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All this month, I have been taking strides towards making my physical and personal health more of a priority than I have in the past. So many times as women, mamas, wives, we put ourselves way down on the list, if we even make the list at all! Being that this is my birth month, I thought what better time to put me back on my list of things, er, people to take care of! One of the things I have done this month is focused on my morning routine. What that looks like on a daily basis is waking up before my kiddos for ample “me” time because, let’s face it, once they’re awake, all “me” time goes out the window! I love starting my days with a quiet time and devotional and follow it up with my morning workout.
Speaking of workouts (see what I did there?)…I love my workouts, and I feel so blah when I don’t get one. I have been working out from my home for the last 7 years (at least!). It all began when I had our first baby in the beginning of a ridiculously hot summer with swarming cicadas! Once I was cleared to workout, I had a stubborn 15 pounds I just could NOT shake off! I decided to start running, but since there were the aforementioned cicadas, I had to workout inside. Therefore, I bought a treadmill off Craig’s List for $150, and I still run on this treadmill today (talk about getting my money’s worth!) My workout has definitely transformed over the years, but the things that haven’t changed as drastically are the pieces of equipment in my home gym. I have added to it bit by bit, but overall, there are a select few that I highly prefer, and I will break them down here in The Simple Life Guide for a Home Gym.
1. Treadmill or Cardio equipment
As I mentioned above, my treadmill has been my main source of cardio for the last 7 years or so. I can always run, jog, or walk despite the weather outside. (Side note: if the weather is nice out, and I can wake early enough so the babes have an adult in the house, I totally prefer outside.) And even thought this particular treadmill is nothing fancy (I seriously can’t even read the monitor anymore), it has served me well and continues to do so! I do realize that running isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. So if running isn’t your thing, I suggest a bike or elliptical machine. Cardio is good along with a weight training regimen, not instead of. I also HIGHLY encourage buying second hand. Besides saving the earth of another hunk of junk in a landfill, (hey, watch what you’re calling junk!) it really gives you the biggest bang for your buck! See also how having a treadmill at home saves me money in this post!
2. 3-5 lb Dumbbells
In addition to cardio, I also like to get weight training in. Some days I do both, some it’s one or the other. Weight training for me comes in many different forms, but it usually consists of a pin on Pinterest, the Tone It Up app where they give you free workouts daily, or a video of some sort. MOST of which require a pair of light dumbbells. These are very inexpensive, and can be found many places, including online (imagine that!). This set here is great and super cute!
3. Stability Ball
When I first got this giant piece of equipment, I really had no idea what an impact it was going to make on my workout, but I have come to find just how versatile it really is! The stability ball can be used for individual muscles or a complete and total body workout! When I look for ab workouts on Youtube or Pinterest, I can always find a handful of stability ball workouts! Stability balls come in many colors and sizes. I think I got mine for free with a magazine subscription about a hundred years ago, but if were to buy one today, I would probably get this one from Amazon!
4. Kettlebell
My older brother and fitness ninja introduced me to the kettlebell. Granted, he overestimated how strong I was, but I’m still use the 15 pounder he gifted me for my birthday about 5 years ago (BTW, big bro, I would love a 10 pounder if you’re looking for something to get me for my bday right around the corner…just saying). The kettlebell is almost as versatile as the stability ball, and entire workouts can be created around the kettlebell. Just make sure it’s the appropriate weight for you, and make sure your form is right!! Like it’s cousin, the dumbbell, kettlebells can range in sizes, which is why I strongly recommend this set!
5. Workout Mat
For the last item on my workout must-haves list, I chose my workout mat. As I mentioned before, I workout in my basement, so a mat is a must. Most workout spaces have hard surfaces, but even if you are on carpet, I would recommend a mat (especially if you have animals and/or allergies!). Mats are portable and can be used for any workouts from yoga to pilates to basic workout routines. My mat is pretty thin, so I would recommend a thicker mat like this one!
While these are the top 5 pieces I would recommend to get a home gym started, there are some things that make working out at home more bearable: Podcasts or music to entertain (I’m a HUGE Rachel Hollis and Jenna Kutcher podcast fan!!), a fan to clip to your treadmill or cardio equipment, YouTube or Workout App (I like the Tone It Up app with free workouts), durable running shoes, and a fitness tracker.
There you have it! The Simple Life Guide for a Home Gym. The best part about a home gym is that it is super easy and fairly inexpensive to start, and it can save you so. much. money in the short and long run (pun not intended!)
I’d love to know! What are your favorite pieces of workout equipment? Comment below!
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I love my stretch bands. Though I actually have all of the items you listed, and I will now attempt to actually use them, my stretch bands are inexpensive, very portable, and also have a lot of workout videos available. And…sometimes they are helpful for modifying floor exercises you’re not quite up to yet. And for sitting up after crunches if, hypothetically, one needed such assistance…GREAT LIST!!!
Thanks! Yes, the resistance bands are wonderful. We have some resistance tubing, but I haven’t gotten into using those much. I know they are GREAT for rehab!