My Epic Small-Space Transformation: From Home Office to Full Gym (and Back Again)
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Working from home for over a decade has taught me a lot about space. Mostly that no matter how big (or small) your home is, it never feels like there’s quite enough room—especially when your office also needs to be a full-blown gym.
This project wasn’t just about making it work—it was about making it awesome. And now that it’s finally dialed in, I can say with confidence: my compact office/gym hybrid is the most efficient and personalized space in my home.
🚧 The Challenge: One Room, Two Lives
I needed a space that could handle:
Video calls, spreadsheets, and focused deep work
Squats, cardio, and serious strength training
Occasional sleep space (thanks to a hammock—yes, really)
The catch? It all had to happen in one 10X12 room. No magic sliding walls, no separate studio. Just smart space choices.
🛠️ The Home Gym Build
Let’s start with the gym side of things, because that’s where this transformation got technical.
💜 The Powerhouse: PRx Pro Low Ceiling Rack (in Purple)
This wall-mounted squat rack is a game-changer for small spaces with lower ceilings. The purple finish? Just a little flex.
Folds flat against the wall when not in use
Rock solid when deployed
Clean lines and strong hardware make it look intentional, not improvised
The heart of the home gym is this folding squat rack and bench from PRX.
My dog, Frank, insists on spotting every set. Safety first.
⚙️ Bench + Barbell Setup
Wall-Mounted Incline Bench – saves major space and gives you all the angles for presses and step-ups
Olympic Barbell + Bumper Plates – all stored on vertical wall mounts for easy access and a clean aesthetic
🚴♀️ Can’t Forget Cardio
Cardio starts with a quality treadmill
Frank takes his cardio seriously. Resting between interval sprints on the Technogym.
Wahoo KICKR Bike Trainer – tucked in perfectly next to the rack, ready for high-intensity cycling or Zwift rides
Technogym Treadmill – sleek, quiet, and built for indoor endurance without overwhelming the room
When it’s time to work out, it’s a full fitness center. When it’s time to work... the gym disappears.
💻 The Office: Clean, Comfortable, and Built for Focus
After the sweat session, it's time to switch gears. And with a few quick stows and folds, this room transforms into a focused work zone.
🪑 Furniture with Purpose
The office portion of the home office
This compact setup keeps productivity high without crowding out the rest of the room. Clean desk, clear mind—ready for reps or reports.
Mid-Century Desk + Chair – clean lines, compact footprint, and style that complements the gym setup
Small Filing Cabinet (Wayfair) – enough storage to stay organized without bulk
🖥️ Tech That Works
Curved LG Monitor – for immersive work sessions, photo editing, or toggling between tabs
LG TV Mounted on Wall – useful for training content or breaking up long workdays with a streaming break
Everything is placed strategically: nothing blocks equipment, cords are managed cleanly, and there’s room to breathe.
↺ The Flow: Switching Modes
Morning strength session? Drop the bench, rack the bar, lift.
Midday meeting? Fold everything back, grab a coffee, sit at the desk.
Evening ride or run? Cue up Zwift or Netflix, hop on the bike or treadmill.
All without leaving the room. It’s smooth, efficient, and honestly… kind of badass.
🧠 Why I Built It This Way
I’ve been working from home for over 10 years—way before it was normal. That means I’ve gone through every version of a home office setup, and I’ve learned what works (and what absolutely doesn’t).
I wanted a space that didn’t just look nice, but could adapt to how I live. One that wouldn’t make me choose between work and wellness. And now? I have exactly that.
