, finding space to put your equipment when it’s not being used can be tricky. Whether you use weights, bands, mats, or machines, there’s no need to break a sweat over where or how they should be stored.

With our helpful tips, you can create a workout area virtually anywhere in your home. Once you’ve carved out the space, choose a few of the following ideas to keep your exercise equipment handy, tidy, and out of the way.

Related: 10 Home Gym Ideas to Inspire Your Fitness Goals

1. Dumbell Rack

Whether you have a full set of free weights or a few mismatched pairs, racking them like you would at the gym is a straightforward solution. Look for a compact stand that can hold the number of dumbbells you currently have, or one with a little wiggle room if your goal is to obtain heavier weights as you get stronger. One thing to consider is the rack’s aesthetic—especially if it’ll be in an open living area. Aim to find one that blends in with the decor and place it against an empty wall. Otherwise, hide it at the bottom of a nearby closet (similar to a shoe rack) and reach for the dumbbells as needed.

2. Sturdy Shelving

If a rack isn’t your style, you’ll want something else to put weights on as they can easily scuff, ding, and damage your floors. Since even a couple of dumbbells or kettlebells can cause shelves to bow, use something well-built such as a metal shelving unit or locker storage cabinet. Line up the heaviest weights at the bottom and lighter items like yoga blocks higher up. Use baskets to contain smaller exercise equipment (think resistance bands and slider discs) before labeling and placing them onto any remaining shelf space.

Related: 20 Smart Ways to Organize with Baskets for a Less Cluttered Home

3. Round Basket

Just like a lazy susan is best used to organize circular objects, a round basket is ideal for rolled-up yoga mats and foam rollers or massagers. Make sure it’s tall enough so nothing flops over and wide enough to fit everything. Simply slide the mats and rollers vertically into the basket so you can see and reach for them all. You can even repurpose a lidless hamper for the job.

Related: 10 Smarter Uses for an Oversized Storage Basket

4. Wine Rack

An alternative way to store round equipment (and potentially recycle another household item) is by employing a wall-mounted wine bottle holder. So long as the brackets are spaced out enough or able to be adjusted, you can slip yoga mats, foam rollers, and rolled towels into their own slots. This frees up floor space and can add a stylish touch to your home gym.

5. Wall Hooks

Similarly, you can arrange individual hooks on a blank wall to keep the above equipment, and more, in their place. Sets of U-shaped hooks will hold mats and rollers horizontally while conventional coat or hat hooks let you hang resistance bands, jump ropes, and towels to dry.

6. Pegboard

Yet another solution that keeps the floors clear is to put up a pegboard in your workout area. This can consolidate most of your equipment, minus heavy weights. Hooks will hold a set of light dumbbells as well as bands, ropes, mats, rollers, wheels, and more. Hanging baskets corral accessories such as hair ties and weightlifting gloves and shelves create a landing zone for cycling shoes and yoga blocks. Lacking wall space? Try a customizable over-the-door organizer that is designed with pegboard and basket attachments.

Related: 15 DIY Pegboard Ideas for Garages, Kitchens, Bedrooms and More

7. Cube Unit

Popular for playroom storage, cube organizers are also a perfect way to keep your workout equipment in order. You can find units in a variety of shapes and sizes so it’ll be simple to find one that best fits your space. Display bulky or heavy items, like weights or medicine balls, into open cubbies. Everything else should be sorted into coordinating and labeled baskets.

Related: How to Decorate with Indoor Plants to Add Fresh Energy to Your Space

8. Storage Bench

Have only a handful of exercise equipment? Put a storage bench to good use. Line the bottom with light weights and bins to organize everything else so they’re easy to grab. The bench can be stored wherever you have room and, when you’re not working out, keep the lid shut so guests will be none the wiser.

9. Rolling Cart

Similarly, a tiered mobile cart will hold a few accessories and can be conveniently tucked away when not in use. As usual, you’ll want to use the lower shelf to store any hefty items or, perhaps, a pair of Peleton shoes if that’s your go-to workout. Add some fresh water and towels to the top tier and roll it next to the bike so you can keep cool while spinning.

10. Invest in Space-Savvy Pieces

If you’re in the market for a large piece of equipment, like a treadmill, opt for styles that can fold up to conserve space. Consider a walking pad (especially if you’re not a frequent runner) as they tend to be much easier to store. With a flat walking pad or fold-up treadmill, simply slip it under the bed or the couch when it's not in use.

11. Get Creative with Large Equipment

For an elliptical or stationary bike, it’s a bit more challenging to find a hiding spot. Do your best to declutter an area of the house, like the basement or a bonus room, so you have a site to keep and use it without it being in the way of your daily routines. If it does have to be in a main living area, such as your bedroom or living room, invest in a folding screen to place around the machine so you don't have to look at it when you're not working out.

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