How To Easily Set Up Your Own Homeschool Gym

If you’re looking for P.E. activities to do at home, you’ve likely considered the question of how to set up your own homeschool gym.

Exercise is vital for a child’s development during their growing years, and of course, this holds true for homeschooling families.

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That’s why so many homeschooling families who are working to implement some at home PE activities are also looking into setting up their own homeschool gym. 

In most public and private schools, kids do daily gym class or physical education, but homeschool parents must provide the same thing.

If you’re lucky enough to have plenty of space this can be easy, but it finding a place to enjoy regular homeschool p.e. is a challenge for many. 

There are different resources that can allow homeschoolers the chance to get regular exercise, and we’ll highlight what those are. 

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The Challenge of Homeschool PE 

The biggest challenge is a lack of equipment. Unlike public schools where there are certain spaces, some families struggle because they either have small yards or no yard at all. Some families don’t have the ability to go to the park or field either.

Some places have harsh weather conditions frequently, so even if you do have the space the poor weather prevents this. 

If you’re someone who has limited resources for your homeschool gym, you’re not alone, and we’ll go over P.E. alternatives for homeschool parents to use. 

Exercise Equipment for Homeschool Kids 

As a homeschool parent, you need to be strategic with the space you have to put exercise equipment in. 

Gymnastics Mat

One option is a foldable gymnastic pad that kids can jump, run, and move around on. They can get their exercise in, and when done you can just put it behind your couch, or even in the closet. 

Right now, our family is actually using our gymnastics pad to hold our own self-defense classes. In the past it’s served as a safe place for tumbling classes and rough-housing sessions as well.

In addition to this mat, there are a lot of other versatile pieces you can get for your kids’ homeschool gym. And this equipment will hold up, and even with the roughest kids it will be useful and will last a long time. 

Punching Bag

Another to consider is a kids’ punching bag. We personally have a speed punching bag but any type will do. It takes about a foot or so of space, but is good for exercise and good to practice speed punches. 

Doorway Jungle Gym

A doorway jungle gym is also an option. This does limit how the door opens and closes, and it may not be good for every home, but it’s a great way to get kids active. 

Getting kids something they’ll spend hours using no matter what the weather is like is good for homeschool gyms. I also suggest getting a pad underneath these in case they do fall. 

Other Fun Gym Ideas for a Homeschool Gym 

You can get a laptop or Tv put up to watch dance or even yoga and pilates videos. These are good to spice things up. 

Music players are good too, but with the advent of smart TVs, you can just pop YouTube on and have it play music while the kids move. 

A mini trampoline is also good. It gets them moving around. 

Balls and frisbees are great for throwing, and if your child likes to throw things, a dartboard is good for that. 

Finally, you can get a treadmill or stationary bike. These aren’t as fun, but that paired with a pullup bar for the door is good for you to try. 

The key thing you want here is equipment that they will use and that they’ll have fun with. If you know your child doesn’t like gymnastics and would rather punch a speed bag, get them one of those. And if you don’t want to spend a bunch of money on a homeschool gym, remember you can play plenty of homeschool p.e. games that don’t require any equipment at all, just space.

And of course, kids who grow up active will end up staying active as well. Gym class is not only a part of regular school, but homeschool too, and something good for parents to invest in both now, and for future use. 

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