Fitness centers may be closed due to the coronavirus outbreak, but your child’s martial arts training doesn’t have to stop. With the right resources and equipment, your child can keep up with martial arts training while communities are under stay-at-home orders. But first, you need to create a space to practice.
Martial arts studios aren’t complicated, which makes it easy to convert a part of your home into a training space. Before you get started, use these resources to learn everything you need to know about designing a martial arts space at home.
This is the first question you’re likely to have if you plan on selling your home one day. Here’s how dedicating a space to martial arts could affect your home’s value.
● Generally speaking, adding living space improves a home’s appraisal value. Whether you build an addition or remodel unused space indoors, more square footage is always better for your home’s value.
● However, specialized hobby rooms are generally considered a bad idea for homeowners. While you might pay more for a martial arts studio, you’re unlikely to find buyers who will do the same.
● To enjoy the benefits of a martial arts practice space without hurting your home’s value, focus on creating a flexible space that can be used for a variety of purposes. With the right fixtures and finishes, it’s possible to design a space that’s great for fitness and also makes an excellent den, craft room, or nursery.
How can homeowners toe the line between fitness studio and flex space? These resources will help you create a space that’s versatile while still offering everything you need for martial arts training.
● Built-in storage makes it easy to turn a home gym into an office or bedroom. You can even have your flex space pull double-duty now by storing fitness equipment when not in use! For a cost-effective option, build your own custom built-ins using bookcases and cabinets.
● Flooring is also key in your flex space. You need flooring that’s soft underfoot for martial arts practice but also looks good enough for a home office or den. Bamboo is a great choice for flex rooms because it’s durable, attractive, and cheaper than hardwood.
● While bamboo is a good base, it doesn’t offer enough cushion for martial arts training. To improve comfort and prevent injury, invest in a good martial arts floor mat. Just be sure to keep it clean to prevent bacteria and odor!
Where to put your new flex space is the final, and most important, question.
● Finishing unused space in your home is the best way to add a flex room, as it’s much cheaper than building an addition. However, there are a few things homeowners should know about remodeling a basement, like how to deal with moisture issues and what to do about ventilation.
● If you don’t have a basement, there are ways to build an addition without spending a fortune. A bump-out addition could add just enough space for a fitness studio or reading room at a fraction of the cost of a full addition.
● A three-season room or sunroom is another budget-friendly solution when you need more space. While not ideal for winter workouts, three-season rooms have the advantage of great lighting and plenty of airflow, as well as a low cost.
Are you convinced? While building your own martial arts studio may sound like a crazy idea at first, it’s possible to build a training space that improves your home. Whether you remodel a basement, add onto your home, or just convert a long-neglected room into more usable space, you’ll be glad you made the investment into a martial arts flex space for your home.
Author Charlene Roth