Setting up a home gym is one of the best investments you can make for your health, convenience, and training consistency. But before your new kit arrives, it’s essential to prepare your space properly. Whether you’re building in a UK garage, spare room, or garden outbuilding, the right prep makes delivery and assembly easier - and gets you lifting sooner.

1. Clear the Space First

UK garages and homes aren’t known for being huge, so start with a clean slate:

• Remove clutter, tools, or furniture that could block your setup.

• Sweep and tidy the floor to create a safe, stable base.

• Check head height and door width to make sure your rack or bench fits comfortably.

💡 Tip: If you’re converting a garage, think ahead about insulation, lighting, and damp-proofing.

2. Factor in Flooring & Height

Gym flooring is non-negotiable. It protects your concrete, absorbs shock, reduces noise, and keeps your kit stable.

• Heavy-duty rubber tiles or rolls are ideal.

• Flooring will reduce total ceiling height by a few centimetres. This can matter for pull-ups, presses, or tall cable machines.

• Install flooring before your equipment arrives - it’s much easier than lifting everything later.

3. Measure Twice, Build Once

Don’t just measure the footprint - think movement clearance too.

• Allow for the full 7ft barbell length.

• Check overhead space for pull-ups, overhead presses, and cable movements.

• For machines like the Ares 2.0 functional trainer, leave room for the full range of motion on both sides.

4. Delivery & Assembly Considerations

REP equipment is engineered to last - which means it’s heavy. Here’s how to plan:

• Have someone there to help carry boxes in.

• Some deliveries arrive on pallets, so keep access clear from kerb to setup space.

• Keep a socket set and adjustable spanner ready.

⚠️ Assembly Tip: Hand-tighten bolts first. Only once everything is aligned should you fully tighten with tools. Avoid using an impact gun until the very end - it can chip the paint and make adjustments harder.

5. Get a Helping Hand

Even if you’re confident with DIY, two sets of hands makes the build faster and safer.

• Uprights are easier to hold steady with a second person.

• Crossmembers and attachments line up more smoothly.

• It prevents unnecessary strain from lifting heavy components.

6. Follow REP Setup Guides

We’ve created step-by-step build videos for key products like the Ares 2.0.
👉 Watch them on our REP Fitness UK YouTube channel for clear, visual assembly guidance.

7. Think Long-Term Layout

Your gym will grow with you. Plan now for future kit:

• Keep walls lined with racks and storage.

• Leave the centre clear for dynamic movements.

• Modular storage keeps weights tidy and maximises space.

8. Final Checks Before You Train

Before you load up your first barbell:

• Double-check bolts are secure and aligned.

• Test attachments with light weights first.

• Confirm your floor is level and stable

Top 5 Assembly Mistakes to Avoid

• Not installing flooring first - leads to height issues later.

• Forgetting ceiling clearance for pull-ups and presses.

• Fully tightening bolts before checking alignment.

• Using an impact gun too early (risking paint damage).

• Trying to assemble heavy kit solo.

FAQs: Home & Garage Gym Setup in the UK

Do I need flooring for my home gym?
Yes. Flooring protects your equipment, your floor, and reduces noise. Rubber gym matting is best for UK garages and home gyms.

Will gym flooring reduce ceiling height?
Yes, by a few centimetres depending on the matting thickness. Always factor this in if you’re close on clearance for pull-ups or overhead work.

Can I build REP equipment on my own?
Some smaller items (benches, storage) can be assembled solo, but racks and functional trainers are best built with two people.

What tools do I need to assemble REP racks?
A socket set and adjustable spanner usually cover everything. Avoid using an impact gun until final tightening.

How do I know if my garage has enough space?
Measure not only the floor footprint but also barbell width (7ft), ceiling height, and space around the rack for movement.

Do REP provide build instructions?
Yes - all products include printed instructions, and we also have setup guides on our YouTube channel.

Ready to Lift

Preparing your home or garage gym properly ensures delivery runs smoothly, assembly is stress-free, and your equipment performs from day one.

💪 Next Step: Check out our YouTube guides or contact the REP UK team for help with planning your space.