
The last few years have seen a huge increase in people creating shipping container gyms. With gym memberships increasing in price every year, it’s no surprise that people are looking for alternate options. Are you tired of over-crowded gyms and soaring membership fees? You’re not alone. But for those lacking in space and budget, what are the options? The solution is simple; look to your garden and create a shipping container gym.
It might seem like a daunting task but converting a new or used shipping container into a home gym is easier than you think. With the help of THS Containers, you can build a unique workout space that is bespoke to your personal needs. In this blog, we’ll talk you through the benefits, and the process, of creating a shipping container gym.
The Benefits of Shipping Container Gyms
At the height of the pandemic, when Joe Wicks (The Body Coach) was doing his bit for the country, and you could only leave the house for exercise, suddenly everyone was interested. Home gym equipment saw a boom. Half of UK consumers purchased home workout products during the pandemic.
Importantly, 75% intended to continue working out at home post pandemic. People realised that they didn’t need to spend lots of money to stay fit and healthy. In fact, they didn’t even really need to leave their house.
Save Time
For many people, the hardest thing about exercising is getting out of the house. Driving to and from the gym can seem like a hassle. If you want to get in shape but want to cut down on travel time, a shipping container gym is an ideal solution. They easily fit in your garden which provides the convenience of proximity. In turn, this allows you to workout whenever your busy schedule allows.
Another benefit is that there’s also no more waiting around at the gym for weights or machines to become available. You don’t have to queue at your own gym!
Save Money
The average gym membership cost in the UK is around £40 per month. This can quickly rise to £50-60 at the higher end of the market. Some more luxury options even cost over the £100 mark. Remove your monthly payments by investing in your own shipping container gym.
To create your container home gym, you will be looking at around £2300 for a new container or £1500 for an older container. With budget in mind, you might wish to opt for a used container which is still in perfect working order. If you’re a frequent gym user, you can have your used container paid off within just 3 years of paying gym membership. Plus, at the end of it, you have your own home gym and storage unit.
Feel More Comfortable
As well as enjoying the convenience of working out at home, some people prefer it as they feel safer and less judged when working out privately.
Bespoke Workout Space
You know which exercises you like to do and what your weekly workout schedule split looks like. If you prefer a simple workout space with minimal equipment, then these are easy to recreate at home. What’s more, storage container gyms are extremely versatile in use. Whether you are a high-energy personal trainer or a chilled-out yoga instructor, your space can be suited to your exact requirements and workout regime
Can you turn a Shipping Container into a Gym?
Absolutely, yes. Shipping containers are ideal to convert because they are strong, spacious and are easy to convert. We’ve seen them turned into home offices, garages, and much more! As standard, they arrive fitted with flooring and air vents, ready for you to begin. Many people are choosing to convert storage containers because they provide a great base for so many projects.

Choosing the Right Shipping Container
Your home gym project begins with choosing the right container. Shipping containers are available in various sizes including:
For all these options, these internal dimensions remain the same:
- Height: 7ft 9ins (2.35m)
- Width: 7ft 7ins (2.33m)
Of course, the layout of your storage container gym will depend on the amount of equipment you intend on having. But all options provide plenty of room for smaller gym equipment like barbells, dumbbells and benches.
However, if you’re looking to buy larger equipment for your container home gym like a multi gym then it may be worth considering high cube containers. These include an additional foot of headroom with 8ft 9ins (2.65m) internal height. For reference, compact multi gyms on average are around 2m to 2.15m metres tall, so it may be worth adding a bit of headroom to keep your gym feeling spacious.
Alternately, if you’re looking for an airy, open plan gym, consider a side opening container. With this option, you can open up your gym onto your garden during the warmer months, creating a beautiful indoor-outdoor workout space.
Fitting out your Storage Container Gym
Flooring
Consider what type of flooring will work best for your gym. In conjunction with the 27mm marine plywood floor, you may also want to fit gym floor mat tiles. These are impact and shock absorbing which is ideal for placing under gym equipment and protecting the floor. They also add a non-slip, textured surface to ensure maximum grip when exercising.
Windows and Lighting
You may wish to modify your container to let sunlight in by installing a window. While LED lighting is a popular choice for commercial gyms, people prefer natural light because it can help improve mood and boost energy. Windows should be fitted by a proficient welder or fabricator. If you don’t have the know-how to install a window, a trusted container supplier can help you modify yours to suit your needs.
Electrics
LED lighting is the ideal choice for lighting as it imitates daylight. What’s more, it is the most energy-efficient way to light your home gym and has a long lifespan. This also means that you can work out any time of day which is obviously a great bonus.
Mirrors
Gym mirrors create a light and airy feel. Plus, they’re functional too. You can check your form while you work out and make sure you’re achieving optimum results. With that said, we’re looking at working on a budget and we all know glass mirrors can be expensive. So why not create yours from a cut to size mirrored acrylic sheet instead? They are shatter resistant and lightweight, perfect for a container home gym conversion.

Shipping Containers Gyms for Sale
With a little bit of space in your garden and some vision, you can create your own shipping container gym at home for less. You can avoid rising monthly fees and waiting times, saving yourself time and money. Create your own home gym and work out your way, in your personal workout space.
If you are interested in creating a shipping container gym, get in touch with our team today and discuss your options. We have years of experience converting shipping containers into various home projects. Contact us today and make your dream home gym a reality.