I'm Converting This Old Barn Into My DREAM Gym

[@MarkLewisfitness]

It's a blank (old) canvas - what would you add to your dream gym?

[@greybeard4034]

Every gym needs a big ass mirror for checking your form but also just for self admiration/motivation:) Will you try out the new: Concept2's StrengthErg?

[@giovanni7062]

So are you replacing your Kickr bike with the two Zwift ride? Also, you're probably not really into treadmills but knowing how much you love gadgety tech stuff that new crazy Wahoo treadmill could be an interesting addition (ignoring the space and money required 😅)

[@PBRF77]

Do yourself a favour and live there for 6 months first before making big changes.

[@SGEnemark]

Just a couple of points. Make more free floor room than you think, so everything out to the walls. Make everything easy to access! I would make the side with the old poles going to the floor, the place to store and rack everything, plates, cables, barbells, etc. Looking forward to seeing your results here.

[@firdatgame]

A trampoline. So we can finally get the promised mark lewis professional trampolining video.

[@1976Bassey]

I'd definitely be putting solar panels on that gym roof. Not sure I'd move the gym up the hill. Looks beautiful on a sunny autumn day. Might be a bit different on a snowy February night. Remove obstacles to exercise!

[@SteveinSWVA]

Agree, completely, on removing obstacles, to exercise.

[@y3408]

Agree on not moving the gym to the top of the hill. But disagree on solar panels on the roof. Especially on a building from the 1700s.

[@robertm1552]

Naw, disagree. Keep your gym in the 1754 cave. MM

[@maverick6631]

Waste of money on solar panels. Use the running water for a hydro system instead

[@wedantasatrya9458]

​@@SteveinSWVAremoving obstacles a warm up cardio

[@russtarbett1351]

Hi mark, fantastic property, my wife and I have renovated six derelict old farmhouses in France in 14 years. Like most people on here have said, lime mortar for the pointing, lime wash to brighten up any exposed walls. if you're going to install plasterboard walls in front of the stonework, leave minimum 2 inch gap with breather vents top and bottom, regularly spaced along the plasterboard wall so any moisture isn't trapped behind the plasterboard when the walls breathe.

[@arrondickens9167]

Have you thought about closing in the horseshoe shape with glass sliding panels? Would keep heat in and also create extra space. Perhaps then you could store the bikes in that space (even easier access) and then use the bike space as your KZbin video area? It might mean you dont need a new building.

[@SGEnemark]

Hi, Mark just a small input, from my building in an old barn. Remember extra ventilation and insulation! I lost a treadmill and power bike because of the temperature shift. :)

[@1spongeygit]

Gorgeous! my dream property. Lots of nonsense being talked on here about the way it should be repaired...maintained. I am a builder (retired) get a recommended builder to quote you, I personally would keep the 'rustic look' and just point it up inside, then paint walls! Put a membrane down and have it screeded with a liquid screed, with fibres... this can be thinner and nice and smooth. Keep it well ventilated and it will stay dry. Look forward to the upcoming videos , good luck 👍

[@Andy-ss8yg]

Be careful covering stone walls as it can lead to damp issues, they need to breathe. Lime plaster if you are covering them

[@panic-revv85]

Generally more of an issue if the exterior is painted. I used to do a lot of restorations on old masonry buildings. But, lime would be best. Just don't lean your sweaty back against it.

[@mattlody2743]

Great advice. I’d also add (as others have) lime mortar probably for the pointing and use limewash paints instead of modern ones. And I can definitely say from experience- get a proper heritage builder if you can. Bit more expensive but will know exactly what to do. Properly exciting project!

[@YipeeKiYayJB]

Second this, also if painting the walls use a breathable paint. Avoid latex paints on old buildings as they can lock in the moisture and create damp.

[@Jay685]

Listen to these people ^^. Old stone needs decent lime mortar.

[@robertdavies922]

@@Jay685I was screaming at the cement pointing at the bottom in the early shots 😂😂😂😂

[@andrewphillips3699]

Definitely worth a chat with a building surveyor. Maybe some structural advice too. If it was mine I’d try and future proof it as much as you can so looking at underfloor/ heated flooring, possibly relay the flooring depending what a survey uncovers, ventilation, insulating the roof, sky lights, solar panels with battery storage to take it off grid (no excuses not to Zwift when there’s a power cut), sauna, hot-tub and ice bath. As you say, sounds like loads of fun.

[@jd-ev1bw]

Had to pause and comment around the 10 minute mark where you say Jen's set up her own channel and is exploring the animals and land side. I said out loud to myself, "Oh that's nice". Really happy for Jen to have that, both in terms of the farming and the creative side of the channel. Interested in it all myself, will check it out for sure!

[@ColinSmith2001]

Get the stream checked out for any flood risk. The levels up and downstream of your property might take care of that itself, but if there's risk of ponding near the house then good to suss the possible water levels and build acordingly. Easier to know in advance than have to do stuff afterwards.

[@dorothyb.]

My thoughts also

[@freburt2772]

Mark, very happy for you. I remember subscribing around 5k and to see your channel grow with the passion you put into it. You're living the dream of many and this new gym looks awesome! Keep it up.

[@Rocketrecliner]

I was thinking something similar. I remember back when his kids sort of challenged him to start the channel and they didn't think it would be a success. 350K subscribers later... :)

[@ramblingrambles]

Just came on here to say after your video on Fat Jab video and your supportive words I am just finishing my third week on it. To say it's revolutionary is an understatement. Food noise virtually all gone allowing me to focus on actual positive change habits. A stone lost in two weeks (aware that most of that will be water weight so keeping grounded for now, but progress!)Third week of being in a gym three days a week and a lot more focus on my goals in life. So thanks for that video. Tempted to do a video series on it but I need the confidence habit achievement. Also, your genuine tiny fear at the little bird made me chuckle, but I thought I'd post the positive message first, that's how the internet works right? Looking forward to seeing how your new house/life develops in future words!

[@paulburner3817]

Well done! What are you taking?

[@ourhomevideos1461]

For insulating, indoors, you might want to look at wood fibre boards, sheep’s wool or you can even get lime renders with insulating qualities (like glass beads in them). All breathable which I would definitely suggest with an older building.

[@paulalbietz9719]

Hey Mark. Been watching your videos for ages. It’s great to see you going out there and making it happen! Your new lifestyle and set up looks amazing. I can’t wait to see how you and Jen go. All the best. Paul

[@tomgubbins]

10 power sockets in a secluded barn. Screams former indoor marijuana farm to me.

[@mogalbogal]

Yep, I'd check the wiring was done professionally!

[@nehrufx]

dedo=office

[@7Davidnm]

I was thinking of a server room, but then I thought "what about the ventilation problem?"

[@MoeJac]

LAN set up

[@Nick-B78]

I agree, that’s a perfect space. You’ve got a room for each stage of the grow plus a drying room too. Shame it’s right by the road is all 😉

[@hanswoast7]

The big stone wall have a high thermal capacity. They are basically a temperature buffer. They make that the inside temperature will only change slowly towards the outside temperature. This results in the inside temperature being something like the moving average of the outside temperature of the last 2 weeks or so.

[@ourhomevideos1461]

Just make sure you use traditional materials like breathable lime mortar, Mark!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Jen's on it!

[@nielskersic328]

Congrats on your lovely home! I know how stressful this has been for you, so I’m happy to see you got the place and can finally start building your gym again!

[@andrew8972]

The cheapest way get rid of the heat and humidity from working out is adding an Attic Roof ventilation fan. I don’t understand your climate but the roof fans would get rid of most to your heat in the area. I would suggest having it set on both t-stat and manual switch. You would want to have a local roofer/ contractor to add the system. Also make sure the buy a fan with a high CFM for maximum air flow.

[@alfdickinson1971]

Legit this is amazing. Paul Cheks gyms over the years have been my inspiration-and I the key piece of equipment in my gym is space and a good level surface for sprints, mobility and prowler push/pulls. Good luck!

[@renis17]

honestly you’re the only youtuber capable of making me watch their video about moving house. i dont know man i just love u hahah

[@samuelbino7915]

So true, I'm kinda of missing the old above average shtick as I found those videos motivating, I'm kind of accepting that they have gone for good now but I'm hanging around due to the strength of Mark's personality. So now it's going to be above average DIY and renovations and I'm here for it. 😂

[@DUBBLARON]

What an amazing space, so happy for you guys! I will miss the old space though, because we have a small space as well and I was always looking at your arrangement for inspiration. This farm though is incredible! Couple things: All this outlets in the wall….they were likely using that for an arcade room with stand-up arcades. Moisture management/heating/cooling…..here in the states a lot of folks use “split systems” in older homes where ductwork & infrastructure is not possible and I think this would be perfect for the barn. I know they have them in the UK as they originated between the UK & EU for the same purpose (older structures). A 3 zone system with Heat Pump to cover the different areas of the barn should suit you well - you can heat & cool with minimum invasiveness. LG has some nice offerings with the wall units that are also picture frames (see “Art Cool Gallery”). A couple skylights that open would bring in a ton of natural light and fresh air (weather permitting), so you don’t have to disturb the stonework. Can’t wait to see this evolve. You’re a pro at maximizing space and this is as exciting for us as it is you guys! Bests from Littleton, Massachusetts!

[@nextphasetkd]

Barbour jacket already in place....Mark's changed

[@killforkylie]

Land Rover Defender next.

[@oifocker]

This place must have cost an absolute fortune, especially with how bloated prices are here!

[@andrewlalis]

@@oifocker youtuber money

[@MarkLewisfitness]

😂 someone doesnt know how KZbin money works - KZbin pays for my socks, that's about it 😂

[@syrus3k]

@@MarkLewisfitness moaning about people moaning about farmers next.

[@kimberly.hornberg]

Mark, this property is amazing!! I can absolutely see why you guys chose it. Can't wait to see the new gym set up. Congrats to you and the family, this next chapter is going to be incredible!

[@barrybritt3352]

Super excited for ya’ll. It looks like an awesome piece of property in a quiet area. Looking forward to seeing you learn as you go and the progression. Congratulations to you, Jen, and your family Mark.

[@chrismorgan4619]

Congratulations on the move Mark , the new property looks fabulous.

[@rpierrelouis86]

You lucky, lucky bar steward........absolutely green with envy!!! Can't wait to see it when it's all done. Good luck with it all.

[@tehoneandonlyhaha]

The area looks absolutely beautiful! Really excited to see it all finished and the process!

[@markdevlin7551]

Looks a fabulous place to live Mark. Can't wait to watch the next steps in yours and Jen's journey together

[@steveforde7475]

I don't know what you and Jen will make of all of that fantastic space in the long term, but I am sure that the dogs will be living their best lives!

[@TheSwayzeTrain]

That's a lovely space. I love the old rustic stonework and the back drop with all the trees.

[@duncanhallam6556]

You could try a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery. Take the stale air out bring fresh air in but not loose the heat.

[@RobBZwift]

having followed (and raced against) you for years on zwift great to see you doing so well! what an awesome project and kudos to you & Jen! look forward to following along!

[@perolito83]

Excited for you guys, the new place looks awesome.

[@severiner7168]

What an amazing place, it's so beautiful. I love the fact you can go straight in for a dip after. I would look at the feasibility of having a few skylight windows for light and airing.

[@antsmands]

Amazing space! You are going to have such fun putting everything together!

[@Finely_shredded]

You look quite happy and excited. Congratulations on the new place. Love what you’ve shown of the property and looking forward to more content from there.

[@samreynolds5694]

This is going to be a great series! It’s definitely something on my wish list. Congrats on the new digs and looking forward to more episodes. 👊

[@TorsTimes]

I adore this property and your channel. So excited to watch along with these videos. I just purchased rural remote land in Canada to build out a camp ground and am always striving towards balanced and manageable fitness so this is the perfect mix of entertainment... For the times when I'm not clearing brush! 🖤

[@carlodellarossa]

i love the un organize video, just like a kid with a new lego set and a head full of ideas !!

[@Kg_travelandrun]

Buzzing for you. Well deserved! Can’t wait to see it all finished

[@robertfarris7375]

Its easy to see how proud you are of your new place. Well done and congrats.

[@paulagetsfit]

Wow what a place to live, it seems so peaceful. I can't wait to see any updates.

[@diametheuslambda]

That building looks reasonably large for both an office and a gym, and the combo probably makes much more sense for filming. A new building by the pool would need remote controlled heating, and a lot of insulation/glazing, and hard permitting because it's very visible. That looks like a good spot for a unit sauna and/or summer pavilion, possibly soft, since there's presumably water and power already going to the pool.

[@racedayrunning]

Bloody brilliant. Good to see you getting some reward for all your work

[@TheGuinnessGuzzler]

Hi Mark. Get yourself some lime mortar to point up inside. Recommend you look at using natural insulation products & moisture wicking finishes as more compatible with the building’s historic construction. Nicer to use & better for planet too. Love the channel. Good luck with the conversion work. Peter (expert in old buildings)

[@MeriaDuck]

Those Shokz rock, didn't know they existed before, now I don't know how life would be without. It's fabulous listeneing to podcasts *and* hearing the birds while outside 🌤

[@TheBeardGuys]

Great aren't they, I've been using them for a few years now for running. Good sponsor choice

[@MarkLewisfitness]

@TheBeardGuys yep, try to make sure we only pick sponsors where we have a long history of using the product pre-sponsorship

[@simondavis697]

Flood defences, and bloody good ones! Beautiful setting and huge potential. Well done for taking the plunge. 👍

[@philc8714]

Well done guys, wishing you all the success and enjoyment you deserve

[@AlmaPerry]

I am officially jealous of your new digs! Even in the temporary location your gym is going to be epic. And the raw potential of the rest of the property! I can't wait until you have the place cleaned up and put into order. You are going to have some amazing places for exercise and scenery and content ideas and... Awesome!

[@AverageMax13]

This is absolutely incredible. Enjoy you two 😊😊

[@bensmith7956]

This property/ land looks insanely good. Well deserved and look forward to seeing it unfold over the next few years.

[@imritebehindu]

Yes, whatever your budget is, double ot triple it 🤣 Take us on your renovation / build journey- we love that stuff !! Stoked for you - excited to see what's next

[@Wazwuzwiz]

Yeah man. I just converted mine over the summer. Yours is going to be awesome.

[@simon_stannard]

You can feel you're excitement, congrats on the new place!

[@jaykilby458]

so happy for you Mark, don't know you personally but hey thinks you following your dreams is great!! look forward to what is to come.

[@chocol8milkman750]

Your roof appears to be made of SIPs (structurally insulated panels) placed directly on top of mass walls. You'll need to cut a hole through to hook up an extraction fan (e.g. like in a bathroom) and/or a mini-split heating/cooler unit. Managing vapor from your breathe/sweat is going to be very important as well. Advice: Pay an HVAC specialist to engineer your needs in that structure.

[@aldude9511]

It is insane that you live in a building older than the country I live in. Good luck, Mark and Jen! I can't wait to see the journey.

[@Spendarellaa]

Well done Mark. All the hard work paying off. Congratulations 🥂

[@coachmarshy]

This is Brilliant Mark. Looking forward to seeing the progress and hoping you'll show us on here. Good luck with it.

[@domepromedo]

having a stream next to your house is just.... beyond amazing.

[@JensMHA]

Looks to be a fabulous place. As others have stated, get work properly done. I have a storage facility in a listed building at work and earlier users have done the interior walls up with plastic paints and I now have to deal with black mold galore and crumbling walls due to two layers of the wrong paint... Am very happy that I don't have to deal with that stuff on my own purse or budget.

[@craighume4395]

Very happy for you guys! Looking forward to following your next chapter!

[@tedfriedl7498]

I moved from the city onto 8 acres in 2015. You'll want an equipment barn. Perhaps your "building on the hill" can do double duty? How will you clear snow? How will you haul all of the trees and brush you cut? What will you use to haul food/hay/straw for your animals? What about cutting grass? You need something to house the machines for that. Given your hills, a tractor might not be the first machine to get - they are tippy side-to-side. Your first purchase might just be and ATV with a dump trailer (like the Chapman DT100) or a larger UTV. Good luck!!

[@carolinebrett2634]

Very good points here

[@JM-mz7wx]

Super happy for you. I can hear your excitement. Keep up the great work. You have a great channel.

[@UniqueMoniker]

Looks amazing! Congrats! I can’t wait to see it all come together.

[@TheRealBobHickman]

I’m really happy for you both, this is going to be an epic adventure.

[@bristolblue3884]

It’s going to look fantastic Mark, looking forward to see it take shape 👍

[@lonotrekkeraugevita9563]

Mark, good luck. Looking forward to seeing it all set up in future episodes (as well as what Nixon finds as a new outdoor hobby).

[@MarkLewisfitness]

He likes chasing rats and mice 😂

[@TeddyFaceFiver]

@@MarkLewisfitness I bet theres spiders the size of mice in there

[@robertparry8725]

Welcome to old buildings and low doorways - bane of my life too ! Mrs P doesn't mind them, but she's only 5'3" ! The holes are because it's old lime mortar - it's less resilient than modern cement mortar, but also allows the walls to 'breathe' more easily. Restore with lime mortar, or risk damp problems Stone walls all look pretty sound - the roofs look good, so if people have spent on maintaining those then it's always a good sign Lots of old ash (looks like) where the 'new gym' is being thought of. Make sure those get checked out or you might find the gym getting wrecked after a storm. And it all looks great. All the best

[@conradburdekin722]

Giving Grand Designs vibes and I’m totally here for it!

[@jef.hutchby944]

Serious load of work you've taken on!! Look forward to seeing the progress, ... oh yes, thanks for the Shokz discount. Went for it!

[@sefikempowermentcoachvilla7843]

So pleased for all you and Jen have achieved Mark congratulations ❤

[@BDKennels]

Buy some plain old icing bags, the kind cake decorators use. Mix up some mortar mix to about the same consistency as icing (you'll want to fiddle with that a bit to get it perfect). Put the mortar mix in the icing bag and you can squirt the mix into those cavities in your rock walls. Get a small trowel to even out the end. If you want to retain the rock look, find a small stone, just smaller than the opening, and place it in the mortar mix after you've troweled it even. If you need to stabilize it, after you fill in the holes, cover the area with stucco base coat. Use topcoat after base if you want to paint.

[@sebastianhyde9043]

Epic mate. Really happy for you. Its been a pleasure to follow your journey! Beautiful home. Enjoy it.

[@johnumbach7064]

Quite an exciting new chapter! Look forward to the progress!!

[@joshcullum88]

One thing I noticed is if you have a squat rack flush against the back wall you may hit the tops of the weight on the roof doing OHP. (Maybe not, could just be the camera) so it may be worth spinning the rack 90 degrees so the barbell is in line with the pitched roof line

[@morganrichardson1645]

Sauna next to the river would be first thing I did build a little dam and get it built up a bit

[@MrSwankybonsai]

Looks amazing guys! Im looking forward to following your journey. We made a similar move in 2019 and haven't looked back! I ended up starting a local trail running group 😁 Gonna follow Jens channel too. 😎👍

[@MXUSBobberTravels]

That's a dream property. I live in Mexico and getting that much land in Tijuana would be amazing. I grew up in Cambridge and miss the greenery!

[@Bijlsmaa]

Good for you Mark & Jen!

[@mathiaskaels9541]

I would suggest installing something like a Duka one. Pretty easy to install through a wall and has a built in heat exchanger

[@simonjinks2102]

really great to see you get your dream place. Properly chuffed for you. Can't wait to see it all done.

[@hougs7736]

lime render and pointing for those walls, I reckon

[@r-d6568]

1700'S HOUSE, BUY A METAL DETECTOR!!! That is a beautiful property.

[@seanlin97]

Congrats on your new home! Can't wait to see how it goes.

[@samlonsdale647]

congrats on the new home Mark! What a lovely, peaceful place to live ❤

[@tmgmobility]

20s into the video and you have inspired me to embrace my garage gym and move the business forward in the way I create it for. 👊🏾

[@1Kantner]

Check the interior air quality, specifically for mold and remediate if necessary. I set up a small gym area in an old garage and developed walking pnumonia. Doing light chores in said structure was doable, but when you're taking significantly deeper breaths during workouts for varying durations, air quality concerns take on a whole new meaning. I made these mistakes so you won't have to.

[@carlstoakes6240]

Awesome. Suggestion for the extg U-shaped gym - Velux type rooflights, and modern LED strip lights. Also, a suggestion for the floor, especially when converted to the office = electric underfloor heating mats.

[@Jf-reviews]

Looks amazing Mark. Can’t wait to see you move this forward. Congrats on the new place.

[@leecornwall8381]

Well done. Excellent setup and looking forward to seeing the end result.

[@SeanGould-h1u]

Good luck on it all, what an amazing space and the benefits to your mental health are going to be huge. My 4x3m outdoor canopy is on its way but now feels very mediocre 😂 looking forward to seeing how you get on.

[@chrisbailey1966]

Get a dehumidifier (desiccant electric/mechanical type) see Meaco for example. Had one in my garages for years now, full on gym may need more in addition , but it would be a good start/first step other rustwise will be a problem.

[@zombie93]

Living the dream of thousands across the globe haha. The new place looks great! With the running water nearby, you have to get some kind of cold plunge going. Yes, I hate the cold water too, but my man, you feel amazing after. Especially if you've done a hard workout before the plunge. Keep us updated, love the content.

[@davidsen1805]

That property looks like a dream man, super happy for you guys and can't wait to follow along!

[@asw16177]

Oh Mark, what a place.... Nothing would please me more than to live somewhere like that with no neighbours. Good luck my man.

[@francodellamura7471]

You have brought a wonderful place. Congratulations to you and your family!

[@him050]

I love how this video starts with you in a Barbour jacket! Going full method 🤣

[@AMostlyFunctionalJess]

That many sockets points to either a very serious gaming set up, multiple high end rigs and server racks, or a room basically dedicated to crypto mining. Thankfully it reduces the amount of set up work you need to do! Looks like an awesome project.

[@MissGimpsAlot]

Oh..... Sweet child ....