Home Gym Italy: Inside an Underground Garage Gym in Liguria
Home gym enthusiasts know that some of the most impressive training spaces come from the most unexpected places. In the beautiful region of Liguria, Italy, we discovered a remarkable garage gym that perfectly blends old-school equipment with modern fitness solutions.
A Hidden Gem in the City Center
Located in the heart of a Ligurian city center, Marcello's home gym might be easy to miss from the outside – tucked behind a small door that gives little indication of the training paradise within. But step inside, and you're greeted by a carefully designed underground training space with a distinct personality.
Visual Impact and Atmosphere
The first thing that catches your eye in this gym is the deliberate color scheme and lighting choices. Strong, vibrant colors dominate the space with green, blue, white, and black creating a striking visual impact. LED lighting enhances the underground atmosphere, while a graffiti-style mural adds to the urban aesthetic.
The ceiling features a black beach theme, and the overall effect is that of an underground training bunker – perfect for focusing on intense workouts without distractions.
Equipment: A Blend of Vintage and Modern
What makes Marcello's gym truly special is his dedication to preserving classic gym equipment. Many machines have been rescued from old commercial gyms that were being dismantled, giving these pieces of fitness history a second life.
The gym features:
- A multi-power rack with vertical and inclined positions
- Old-school flat bench with chains
- Cable station with multiple handles and attachments
- Adjustable dumbbells up to 22kg
- Leg press with various positioning options
- Abductor machine
- A dedicated area for stretching and core work
There's an intelligent use of space throughout, with equipment strategically positioned to maximize functionality in the limited area. Marcello has even built custom plate holders and storage solutions to keep everything organized.
Comfort and Amenities
Despite being an underground space, the gym offers surprising comfort. It features a bathroom with shower facilities, a small kitchen area, and even a changing room with a mirror. Music speakers provide the soundtrack for intense training sessions.
While there's only one window for ventilation and no dedicated climate control system, Marcello reports that the space maintains a comfortable temperature year-round – approximately 14 degrees Celsius in winter and 18 degrees in summer.
A Successful Training Environment
The true measure of any home gym is the results it produces. Marcello began training here in 2020 during the pandemic and has since competed in cycling events with success. He trains exclusively in his home gym, having no need for commercial facilities since completing his personal training space.
The rustic, somewhat adventurous spirit of the gym with its slightly rusted chains and industrial feel actually adds to its charm rather than detracting from its functionality.
Creating Your Own Underground Gym
If you're inspired by this underground training space, consider these key takeaways:
- Rescue and repurpose quality older equipment instead of always buying new
- Use strategic lighting to create atmosphere in basement or garage spaces
- Maximize functionality through thoughtful equipment placement
- Include essential amenities like a bathroom if possible
- Don't be afraid to add personal touches and art that inspire your training
Whether you have a small urban space or a larger suburban area, this Ligurian home gym demonstrates that with creativity and passion, you can create an effective training environment almost anywhere.
