Okay WOW! It’s the end of November and with the new year around the corner, I’m SO EXCITED to think about all the things to help you get set up for success with your workouts! I often get asked what the MOST important pieces of equipment are! Obviously we’re all different and have various preferences, but I’m happy to share what I’ve found to be the most useful items over the years!
I tried quite a few at home workouts before I finally made the decision to create an actual space in our home for a home gym. I honestly wasn’t sure it was for me. I liked the idea of the convenience of it, but I also liked getting OUT of the house and going to the gym.
When I became a mom, it didn’t take me long to realize that getting to the gym wasn’t as easy as it was before. Even if I had the best intentions, kids would be sick, nap times wouldn’t go as planned, we’d get behind, and many days I’d feel like it was just a giant hot mess.
Over the last several years, I’ve continued to go in waves. I’ll have seasons where I love going to the gym, and other times when I find myself just wanting to workout at home. And that’s okay! It doesn’t have to be an all or nothing thing.
I will say, having the OPTION to workout at home has been a game changer in becoming more consistent. I have ZERO excuses to not make a workout happen. With that said, when I created my first at home gym space, I kept it really simple, and that’s what I always encourage others to do too. So often we think we need a big piece of equipment to get motivated, but it really isn’t necessary. If you want to add it on later, sure! Go for it! But you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to get amazing results at home. I finally added a stationary bike last year, after having an at home gym for 6 years. I love it, but it doesn’t make or break my results.
Okay, so here are my absolute VERY FAVORITE THINGS that I use in my home gym every day! Keep in mind the space you are working with. Our house doesn’t have an extra room, so we don’t have a separate room designated for our gym. I use a section of the garage and it works great! Some of my friends use their basement, and others use their living room and just keep their weights to the side.
- Weights. Cardio and body weight exercises are great, but if you want to level up your workouts, you need to get some free weights. I’d recommend starting with a set of 5’s, 10’s, 15’s, and 20’s. This time of year, if you want a full set, definitely check out Costco or Sam’s. Otherwise, you can buy one off sets at Target, Walmart, etc!
- Resistance Loops. Resistance loops are great at toning the hard to get areas like the butt, thighs, and core. They’re also great to throw in a suitcase when you travel!
- Strength Slides. Strength slides are great for toning legs, arms, abs, you name it. Also great to throw in a suitcase!
- Comfort Core Mat. I have had lots of different mats over the years for ab exercises, and this one is absolutely THE BEST ever. I love the extra padding.
- Gym Mats. I didn’t have gym mats for a long time, and they definitely aren’t a must have to get started, but fun to add on when you want. Regular gym mats are so expensive. We bought these horse stall mats from Tractor Supply and they are PERFECT for a home gym!
- Online workout library and a screen to stream them on. I use a smart TV to stream my workouts. I’ve been using Beachbody On Demand for the last 7 years, and I love the variety. In fact, I loved it so much more than anything else I’d ever done before, that I partnered with the company to become a coach. There are workouts in every genre. Boot camp style, cardio, HIIT, barre, cycle, yoga, kickboxing, weight lifting, etc. The library is always growing! This is the package I recommend for all newbies because it comes with a year of access to the workouts plus resistance loops, strength slides, AND you get to sample the all natural pre workout I love called Energize and Post Workout protein shake I love called Recover. Use AMBERTSP20 at checkout for $20 off!
- If you’re considering a stationary bike, I love my MYX Bike. I bought it last year and wasn’t sure how much I’d use it, but it has been something that I wouldn’t want to give up now! I also love that the screen swivels so I can use it for any type of workout on Beachbody On Demand, not just cycling! Use BEACHBODYMYX at checkout for $150 off!
I hope you have fun putting together your home workout space! For me, it’s just a symbol and reminder that I have an outlet to feel like ME even when motherhood and life can feel overwhelming!
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at amber@mommysmetime.com!
xo,
Amber
