Home Gym Basics | #workoutwednesday

I’m a pretty big homebody. If I can’t bring my dog, especially if it’s a work day, I probably can’t do whatever it is you’re asking me to do. That shouldn’t stand in the way of me getting fit though! In comes some home gym equipment. I’m sharing some of my favorites with you today!

I’m lucky enough to work for a company who gives us a fitness stipend each year. This can be used toward equipment, gym memberships, marathons, etc. I’ve elected to use mine toward some activewear and home equipment.

I’m fairly intimidated by others at the gym. Are they watching me? Oh no, did they see my legs shake on that last rep? Is my “form” right? The intimidation can interfere with actually getting things done. There’s also nothing worse than getting to the gym for cardio, only to see all of the treadmills and ellipticals are taken. I also prefer body weight exercises. For those new to the gym world or vernacular, body weight exercises just means that you’re using your body weight as the resistance for whatever exercise you’re doing.

This is an odd image, and an old blog, but you get the picture:

Those comparison exercises are targeting the same muscle groups, but using your body weight versus free weights. If you learn to exercise and train using your body weight, you’re never without a gym!

Now, for a peek into my home gym equipment:

I didn’t realize just how much of my equipment was pink until I laid it all out like this. You can do hundreds of exercises with everything pictured here.

My absolute favorite investment I’ve made for my home gym has been the bosu ball. It’s amazingly versatile. From core strength to stability and even stretching, I use it every day.

My ankle weights are 4lbs each. It’s a nice addition if I’m doing curls with my 10lbs free weights or most leg exercises.

The carpet sliders are a new addition to my home gym. I’ve only had them a couple of weeks. They weren’t entirely what I was expecting either. I thought it would help with mountain climbers, but they almost add more resistance. You have to work harder to move your feet! Or maybe I’m just using them wrong.

I do have two foam rollers! The textured one…I thought the center would come out and it was two in one. I was wrong. However, it is incredibly handy for sore muscles. The black, longer roller is more versatile. I’ve used it to stretch as well as for different exercises.

I have a wide variety of resistance bands. One set helps with stretching, one with body weight exercises, and the final set with more full body exercises.

Finally, I have just a bit of yoga equipment. Both the blocks and my mat are from a brand called Reehut. The mat is wonderfully thick and padded. It helps a lot with how much wrist action there is in the beginning of a yoga class. The blocks have really helped me get back into stretching after being away from dance for so long.

In summation:

Home Gym Basics

  • Bosu Ball
  • Ankle Weights
  • Free Weights
  • Carpet Sliders
  • Foam Roller(s)
  • Resistance Bands
  • Yoga Mat
  • Yoga Blocks

That’s honestly all you need to start getting fit at home. I have a board on Pinterest FULL of different workout and weight loss ideas. I’m always looking for new ideas. My next move will hopefully take me to a home of my own, and I’m hoping to buy a “big” piece of equipment then!

Note: This post does contain affiliate links, so I may receive a small commission for sales generated.

One Reply to “Home Gym Basics | #workoutwednesday”

  1. I LOVE bosu balls! I used to use them a lot when I was doing high-intensity workouts. You can do so much with them!

Leave a Reply