Training at home is a great solution when you can’t make it to the gym, or in this current climate, all of our gyms are closed (insert sad face) due to the Corona Virus otherwise known as COVID-19 or you just like training at home.
Here are some reasons to train at home:
- Convenience
- Privacy
- No waiting for equipment
- You can work out anytime
- No gym fee or membership
- Budget-Friendly- Build your gym over time. Just start with a few necessities, which I will talk about below. You don’t have to spend an arm and leg on equipment. Once you buy it, you will have it forever.
- Don’t have to find a daycare or a babysitter
I do love the gym, but I know some folks don’t, and that’s perfectly fine. When I don’t have access to a gym, I train at home as well! You don’t need a gym membership to get fit or strong! Heck, I even put together my very own gym in my garage. But you don’t need a big space or fancy equipment to have a home gym.
You don’t even need a whole lot of equipment. Just a few necessities. If all you have is a little spot in your garage or the space in your living room, I assure you, you can get a good strength workout in.
Where to start looking for fitness equipment?
First, your whole gym setup can be budget-friendly, and you don’t have to break the bank. My first recommendation would be to shop on Craigslist. Look in your city and surrounding cities in your area.
I just did a search in my area, and I was able to find an Olympic Barbell with 2 -25 lb plates, 2 10’s and 2 5’s for $60. That’s a pretty good deal.
Don’t forget about yard or garage sales. There’s always a chance to find at least some dumbbells. You might even find a treadmill if that’s what you are looking for.
Shop Craigslist and or Facebook Market Place!
One of the best finds a friend of mine found on Craigslist was a set of Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells. Those things can be pretty pricey, but well worth the investment. They are great when you’re limited on training space. I’d encourage you to check them out.
Next up are your local stores. Keep an eye on the sales ads. Especially since it’s January, the sales will be plentiful. I was just at Costco, and they had a DB set from 5 to 35 with a rack. I wasn’t sure about the price but if you shop at Costco, you know the deals are pretty legit.
Amazon!!!
Don’t forget Amazon and eBay. I recently purchased a second suspension trainer (I’ll leave the link below for it) on Amazon for a great price. The quality is good. I also picked up a kettlebell on Amazon. The deals are there; you just have to be willing to do some research.
On eBay, I purchased my battle rope for a good price as well, and the quality is great.
Lastly, other places to shop for fitness equipment are Target and Walmart (I have purchased several things from there). Academy Sports has some great deals at times. Dicks has fitness equipment too, but they can be on the pricier side.
So, what do you need to get started?
Dumbbells
– Dumbbells are so versatile- 3 pairs: light, medium, and heavy. Invest in a lighter and heavier pair. You’ll need the heavier pair for lower body exercises for sure, and the lighter pair will get you started for upper body exercises. Then you will have the heavier pair if you find the light pair is too light for some exercises.
These are hex-style dumbbells are the beez neez. They’re great and hold up well. I was able to get a sweet deal from ProMaxima. Check them out on Amazon as well!
Dumbbells are great to have at home. You can do so many different workouts with them.
Try this Dumbell Strength Workout:
Barbell (Olympic)
Not mandatory, but I love to have one around. When I first had my home gym, I didn’t have a barbell. I wish I did though because I love barbell training. When you can get one, it will be a great addition. When you do, be sure to buy a couple of sets of bumper plates or training plates, so that you can train deadlifts from the right height. If not the bar will work great to build some strength and muscle. You’ll eventually need some weight plates because you are gonna get STRONGER!
Kettlebells
KB’s aren’t at the top of the list, but if you can get one, it would be a great addition. They are very versatile as well. All you really need is one bell, and you’re good to go.
⬆️I have a few of these types of kettlebells. Check them out here.
I also have a few Kettlebells from Kettlebell King – real good quality!
Kettlebell swings are a great conditioning tool. No need to hit the pavement running when you can swing a KB for cardio unless of course, you like running. But I don’t, lol, not in the traditional sense anyway.
Heck, you can get a total body workout in with just one just kettlebell. Think squats – various variations. Lunges, presses, snatches, cleans. TGU (Turkish Get Ups), farmer carries (if you have two) – to name a few exercises.
An Adjustable Bench
Not necessarily important right up front. It should be adjustable because you can turn into a flat or an incline bench. It can do several things for you – chest presses, seated shoulder pressing, glute work such as hip thrusts (all variations) step-ups, rows (chest supported and single-arm rows).
I like this one from Amazon, and it even has a decline option! There are many to choose from; you don’t need anything fancy.
Like I said, if you don’t get a bench right away, you can still do several of the exercises mentioned above. You can compromise by using a workbench, such a piano bench, a chair, or a step stool for step-ups. The floor is also perfect for pressing variations. Your couch is a great spot for hip thrusts.
A pull-up bar or pull up stand/dip station or a Lebert Fitness Equalizer
I love love pull-ups and having a pull-up bar at home to get your pull-up on. I think one of the best things women can learn to do in regards to strength is pulling and getting strong with your very own bodyweight. I swear to you women can do pull-ups too. Women tell me all the time they wish they could do a pull-up! And you can. You just have to get strong and practice doing pull-ups all the time. #PracticeMakesBetter
Dip Bar Fitness Station by Ultimate Body Press:
Check out the equipment below that can be used to get stronger right at home:
Photo cred: Lebertfitness.com
- Resistance Bands: Another one of my favorites is resistance bands (also called super bands or strength bands), and it’s a must-buy IMO. Get the ones without the handles, as well as ones with the handles, and mini bands (smaller elastic loop) or a hip circle.
Web sites to check out Bands:
Amazon – Check out the bands I’ve purchased on Amazon, they are by a company called Serious Steel Fitness. Great quality.
Rogue Bands – Rogue Fitness has quality equipment and excellent customer service, check them out too!
You can use the super bands for pull-ups, a substitution for various exercises such as squats, rows, and deadlifts. I also like to use my superbands for partner-assisted sprints (a very good workout).
Photo Cred: Serious Steel Fitness
Check out a band-assisted sprint here!
Lastly, for the band’s category, mini bands are great for glute and hip work too. They are just the bomb, and they bring an extra edge to lower body workouts.
Check the various options out here==> Perform Better Mini Bands
Check this 20-minute glute workout here:
That about sums it up for starting an at-home gym. Don’t forget your bodyweight works great for resistance as well. Remember to shop the sales, check garage sales, and Craigslist for some cost-effective equipment. I have found several good finds on Craigslist! Also, check out Promaxima, they sell refurbished equipment and also have great deals!
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