The Best Home Gyms in France: 3 Inspiring Home Setups
Home gyms have become increasingly popular as fitness enthusiasts seek the convenience of training in their own space. This article explores three remarkable home gyms in France and Belgium that showcase different approaches to creating the perfect personal training environment.
A Premium Home Gym Setup with Specialty Equipment
The first home gym belongs to Ken, who has created an impressive training space featuring high-quality equipment. At the center of his gym is a robust 80×80 power rack, providing a solid foundation for heavy lifting.
One of the standout features is the Gymbo adjustable dumbbells system, which allows for up to 128kg per dumbbell. This space-saving solution provides tremendous versatility without requiring an entire rack of traditional dumbbells.
Ken's gym also includes some specialty items rarely seen in home setups:
- G-Cup attachments that allow for convenient bench press setup without removing barbell pins
- A compact yet versatile pulley system that takes up minimal space (just 0.6 meters)
- A reverse hyper machine, excellent for both training and active recovery
- A wall-mounted storage system for organizing belts, wraps, and other accessories
The gym demonstrates how a well-planned space can incorporate commercial-quality equipment while maintaining functionality.
A Garage Transformation for Bodybuilding
The second gym belongs to Pierre, who converted half of a double garage into a dedicated training space. This setup showcases how someone passionate about bodybuilding can create an effective gym even with space limitations.
Pierre made a deal with his partner to share the garage space, keeping one side for vehicles while transforming the other into his training sanctuary. His equipment choices prioritize bodybuilding-specific training:
- A power rack with ample space around it for comfortable movement
- A DIY pulley system that provides versatility without requiring a dedicated machine
- A leg extension/leg curl combo machine for targeted lower body work
- A dedicated hip thrust setup for glute development
Pierre notes that while he occasionally adds new equipment, he always tries to maximize what he already has before purchasing additional items. His approach demonstrates that with thoughtful equipment selection, you can create a comprehensive bodybuilding gym in a modest space.
The Container Gym: Mobile Training Solution
The third and most unique setup belongs to Louis, who built his entire gym inside a shipping container. This innovative approach solves two key problems: cost and mobility.
Louis purchased a used container for approximately 2,000 euros (though new ones typically cost 8,000-10,000 euros). The container occupies about 15 square meters but contains everything needed for effective training:
- A space-efficient rack system with multiple attachment points
- Approximately 400kg of weight plates
- Adjustable dumbbells up to 41kg per hand
- A collection of resistance bands for additional exercise variations
- A frame-based bench that provides multiple functions
The container solution offers remarkable flexibility—it can be placed on any suitable piece of land and relocated as needed. This makes it ideal for trainers who rent property or may need to move in the future.
Key Takeaways for Creating Your Own Home Gym
These three examples highlight important considerations for anyone planning their own home gym:
- Space optimization: Even limited space can accommodate a comprehensive gym with the right equipment choices.
- Budget flexibility: Whether you have premium resources or need to be cost-conscious, effective solutions exist at various price points.
- Equipment versatility: Multi-function pieces and adaptive equipment can multiply your exercise options without requiring additional space.
- Creative solutions: Thinking outside the box (or inside a container!) can solve unique challenges.
The most successful home gyms are those that align with your specific training goals, space constraints, and budget. By drawing inspiration from these examples, you can create a personalized training environment that motivates consistent workouts and supports your fitness journey.
