One Room Challenge – Week 1: A Gym Makeover with a Purpose

Welcome to the beginning of my One Room Challenge makeover! But this is no ordinary room transformation—this one is personal (OK, they are all personal but this one is different!). Over the next eight weeks, I’m giving my home gym a serious glow-up, and let me tell you, this makeover is so much more than just updating a space for workouts. It’s the official launch of Shape Space—my new design service that blends two of my greatest passions: design and fitness.

The Evolution of Shape Space

For years, I’ve been asked to help people with their fitness journey—whether it was friends asking for workout tips or clients looking to create healthier routines. While design has always been my main focus, wellness has been a huge part of my life. So, I finally decided to take the leap and pursue certifications in both Personal Training and Nutrition Coaching. I’m still in the process of earning my CPT and CNC certifications, but even now, it’s clear how much these skills complement my work as a designer.

With Shape Space, I can finally combine both worlds—helping people not only with the design of their spaces but also with their fitness goals. It’s the ultimate way to support my clients on a holistic level, ensuring their homes and gyms work for them, inside and out. Design plays a huge role in how we feel and function in our everyday lives, so why not apply that same principle to the places where we push ourselves to be stronger and healthier?

A Slight Obsession with Gym Design (Okay, Maybe Not Slight)

Here’s a fun fact about me: my love for gym design actually started way back in college. My senior project? A ground-up build of a commercial gym. Yep, I’ve been obsessed with this idea for a long time! While some people were designing sleek hotels or high-end homes, I was nerding out over squat racks and treadmill layouts. And let’s just say, gym design has been a thing for me ever since.

What I’ve noticed over the years, though, is how much design is lacking in most gyms. We’re talking about a place where you’re supposed to feel the most energetic, motivated, and ready to conquer your goals—but where’s the design inspiration to match that? Beige walls and industrial lighting? No, thank you. I truly believe a well-designed gym can inspire you to push harder and stay committed, and that’s what I’m aiming to change with Shape Space.

Why This Gym Makeover Matters (Hint: It’s Not Just About New Weights)

Now, let’s talk about this One Room Challenge makeover. My home gym is about to get a full transformation—But what’s really important here is that this is the first Shape Space project, and I couldn’t be more excited to introduce this new service through something so personal.

This space is going to be a reflection of everything I believe in when it comes to wellness. Over the years, fitness and wellness have been woven into the fabric of my life—some years more than others, I’ll admit (hello, holiday season indulgence). But the one constant has been my belief in the power of health and movement to transform not just bodies but lives. That’s why Shape Space feels like such a natural next step. It’s about creating environments that empower people to live healthier, stronger, and more balanced lives. This home gym is just the beginning, but the vision is so much bigger.

Design Meets Wellness (And It’s About Time!)

I’ve seen firsthand how designing a space that works for you can change the way you live. So why not apply that same principle to a gym? Think about it—a gym is where we’re supposed to feel the most motivated, yet so many of them feel cold, uninspiring, and, dare I say, boring. My goal with Shape Space is to flip the script on that. Your workout space should energize you, inspire you, and make you want to keep coming back for more.

I’m designing this gym to be a space where I can not only train clients but also feel like the best version of myself. From the layout and lighting to the equipment, everything will be chosen with intention. This space will be a place of motivation, energy, and design that serves a bigger purpose—helping me help you reach your goals.

The Journey Has Just Begun

So, here we are—Week 1 of the One Room Challenge, the start of something new and exciting. Over the next eight weeks, you’ll see this home gym completely transform, and along the way, I’ll be sharing insights into the design choices, the functionality behind each decision, and how Shape Space is truly going to revolutionize gym design.

Whether you’re here for the design inspo, the fitness tips, or just to see me get overly excited about squat racks, I’m thrilled to have you along for the ride. This is the beginning of a new chapter, and I can’t wait to show you what Shape Space is all about.

Stay tuned for Week 2—it’s going to be a good one! We will dive into design, layout and all the juicy details.

Cheers! Jana