You might be surprised how little you actually need for a good at-home workout. In fact, some of the best at home workout equipment is a small set of dumbbells, a weighted “body bar”, a yoga mat and resistance bands kept in a small corner of your home are all that you need. I have maintained 50 pound weight loss and my fitness level for years using these few items. The best part is that this handful of items cost under $100. While having a home gym is nice, it’s definitely not necessary to get a good, full body workout.
Gyms reopened months ago here in Florida, but Roger and I are unlikely to return any time soon. Since we work out every day, we had to carve out space to create a home gym. Like many who have downsized, we are a bit pinched for space and didn’t want to spend much money buying equipment. We had the items listed above already, so it is a matter of dedicating the time to work out at home instead of at the gym.
For years, I’ve done a 20-minute yoga session at home in the morning, but since last spring when we had to stop ice skating, we dusted off our dumbells, resistance bands and yoga mats and began working out at home. I do yoga plus a workout with my weight set and resistance bands. We’ve added a two-mile daily walk to take the place of ice skating.
Best At Home Workout Equipment
If you’ve read my weight loss posts, you will know that walking has been a cornerstone of my workout routine. It’s free, it doesn’t require a huge investment of time or equipment, just twenty or thirty minutes and a pair of shoes. To up your game a bit, add a weighted vest, ankle or wrist weights.
When it rains, you need a plan “B”. My plan B was to go to the mall, (which I probably wouldn’t do right now) or add ankle weights while doing my daily chores. I did spring for a fold-up treadmill, (a fold-up treadmill is great if you are pinched for space.) Many of us have these items at home already, but if you don’t, I’ve linked a good one for you.
We both wanted some weight-bearing exercise, as well as some “shaping”, exercises so I can keep my girlish figure. I have a small kit with a set of three dumbells, 2, 3, and 5 pounds and for Roger, we added 10, 15, and 20. We also added a couple of “body bars“ for presses. Resistance bands are a tiny investment that packs a decent punch when it comes to working out. They take up next to no room either. In fact, all my equipment fits in a basket I keep in my sunroom.
I also love a good pool workout (Roger doesn’t like it at all though) so I bought a set of water weights to vary my routine when I can talk Roger into hopping into the pool with me. This inexpensive addition to my workout gear was inexpensive and helps vary my workouts so I don’t get bored. I used water weights for years when Brooke was small because I couldn’t get to the gym, but we did spend every afternoon in the pool, so I figured I’d get a set and was amazed at how well it worked and how perfectly it fit into my schedule.
With a small investment and a tiny corner in the sunroom to keep it in, we have the makings for a full-body workout that rivals the gym right from our own home.
What do you think is the best home workout equipment? Let me know in a comment below!
