THE GARDEN SHED HIIT STUDIO
“I’ve always been pretty handy,” says Alex Dodman, whose enthusiasm for DIY projects has earned him a solid social media following (@alexdodman). His current project? A swimming pool, no less. Dodman constructed his home gym on a patch of unused land at the back of his garden. It took him three months to complete over the course of the summer, working weekends and evenings after coming home from his day job with the NHS. “I ended up building the whole gym without any help,” he says. “Even when I was lifting the roof beams.” When it came to buying equipment, Dodman was pragmatic. “I did a search on Facebook Marketplace and set up notifications,” he says. He picked up a second-hand treadmill and bike, and managed to track down a surplus weight rack at a nearby gym – Farm Fitness, in
Essex. He acquired a SkiErg and rower from another local training spot, which was closing down.
Dodman’s wood-panelled home training space has since become something of a social hub, too. Three evenings per week, his mates come over to run through a routine together. “It’s good fun!” says Dodman.
01 RACK IT UP
If you’re lifting heavy without a spotter, a squat rack is a lifesaver – or, at least, a lower-back-saver. It will allow you to go big safely. Save space with a wallmounted folding rack. Bulldog’s Mammoth Lite (£545) has “spotter” arms, dip attachments and a pull-up bar. Throw in a bar and a set of Olympic-style weight plates (Primal Strength £160) and it’s lift off.
02 WEEKDAY WARRIOR
A killer cardio tool, battle ropes go to work on your arms, back, legs and core,
04 ROW TO GROW
Rowing is a great full-body workout. Contrary to what you might think, your arms aren’t the driving force: most of the power comes from your legs as you push off the plates, making it a true calorie burner. The Concept2 (£860) is the gold standard and worth splashing out on.
05 THE WRITE TRACK
Some of the best tools are old school. Quite literally: “I’ve got two whiteboards,” says while keeping your heart rate high.
They require minimal storage space, too. Body Solid’s 2in rope (£140) is a sturdy bet. Dodman. “I use one to note the workout our group is doing that day. The other is set up for a period of 12 weeks, over which I keep track of how Alternatively, try Stroops Beast battle ropes (£154), which add elastic resistance, so you can incorporate rows and twists.
03 SWEAT SCIENCE
One of the standout features of Dodman’s home gym is a plug-in sauna that, he says, “fits nicely in the corner”. Sauna use has been linked to better heart health and cardiovascular endurance. A two-man hot box starts at £900 from uk-saunas.co.uk, although this is second hand. many times I’ve trained and what workout I did.” Seeing your progress in black and white will boost your motivation, too.