I know you stick around this blog for all the tasty food content, but I wouldn’t be fully myself if I didn’t share a little bit of the other things I love—like working out. I know, I know, it seems crazy that someone actually likes to work out…but it’s true. I’ve grown to love my daily workouts, mostly because I don’t overexert myself and stick to simple 15 to 30 minute workouts in the morning before I start my day. It’s a great way to take care of my body and my muscles, and makes me feel incredible the rest of the day. Especially as I continue to work from home.
Now here’s my little trick of the trade, you ready to hear it? I don’t go to the gym. I hate the gym. Seriously…despise it. I feel like it’s the kind of place where dreams go to die. I know other people like it, and good for them and all that. But I personally love my little at home gym I’ve set up in my living room. I have all of my gym supplies nice and neat in the corner, ready to use in the morning as I start my day. Plus, you can’t beat the whole rolling-out-of-bed-get-your-workout-over-with vibes. I don’t waste my time traveling to a gym to workout for hours in front of a ton of people that make me uncomfortable. Instead, I indulge in a simple workout in my living room (again, I never go more than 30 minutes) with my at-home gym.
Lastly, having an my own home gym in my living room means finally allowing my daily work out to be something I actually enjoy. No more going to the gym for hours trying to “lose weight.” No more running miles and miles because that’s “just what everyone else does.” No more strenuous workout routines or hours on an elliptical to torch a particular number of calories each day. Instead, I turn to working out as a haven. An activity that keeps my mind at ease and my body happy throughout the day.
Before we dig into these home gym materials, if you’re curious, I like to use the Tone It Up app for my workouts. I pay for a yearly subscription and get access to all of their workouts on-the-go. I simply put them on my phone or iPad, stream on an Apple TV if I can nearby, and I’m ready to go.
So here’s my home gym materials—both the things I use at home, and the gym things I use when I travel. Because yes, I actually do travel with a little gym on-the-go. I really do love it that much. I know, I’m nuts.
One // 3 LB, 5 LB, 8 LB Dumbbell Set: I’ve collected an extensive dumbbell set over the years, but to start out, I made sure to have these three specific weight sets for working out. I use them frequently compared to my other dumbbell sets—perfect for challenging yourself, but also giving you an opportunity to drop set if you need to during your workout. Safety first!
Two // Booty Bands – Medium & Heavy: These resistance bands are great for all kinds of online workouts. They go around your thighs, around your calves, and there are even exercises where you use them with your hands and your feet. Plus, great for travel!
Three // Resistance Band – Medium: Another great tool to have when you’re traveling and you don’t have access to dumbbells! It’s also easy to switch up your workout from dumbbells to resistance bands when you need to. I only have a medium-weight resistance band, but you can always collect different weights or kinds as you continue your home gym collection.
Four // Kettlebell 10 LB: Kettlebell swings for the win! Just don’t let go and break your TV…
Five // Yoga Mat: I find many at-home workouts don’t require a ton of living room space—just enough for you to fit a yoga mat with a little room around it! No matter the workout, I always put a yoga mat down because I find it easier to work with instead of doing planks on a carpet…
Six // Foam Roller: This is so good to have for the muscles. I use my constantly—and it’s a great way to give yourself a back and leg massage when you need it.
Seven // Ankle Weights 1 LB (each): I’ve recently been getting into ankle weight workouts, and I really like them! I’m starting out small with 1 lb. weights at the moment, but I may look to increase my weight soon. We’ll see!
Eight // Core Sliders: You can get a serious core workout using these at home. They’ll kick your booty!
Nine // Water Bottle: It’s always good to have water by you while you workout, and especially good to drink it after for your muscles! I try to challenge myself by drinking a full bottle of water after a workout before having breakfast in the morning. This S’well bottle is classy looking and great for travel.
Ten // Yoga Block & Strap Set: This is great to have if you’re looking to commit to a yoga practice. I love having my block when I’m trying new challenging stretches at home.
Eleven // Travel Yoga Mat: I can’t always take my bulky yoga mat with me wherever I go—especially if I’m flying. So I also have a travel mat that folds nicely in my suitcase, which is a blessing to have when I want to work out in a hotel room, or by a gorgeous lake on vacation!
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