It’s not so much the size of a workout area that matters — whether you have a corner devoted to yoga or an entire gym. Finding the motivation to use your workout space is often the hardest part.

Here are 10 elements to give your workout space (and you) a jolt of inspiration.

1. Mirrors

Mirrors are helpful for checking proper form when lifting weights or doing yoga and can boost light in a space with few windows. But that doesn’t mean you have to install a gym-size wall of mirrors — try leaning a row of full-length mirrors against the wall for a budget-friendly option.

Chris Pardo Design - Elemental Architecture, original photo on Houzz

2. Nonslip floors

Proper flooring can help prevent injuries, and an attractive floor will make your workout space more inviting. Hardwood floors can be left bare, but if you want a softer area for floor exercises, be sure to use a nonslip material, like firmly adhered carpet tiles.

3. Neat gear storage

Avoid the pileup of weights and props by including shelving in your workout zone. Use sturdy baskets to contain smaller items. A backless bookcase can double up as a storage and space divider.

4. TV — or a tablet and stand

Whether you use instructional videos to guide your workouts or just want to watch a show while doing cardio a stand for your tablet can get the job done. Alternatively use casting applications to stream workouts to your smart TV.

5. Music

Not so into TV? Crank up the tunes instead with a compact stereo that works with your MP3 player or phone. Boost motivation by taking the time to make playlists in advance that will suit the pace of your workout.

6. A low table

Make it easier to reach for your water or adjust the music when doing yoga or mat exercises by including a low table in your workout space. If you meditate, this is also a good place to put a candle or an inspiring picture.​

7. Refreshing water

One benefit of working out at home is that you don’t need to stick with plain bottled water. Experiment in the kitchen with refreshing additions like lemon or lime slices, fresh sprigs of mint or berries. Keep a bottle chilled in the fridge and grab it on your way to the workout room.

8. Inspiring art

Personalise your workout area with art that speaks to you like an oversize photograph. For a budget option, have one of your own holiday photos blown up to poster size and pop it into an inexpensive frame.

Kallweit Graham Architecture, original photo on Houzz

9. Rolled white towels

There is something so motivating about a stack of neatly rolled, fresh white towels. Line them up on a shelf or nestle them in a basket — either way, they’ll make an attractive and useful addition to your workout space.

10. Cool-down comforts

Having a soft throw close at hand is a nice touch, especially in winter, when your room may be on the cool side. A bench makes a nice spot for resting and recovering at the end of a workout.​

See further tips for working out at home and mindfulness techniques in the articles below

• How to Stay Motivated for Your At-Home Workout
• 3 Tips for Your Morning Routine for Better Health
• 8 beginner exercises you can do at home