Happy Monday! I hope you are all staying safe and well. As we are all still settling into a routine without access to some of our outside of home comforts (like the gym here in NC) I wanted to share some workout tools I keep in our home that have helped me not only do a solo at home workout from time to time, but also lead virtual workouts [join me here!] AND pop into ALL cool options from other trainers throughout this quarantine time.
TL;DR: you don’t need much to get in an epic workout at home.
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1. Adjustable dumbbells
Or a set of dumbbells like this one. Dumbbells are one of the best most versatile investments for your at home gym no matter the size! I recommend a set of dumbbells like the ones linked here if you have more space for storage/workouts. You can keep adding to your collection as you get stronger! When thinking about weights to start with, aim to get at least one set you can start with for upper body exercises (lighter), and one set that will be challenging for lower body exercises (heavier). However, if you live in a small one bedroom apartment like me, an adjustable set are a major space saver.
2. Resistance Bands
Don’t let their size fool you, just one set of resistance bands can be all you need for an epic workout. They are super inexpensive, take up next to no space, and can be used for a total body workout! I love to travel with them, especially when I know all I’ll have time for is a quick hotel room workout.
3. Workout Mat
Now, this one is totally optional, a beach towel or even your carpet can be fine to use but if you SWEAT (like me) during your workouts it’s a must have. I treated myself to a lululemon one about 7-8 years ago and it has lived up to the test of time + sweat but a simple mat like this one will do the trick!
4. Foam Roller
Foam rolling is the best. I know, I know, it hurts but it is SO worth it! During these crazy pandemic times getting in for a massage to prevent injury might not be as accessible for various reasons, but you CAN foam roll from the comfort of your own home while watching your fave TV show or movie. I cannot recommend enough getting a foam roller especially if you run, bike, and/or do lots of heavy lifting or HIIT work. I have this one and I highly recommend a long one (like the one linked here) because I like to comfortably fit on my foam roller, not fall off the edges.
5. TRX
TRX stands for “Total Resistance exercises” and is a suspension system that can provide the most epic total body workout with just the TRX straps. It’s great for if you travel often or live in a small space where you can’t fit tons of workout tools. If you’ve taken classes with me in person you know this is one of my FAVE tools. I love that no matter where you live you can make this tool work for you – it can be easily inserted and removed from a door for your workout or mounted in a more permanent space depending on where you live! The TRX social media accounts provide tons of inspo for TRX workouts.
6. Treadmill
Added December 12th, 2020. Ok, a treadmill was not initially on my “essentials” list but after purchasing this one this fall, it is now an essential! I’ve had this treadmill for about a month and it checks all my boxes. A note, I do not live on the ground floor so out of respect to my neighbors I have not and do not plan to run on it, I got it specifically for walking. This one is simple, super easy to assemble, easy to use, and quiet. A couple helpful notes: the belt is more narrow than a “commercial” treadmill, it has a manual incline option but it is not super significant, it goes up to 10mph.
And that’s it! You don’t need a designated at home gym space, tons of square footage, OR tons of equipment to get in an epic workout at home. If you’re looking for ways to spice up your at home workouts join me [VIRTUALLY] Sundays at 10am + Tuesdays/Thursdays at 6:30pm EST for a strength training class from the comfort of your own home. Read more about classes HERE.
Updated/Edited on June 11th, 2022.
Thanks for sharing! I’ve put my YMCA membership on hold and I just purchased the Mirror Program along with the Mirror. Super excited for something different!