I’ve struggled to get into a workout routine for years, but after being diagnosed with IBS a few months ago, I decided to start taking better care of myself and get in shape. Last month, I signed up for an OrangeTheory membership, and when I combined that with my barre classes, I felt better than ever.
Now that the gyms are shut down, and we’re all trying to socially distance ourselves to flatten the curve, I’m hoping to keep up my progress at home. Plus, if I get up and moving for 30-45 minutes a day, not only is it beneficial physically, but it does wonders for my mental health as well.
Wondering how you can manage to work out at home? Here are a few budget-friendly pieces of equipment that are home gym essentials! And a bonus: if you’re living in a smaller space, these items won’t take up much room in your residence.
Home Gym Essentials
Yoga Mat
A yoga mat will add much-needed stability and support while you’re working out. You can also fold it up to put under your knees during certain workouts, or place it under your head if you’re doing crunches. Also, if you sweat during your workout, the mat can prevent any slips. I ordered this extra-thick mat that’s under $20, and it’s a perfect fit. Plus, it has a carrying strap, so I’ll be able to use it once the gyms and yoga studios open back up again!
Resistance Bands
These resistance bands are awesome to take your home workout to the next level. You might not have a ton of equipment in your home, but a resistance band can strengthen your muscles and are also fantastic for stretching as well. Plus, they won’t take up a ton of space in your home!
Dumbells
I picked up a set of 3 lb dumbells after my carpal tunnel surgery during physical therapy, and these ended up being great to use during at-home barre workouts. For HIIT workouts, if you’re a beginner, I’d recommend getting a 5 lb and 10 lb set of dumbells. These dumbells also ended up being a great fit for the entire household: Tom uses them way more than I do!
Sliders
Another fantastic thing about sliders? They’re light, portable, and can increase the difficulty of certain workouts. If you don’t have sliders in your home at the moment, paper plates can be a great alternative.
With sliders, you can tone your abdominals, chest, arms, glutes, and legs. Here’s one of my favorite full-body slider workouts that you can do on the go!
What are your home gym essentials? Let me know in a comment below!
Photos by Tom McGovern
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