Here’s what kind of gyms you can build in a 20′ x 20′ space, a common size for a double garage. There is a lot you can do with this amount of space so I’ve made three different floor plans in 2d and 3d.
Use the three different floor plans below for inspiration or use them as-is, enjoy!
Contents
1. 20’ x 20’ Garage Gym Floor Plan
With this space, there’s plenty of room for cool additions, but you don’t need to cram it with every piece of equipment available. A well-chosen selection can create a fully functional and enjoyable home gym.
This setup features a standard power rack, bench, and dumbbells—a versatile combination. Alongside, there’s a treadmill, a leg press machine, and a large cable station. This allows you to perform a wide range of barbell, dumbbell, and cable exercises, including cardio workouts and focused leg exercises.
While there’s a generous open area in the middle for stretching and bodyweight activities, it’s not large enough to park a car. However, adjusting the cable station forward a bit creates space against the wall for storage.
The leg press machine might seem like it takes up space, but if, like me, you have back concerns with heavy squats and deadlifts, a leg press or belt squat machine can be a fantastic tool for building leg strength without straining your back. Feel free to replace the leg press with any other machine that suits your preferences.
What’s In This Gym?
2. 20’ x 20’ Garage Gym Floor Plan
This second layout looks similar to the first one at first glance but is actually quite different.
The power rack has been replaced by a Smith machine, the cable station by a much smaller functional trainer, and the treadmill by a rowing machine. The freed-up space has been filled with a lat pulldown/cable row machine. The lat pulldown and cable row are difficult to perform on a functional trainer so that’s a nice addition.
Many people are intimidated by free barbells and prefer using a Smith machine. Both have their pros and cons and it’s worth learning how to use free barbells but Smith machines have their place too. And if you just prefer Smith machines, this is a great setup for you!
The rowing machine looks like it partly blocks the garage door but rowers are easy to fold up against the wall so that’s not really an issue.
The leg press machine is still there but just like before, it can be exchanged for any machine you like since there is enough space.
What’s In This Gym?
3. 20’ x 20’ Garage Gym + Parking Layout
Garages are generally meant to park your car (or store Christmas decorations). Many people don’t want to give that up to build a gym. 20′ x 20′ is the size of a double garage and it’s definitely possible to build a relatively small home gym while still being able to park your car. For reference, the car used in the plan is a Range Rover Evoque.
You can’t put as much gym equipment in this space if you also need space to park but you can still build a great gym.
There is still a place for the often-used power rack, barbell, bench, and dumbbell combination that is just so versatile, especially for how much space it takes up. In addition to that, there is a functional trainer for cable exercises. That means your muscle and strength training needs are well taken care of in this setup.
Alternatively, you could change the functional trainer or power rack for a short cardio machine like an exercise bike. That way you still have plenty of resistance training options but also a cardio machine for improving endurance and helping weight loss.
What’s In This Gym?
Recommended Equipment For These Setups
In a 20′ x 20′ space, you’ve got plenty of room that it’s not necessary to look for compact equipment. However, you still want good value for money and equipment that lasts. Here are some recommendations for equipment many people are happy with.
Power Rack
In the floor plans, I’ve used the Rogue RML-490C which is a very solid power rack. It’s pretty much the standard for sturdiness, fit and finish, and functionality. However, it’s not cheap and some more affordable options are just as compact. Look at the Titan Fitness X-3 Range (Amazon) for a more affordable option that is very similar.
Dumbbell Rack
If you want a rack of dumbbells you’ve got two good choices; affordable and decent or expensive and great.
The first choice is the Signature Fitness 5-50 lbs. set with rack (Amazon link). These are a great deal for such a set of dumbbells. You get 10 pairs of dumbbells on a 3-tier rack. The dumbbells are decent quality with a nice handle but not the highest quality. The rack is a bit wobbly. That doesn’t sound too great until you see the price, this is a deal that’s hard to dismiss.
The second choice is a high-quality set of dumbbells from REP Fitness (Amazon link). A company with a reputation for great products and amazing customer service. In the pictures, the set looks very similar to the first option but the dumbbells are nicer and the rack is rock solid. You also have the option of extending the set up to 100-pound dumbbells, an option Signature doesn’t offer.
Adjustable Bench
There are tons of adjustable benches out there but a few stand out.
If you want something super solid, versatile, and with a good warranty and customer service, go for the REP Fitness AB-3000 (Amazon link). It’s built like a tank has nice features and isn’t too big.
The REP bench is a bit pricey though. For a cheaper option, look at the Lusper benches. This model (Amazon link) is affordable, can handle up to 800 pounds, and folds completely flat. It won’t be as sturdy and solid as the first option but it’s a lot cheaper.
Functional Trainer
There are a few good functional trainers to choose from. As said above, it’s not necessary to pick the smallest one.
My favorite all-around functional trainer is the BodyCraft HFT (Amazon). It’s finished very nicely with high-quality parts, works smoothly, and comes with the attachments you need. I’d recommend paying extra for assembly because these can be a bit difficult to set up but once they are, these are great.
The standard weight stacks are 150 lbs. per side but an upgrade to 200 lbs. per stack is available. That should be heavy enough for the vast majority of people out there.
Treadmill
As an entry-level treadmill, the NordicTrack T6.5s is a great choice for the money. It is strong and sturdy enough for a good workout and the 3 hp motor has enough power for up to 10 miles an hour. It does have an annoying feature that makes you log into your Nordictrack account though. It’s also not the best for tall people because of its short deck.
The XTerra TRX4500 (Amazon) is a great choice for most people. Its belt is large enough for anyone except giraffes, the motor is strong and the frame is sturdy. The 12 MPH top speed is also quite high. The whole package is still pretty affordable. The low price does mean you don’t get any fancy displays or touchscreens but do you really need those?
If you need the best of the best treadmill, look at Landice. They are amazing, not necessarily in flashy features, but in build quality and feel. However, they are priced accordingly.
Rowing Machine
Concept2 Model D (Amazon) is the right choice when picking a rowing machine. These are the rowing machines you’ll see in most commercial gyms and for good reason. They work well, are durable, and aren’t even the most expensive although not cheap.
Buy one of these and you’ll be good for the next 20 years. And probably a lot leaner by that time since these air-resistance rowers burn a lot of calories.
Leg Press
It’s a good idea to go for a leg press that’s both leg press and hack squat. It just adds exercise variability and both exercises, while similar, have their benefits.
One of the best out there is the BodyCraft F760 (Amazon). It’s built like a tank, everything is adjustable which means you can get a good range of motion on both the leg press and hack squat which is an issue with most other combo machines. And of course, the lifetime warranty is a big plus.
Optional Extras
Though the setups shown above are pretty complete, there are some things you can add to make your garage gym even better:
By adding those to any of the gyms above, it will improve the looks, functionality, and comfort of your home gym.
