From sweat to serenity: The rise of the wellness room

The home gym is getting a makeover. Whether it was a spare bedroom or the garage, the space you dedicated to getting fit is becoming something more. Black foam flooring is being replaced with a wood grain design. Flood lights are swapped out for stylish fixtures. Concrete walls are being painted or even covered in geometric wallpaper. 

The spaces are designed to promote relaxation, mindfulness, and self-care in mind. According to a study by the American Institute of Architects, more than 60 percent of homeowners want to incorporate wellness features into their homes. 

While some want a place to focus on fitness, others want to take a holistic approach. A traditional home gym might have a rack of dumbbells, some yoga mats and a Peloton. The wellness room, though, might feature a sound system to play relaxing music, a TV for guided meditations, massage table, and even a cold tub. 

Wellness rooms often give off luxe spa vibes but it can be a feature that anyone can add to their home. And with the grind of daily life taking its toll, it’s more important than ever to create a personalized space that nurtures your physical and mental well-being.  

What is a wellness room?

Americans just want to chill out but the stresses of daily life can make it hard to relax. 

According to a Within Health survey, 92 percent of Americans make time for self-care each week. But even still, the average person only feels relaxed 40 minutes a day, 47 percent report feeling relaxed less than even that [source].

A wellness room serves as a sanctuary where you can escape from the stresses of daily life, rejuvenate your mind, and care for your body. And with it conveniently in your home, you don’t have to stress about adding another thing to your calendar, even if it is a yoga class or cold tub session.

Wellness rooms are typically equipped with features and amenities that encourage relaxation. These may include comfortable seating, dimmed lighting, soothing decor, calming colors, plants, aromatherapy diffusers, sound machines, and soft music. The rooms are often in quiet areas to minimize noise and distractions.

You might use the room for meditation, breathing exercises, stretching, mindfulness practices, or simply to take a break and recharge during a busy day.

Benefits of an at-home wellness room

The growing popularity of wellness wellness rooms is driven by the recognition that your well-being is linked to more than your fitness level. Your well-being can also include your mental and emotional health, as well as your happiness.

And the benefits of a wellness room reflect that holistic approach to health. 

Stress relief

Modern life is often filled with hectic schedules and demanding responsibilities. Transforming a home gym into a wellness room offers an escape from the hustle. It allows for dedicated time to unwind, meditate, practice yoga, or engage in other stress-reducing activities.

Versatility

While a home gym primarily caters to fitness needs, a wellness room offers versatility. It can be adapted to accommodate various activities such as yoga, Pilates, meditation, and even relaxation practices like cold water therapy.

Personalized experience

Self-care and wellness are unique to each person. A wellness room allows you to create an environment that aligns with your unique needs. You can select the aesthetic, lighting, features, and overall ambiance.

Increased productivity

A wellness room can promote rest and relaxation. Whether you are doing a 3-minute cold plunge or 20-minute meditation in the space, you are likely going to leave feeling less stressed and anxious. And when you are less stressed, you are often more confident and productive. Not just at work but in all areas of your life. 

Best space for a wellness room

Determining the ideal location for your wellness room will depend on the layout and available space within your home.

Consider factors such as natural light, noise levels, and accessibility to ensure your wellness room becomes a peaceful sanctuary within your home.

Unused room

If you have a spare room that is currently unused or serves as a storage area, it can be an excellent choice for your wellness room. This allows for privacy and dedicated space to create your sanctuary without disrupting other areas of your home.

Basement

Basements are often underutilized and can provide ample space for a wellness room. With their cool and quiet environment, basements offer a natural retreat-like atmosphere, making them ideal for activities such as meditation, yoga, or relaxation.

Multi-purpose space

If you don't have a dedicated room or extra space, consider integrating the wellness room into an existing area. You can partition a section of a larger room, such as a living room or bedroom, to create a distinct zone for your wellness activities. Use curtains, screens, or furniture placement to establish privacy and separation.

Outdoor area

If you have a spacious backyard or garden, creating a wellness space outdoors can be a refreshing option. You can set up a designated area for yoga, meditation, or even install a cold tub in a covered or shaded section. Connecting with nature can enhance the calming and rejuvenating experience of your wellness activities.

The ultimate wellness room

A wellness room should be a retreat, a space where you can walk in and instantly feel at ease. And that can be different for everyone. You might prefer a cozy space with plenty of soft textures, while your BFF feels more relaxed in a minimalist space. 

However, there are features and accessories that can help you create the ultimate at-home wellness room.

Lighting

You have probably heard of mood lighting. And it’s not a trendy phrase coined by designers. It’s because lighting truly has an effect on how you feel. Natural light or well-designed artificial lighting can positively affect mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall feelings of comfort and happiness.

And that’s exactly what you want in your at-home wellness room.

Natural lighting is best for a wellness room. However, soft lighting can create a gentle glow in the space. You can opt for frosted or fabric lampshades, paper lanterns, or wall sconces. Candles, with their soft, flickering light, add a sense of tranquility to the space. Himalayan salt lamps are believed by some to have health benefits and emit a warm, soothing glow. While scientific evidence for their health claims is limited, they can contribute to the overall ambiance.

Mindfulness practices

Encourage mental well-being by incorporating mindfulness practices into your wellness room. This can include creating a meditation corner with comfortable cushions, introducing a dedicated space for practicing yoga, or integrating a mindfulness nook with books, journals, and guided meditation resources.

Cold tub 

One key feature that can elevate your wellness room is the inclusion of a cold tub. Cold water therapy has gained popularity for its numerous health benefits, including reduced inflammation, enhanced recovery, and increased mental focus. 

A Michael Phelps Chilly GOAT Cold Tub by Master Spas offers an invigorating way to improve well-being while adding a unique element to your wellness room. Designed to be installed indoors or outside, the Chilly GOAT has a comfortable design with the spa aesthetic that you would want in an at-home sanctuary. The cabinet comes in two color choices — a teak or warm gray — to match any decor.

The tub itself has built-in seating and armrests, with an increased depth and ample legroom so you can maximize the benefits of cold water therapy. Dual flow jets, too, keep the water moving and prevent a thermal barrier.

Comfortable seating

When designing your wellness room, comfort, functionality, and the overall atmosphere of the room are essential. The right seating can set the vibe and allow for moments of reflection or relaxation. 

A cozy armchair or a comfortable floor cushion can provide a peaceful spot for reading, journaling, or simply taking a break from the demands of everyday life. Hanging swing chairs or hammocks can add a touch of whimsy to the room and offer a unique way to unwind and de-stress. There are even specialized chairs that can promote proper posture and breathing — ideal for a wellness room.

For a meditation or mindfulness-focused room, floor cushions and pillows can provide comfortable and flexible seating options. These can be arranged in a circle or in a specific pattern conducive to group or individual activities.

When choosing the seating for your wellness room, be sure that it allows for easy movement and a sense of openness.

Workout equipment

Whether you are into yoga, pilates, or resistance training, workout equipment is a must if fitness is a part of your wellness routine. 

But the best workout equipment for a wellness room might be different than a home gym. 

Common options include yoga mats, resistance bands, dumbbells, stability balls, and small exercise machines like a stationary bike or rower.

A smart fitness mirror, like Tonal or lululemon’s Studio Mirror, offers a personalized fitness experience but takes up a fraction of the space. Bonus: The sleek design can enhance the aesthetics of your home gym or wellness room, making the space feel more inviting and modern.

The mirrors offer a wide range of workout options, from cardio and strength training to yoga and meditation. You can follow along with guided workouts, stream classes, or even customize your own routines based on your preferences and fitness goals.

Create your own wellness ritual

Do you want to enjoy the benefits of cold water therapy without buying bag after bag of ice? Having a Michael Phelps Chilly GOAT Cold Tub by Master Spas allows you to realize the impact of cold water. Enjoy clean, clear, cold water on demand.  You can click here to find out more about the benefits of incorporating a Michael Phelps Chilly GOAT cold tub into your routine. Start your journey today!