13 Smart Ways To Tuck Away Exercise Equipment In Your Home

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Creating a home workout routine is easier than ever. However, figuring out where to store all your gear remains a challenge. As useful as it is, home gym equipment can be a bit of an eyesore and ruin the aesthetic of a room. When you've beautifully curated every shelf, nook, and cranny, you don't want some dumbbells or a treadmill taking all the attention. While there are plenty of home gym ideas that will inspire you to work out, it can be just as important to be able to tuck that equipment away.

Many homes don't have an area to dedicate to a gym. Luckily, there are ways to create a home gym in any type of space. However, creating functional and attractive storage is usually the issue. To help, we've rounded up some imaginative ways to tuck away exercise equipment in your home. Skipping the obvious, like wall shelves and cabinets, these ideas try to incorporate more creativity and style. Quite a few completely hide gym equipment, perfect if you want it totally out of sight. That way, you can streamline your gym equipment storage as much as your fitness routine.

A solidly built storage bench or ottoman is a fashionable and simple way to hide gym equipment. You can find options that are large enough to hide quite a few items with space to conceal several exercise mats and dumbbells. Even better, it can double as seating for rest breaks during workouts. If you want to use it as such, choose a material that's easy to wipe down, like leather or varnished wood. Post-workout, a storage bench or ottoman offers a spot to put your feet up or to seat guests in the living room. If you're storing heavy weights, choose a sturdy and well-built piece of furniture that's low to the ground. One on tall legs will be easier to knock over, which can be dangerous if it's full of heavy equipment.

If you'd like to invest in this piece, the Article Maribo Leather Storage Ottoman is very stylish. The tan leather color gives it an old-school gymnasium vibe, while the design works well in modern or rustic living spaces. Measuring 62 inches wide, the Norre Entryway Bench is an example of a larger option. It's made of wood, so it's a good choice for those with larger, heavier gym equipment. Not everyone needs that much storage space, though. So for storing a few pieces of small equipment on a budget, the Songmics Round Ottoman is a well-reviewed, budget-friendly pick.

For many, using baskets around the home for stylish storage is a standard practice. A big basket is a decorative and easy way to corral all sorts of clutter, from throw blankets to firewood. It's also a stylish spot for gym equipment, as long as you're not worried about completely hiding it. A storage basket is beneficial for ease of access. It only takes a moment to throw in a rolled-up yoga mat, light weights, and resistance bands. Plus, it's just as quick to take them out when the urge to exercise strikes. Storage baskets tend to have a boho and relaxed look. But due to their popularity in recent years, they can still work with many decor styles. If you want something that will keep equipment more hidden, you can consider a lidded laundry basket.

The Casafield Large Laundry Boat Basket has a rustic appearance and an earthy color that helps it suit more traditional and rustic rooms. IKEA's SNIDAD Rattan Basket is another spacious option, and it has a pared-down look that's great for modern and minimalist spaces. If you prefer a basket that looks softer and more flexible, the Megasket Large Blanket Basket is made of cotton rope, so it doesn't have the same stiffness as wicker. 

One of the best reasons to choose a magazine rack to store exercise equipment is that it's unexpected. You don't think a magazine rack will have gym equipment inside, so it's truly hidden away in a living room or bedroom. It's also ideal if you don't have enough equipment to justify buying a big ottoman or basket. Great for small spaces, they're compact, easy to move around, and often cheaper too. Magazine racks can offer a vintage or old-school look that's lovely in traditional and eclectic spaces. Consider browsing thrift stores for retro ones. Regardless of style, for home gym storage, choose a rack that's sturdy and fully contained (racks with open sides risk allowing items to fall out).

Made of solid wood and sturdy enough to hold a couple of small weights, the Northwood Interiors Antique Wooden Magazine Rack is an example of one with a vintage look that is hard to achieve with the other ideas on this list. For a more affordable, rustic option, the Yinmit Magazine Holder is a highly rated buy from Amazon. Or if you want to go for a more contemporary style, the EZDeco Magazine Holder is a no-frills but functional choice.

A pegboard storage system lets you display your gym equipment in full view, but in a fashionable way. It's a good option if you don't feel the need to hide your equipment and if you prioritize quick access and better organization. A wall-mounted system tends to be more organized than bin-style storage, like a basket or storage ottoman, especially if you have a lot of smaller equipment like bands and attachments. Each item has its place on a hook, rack, or shelf, rather than all being thrown into a container. Pegboards are stylish, flexible, and easy to find. Plus, storage accessories are also available. However, they tend to have a lower weight limit, so they aren't suitable for storing heavy gym equipment. Choose a pegboard system if you're after style more than weight capacity. After all, it's simple to dress up a pegboard with pretty accessories, shelves for plants or decor, and hanging artwork.

The IKEA SKÅDIS Pegboard is one of the brand's highly-rated products, and it's affordable too, costing about $25 for a mid-size board. If you want one that's more custom-looking, the Xaomlp Wooden Pegboard Modular Display offers the warm look of wood and has stylish, rounded pegs. For a larger and more utilitarian system, the Wall Control Metal Pegboard Pack offers more storage space and better compatibility with accessories, plus it comes in a few colors.

Pegboards aren't usually designed to store very heavy equipment, and many don't indicate how much weight they can hold. So, it can be hard to judge if they're strong enough to hold heftier items. On the other hand, garage tool racks are intended for heavy tools, so they tend to specify a weight capacity. On top of that, they tend to have a more industrial look, which will suit some decor styles better. Slat wall and track systems also have excellent versatility, with lots of accessories to rival pegboard systems. The rugged look can make them fit right into garage gyms, while pegboards are often more associated with rooms like offices.

These higher weight limits are no joke and can be substantial. For example, the Rubbermaid 24-Piece FastTrack Storage Kit holds up to a whopping 1,750 pounds. From one of the most reputable storage companies out there, it comes with a variety of hooks and the potential to expand with more accessories. If you want something more budget-friendly, the Uup 48" Garage Tool Organizer is a good alternative that's about ⅓ of the price, but still holds up to 440 pounds.

Dedicated gym storage products are ideal for those who want a ready-made and straightforward solution. If you've never shopped for these types of products before, you can browse gym storage consoles, sports organizer racks, and even golf bag organizers to find the layout that works best for your equipment. These storage units are purposefully designed to have slots, separators, and shelves for a range of items. They're one of the best options if you have more stuff to store (like medicine balls or foam rollers) in addition to the typical yoga mats and dumbbells.

Home gym storage racks, like the Mythinglogic Yoga Mat Organizer, tend to be on the smaller side. These are good for a few yoga mats, blocks, and a couple of weights. Sports organizer racks can be a bit bigger, and these tend to have more bin-like spaces for balls, bats, and rackets (though you can repurpose these sections for general gym storage). The SpaceWise Sports Equipment Organizer is a good example. If you want something more stylish and less utilitarian, consider browsing wooden golf storage racks. They tend to have shelves plus a section that usually fits a golf bag that you can repurpose for yoga mats and a few weights. The GoSports Premium Wooden Sports Equipment Organizer is one option that has a more finished look.

If you really want to lean into the gym theme rather than hide away from it, a metal locker is a playful way to store your equipment. It actually does hide stuff out of sight, but also acknowledges the purpose of your gym corner. A metal cabinet has a fun industrial feel that feels a bit nostalgic, like it can belong in an old-school boxing gym. There are a few aesthetic options, some colorful, and quite a lot at a budget-friendly price. If you're storing heavier items, just make sure it's sturdy enough. For taller units, keep heavy items on the lower shelves.

IKEA has lots of great metal cabinets that can serve this purpose. A top pick is the TROTTEN cabinet, since it's lockable, keeping equipment protected from prying fingers. The Ironffice Metal Cabinet is another stylish option, available in a few colors, and with air vents to make sure there's a bit of airflow.

A wall-mounted rack is an easy spot to place rolled-up yoga mats, tension bands, foam rollers, and other lightweight accessories. One benefit of this storage system is the chance to find more styles that suit you, from industrial metal racks to rustic wooden ones. It offers wall-mounted storage that's a bit more fashionable than a pegboard or a tool storage wall, and looks more distinctive than regular open shelving.

You can find options specifically designed for yoga mats and other small equipment, like the Wallniture Guru Yoga Mat Holder. This is also one of the most affordable storage products on our list, costing less than $20. However, you aren't restricted to those purpose-made products. For example, you can get clever with other storage solutions, like the MGP Barrel Stave Wall Mounted Wine Rack or the Xstydes Towel Rack. Many of these focus on mat storage, though you can also hang bins or baskets from the pegs to make them more useful. 

If you want gym storage that you can easily roll to your workout area and then tuck completely out of the way when you're done, then a utility cart is an excellent choice. They're just plain convenient, and many options are small enough to fit into a closet, so you can completely hide them. They're the best alternative if a rolling sports equipment rack is too large, providing similar convenience without the bulk.

Consider what equipment you're going to store when you start shopping. For heavy weights, choose a metal cart rather than a plastic one. A cart like the Simple Houseware Heavy Duty Utility Rolling Cart has raised sides that can help keep dumbbells and other items safely contained. The NISSAFORS Utility Cart has shallower levels so you can grab equipment quickly and even use the top level as a table for your water bottle and phone while you exercise. While you're shopping for utility carts, consider these other creative ways an IKEA utility cart can add extra storage around the home. 

If you tend to work out in your bedroom, under-bed rolling storage just makes sense for tucking equipment away. It hides home gym items without taking up any additional floor space, unlike a storage bench or console. Don't restrict this idea to the bedroom either. If they fit, you can also use under-bed containers below the couch, tall cabinets, or console tables. Buy one with a sturdy frame if you need it to withstand a decent amount of weight. Also, choose one on wheels since it will be much easier to roll in and out of the space. Keep in mind that under-bed bins tend to be shallow, so they might not be large enough for tall items. This shallowness helps keep things organized and visible, though, unlike deep baskets where things can end up on top of each other.

This is another category where you can find affordable, stylish products. The Phinox Under Bed Storage Containers are simple, made of sturdy metal, and come in a two-pack if you have a fair amount of equipment to store. A box with a finished top or lid, like IKEA's SLÄKT Storage Box, is ideal if you expect to leave it out sometimes. For a more traditional or rustic look, the Millwood Pines Acacia Under Bed Storage is simple and functional. If you want to make the area even more hidden, there are some ways to make your under-bed storage more discreet.

Similar to a storage bench or ottoman, this idea uses a storage-focused furniture piece to unobtrusively hide gym equipment. This is a great option for those who like to work out in front of the TV, but who are tight on living room space. Something like a storage ottoman or bench might take up too much valuable floor area, while most people make room for a coffee table, even in crowded living rooms. Lift-top tables are a convenient choice. They usually have an assisted-lift or hinged tabletop, so getting to the equipment isn't a workout in itself, and you don't have to find somewhere to put the lid.

The Signature Design by Ashley Valebeck Lift Top Coffee Table is a nice, sturdy table that many would choose for its rustic look alone, but it also has ample interior storage space. It's pricey though, so for those on a budget, the Joinice Round Coffee Table might be a more appealing pick. It's a bit smaller but has a round, fluted design and two useful storage sections.

It can be hard to hide large equipment like treadmills and exercise bikes. While we've included a lot of ideas to tuck away your smaller accessories, this one is for the big stuff. It's a hassle to move large equipment in and out of a hidden storage spot, so instead, consider bringing the hidden storage to your equipment. One way to do so is with a curtain mounted between your workout section and the rest of the living room, bedroom, or office. Plus, a long floor-to-ceiling curtain can look very luxurious, so it can also add to the decor of a room.

These tall curtains do require some effort to install, though it is possible to find options that are renter-friendly. The Sunally Tension Curtain Rod is one example of how you can section off a space without drilling any holes. For a more seamless look, though, the IKEA VIDGA Track Rail is a good choice that is less visible when it's installed. Plus, you use the compatible corner tracks for sectioning off a home gym space. 

A room divider or a screen is another good way to hide large gym equipment. One of these freestanding items is easier to set up than curtains, but it serves the same function, keeping these items out of sight. Not only are they renter-friendly, but they're also multi-purpose for other times when you need a little more privacy around the house. Plenty of different styles are available, including ones with beautiful artwork painted or printed on their side, so they can add a decorative element to a space too.

The IKEA RISÖR Room Divider is a clean and streamlined option, with a simple black and white color palette. Meanwhile, the FDW Room Divider has a more traditional feel, since it's made of woven wood. For a smaller option, you can use a fireplace screen to make a DIY solution to help hide your home gym equipment in style.