Seven Considerations For A Boat Gym?

This article discusses design considerations for a yacht or boat gym, what equipment you would want, and why. When sailing the seven seas for pleasure or any length of time, it is essential to consider fitness. Yaughts and luxury vessels are typically owned by people with high income or business-generated wealth. Some will be looking to maintain their health and look at ways to carve out time for fitness, so boat gyms make sense. Relax, recoup, and work out. 

So, what are the essential considerations for a boat gym? 

One - Floor Space: when you plan your Gym, you need to plan your floor space and work out the area you have to use and how this can be optimized. Consider stacked items to avoid reducing the floor area and making it cramped. Ensure that there is clearance to move around without tripping. 

Two - Hight of the room, often on the lower decks of the boat, is typically an issue, so if your boat has a low ceiling, you must consider it when you plan your equipment. Pull-up bars and larger racks might not work due to clearance. Consider this carefully to avoid a headache. 

Three - Power, some machines require mains-level power, smaller boats typically use 12v power from batteries, and larger vessels with winches use diesel engines so they can run 24v. What is yours, and what do you intend to do? If you are operating a running machine, consider a self-propelled one. Some rowing machines use just a battery on the counter. These are ideal. 

Four - Stability, a boat will move, so ensuring careful selection of the most stable items will avoid damage and injury in stormy seas. Do not choose something that could fall and injure you or your passengers. Racks can be suitable, and they come in various heights and with various attachments. 

FiveCrew, with larger boats, staffing becomes a challenge, and offering a staff gym or access to a gym on board could make the difference. Being fit and well avoids sickness, and while there might be a muscle pull or two, generally, keeping fit and healthy means they are happier too. 

Six - Location, choosing a location on the boat is essential; you might find mid-hull is the best place for a lower range of movement. If you have the luxury of space or a choice of location, then the mid-hull is the best place for reduced movement, so ideal for the kitchen and the Gym. 

Seven - Finishes, use mirrors in small rooms to provide a bigger feel to the room. Dark flooring can be helpful. Choosing lighting to accentuate your space will draw your eyes out and make the Gym feel bigger. It can help to put light onto some items and help you avoid a trip or fall.   

Practical advice to stay fit and well at Sea 

We have reviewed seven of the core considerations when planning a boat Gym, and here is some practical advice to stay fit and well and choose the right equipment for your space. 

What equipment is suitable for boats?

Rowing Machine, no joke! - A rowing machine is ideal because of the low center of gravity, it is thin and discreet, it can be therapeutic, and you can decide the level of effort to put in. They do not require power and occupy limited floor space.  

Running Machine, might seem ambitious, but running burns calories very effectively and is, therefore, a winner for cardio and weight maintenance. 

Free Weights - Dumbbells and Kettlebells are free weights, and they can be ideal for isolating key muscles while allowing you to move, release or drop if you need to avoid an issue. Free weights are also superb for boat gyms because they can be stored on racks to optimize space. The racks secure them for storage, and Mirafit Dumbells have a rubberized finish. 

Cable Machines - Work because, like other examples, they use stacked weights with selectors so more people can use them with increased variation without excessive equipment. Some cable machines can also be secured to walls; it makes a cable machine ideal in your boat Gym. 

Weight Benches - Thanks to a similar lower-level design, weight benches are a practical product. The low center of gravity means that they are stable. You can train with Dumbbells on a bench, complete bodyweight exercises, and much more. 

Sandbags and power bags - These are also good choices, and here is why. They are heavy but soft, stable, and will not roll around, and emptied if needed. They are a versatile workout essential. 

What other equipment is suitable for boat gyms besides rowing machines, running machines, free weights, and cable machines?

Mats for floor work and storage stand to keep your floor clear and your weights stacked securely and accessible. 

What other tips might be worth considering? 

If you have your Gym mid-boat, think about where you can have your shower or jacuzzi for post-workout relaxation; the location of these facilities will be critical. Typically, these are at the back of the boat on the aft or stern because the ship is usually turned toward the wind, sheltering the aft, making it a suntrap. Consider the additional weight this could bring aboard if your boat is smaller. Optimizing the amount of weight becomes even more important on a smaller boat, so choose items that can provide the most variation to avoid adding tonnes of weight.   

Enjoy the design

We hope this article has provided helpful advice for designing your boat Gym. Consider stable items, operating space, and keeping floors clear for safety and quick exit. When working with an equipment supplier, you can ask them for advice, too. We always recommend speaking with personal trainers who are used to working with studio gym setups and home users. They often provide mobile services and are therefore used to carrying workout essentials. 

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