So instead of continuing with a gym membership, we have been slowly building up our home gym. We save so much time not having to drive anywhere, and we can workout any time we want. We aren’t on a gym’s schedule and more importantly for us, we aren’t on Little A’s schedule. And she likes to join in on some of our workouts!
Here are a few key pieces of equipment we have that can really make a difference in your workouts.
For my birthday last year the hubs got me 3 kettlebells. I’d been wanting some (not necessarily for my birthday, but we’re an old married couple now so I now get practical gifts…..or gifts that say “maybe you should exercise at home now since you obviously aren’t getting to the gym enough….but that is neither here nor there), and they are one of the most diverse pieces of equipment you can get. We use them in pretty much every workout we do. We have 25 lb, 35 lb and 45 lb kettlebells, but they come in sizes all the way from 5 lbs up to 90 lbs, and I think you can get them in 100 lb+ weights for you burly ladies out there. 🙂
You can find kettlebells on Amazon, at Dicks and even Target has some light weight kettlebells.
You don’t need to have 10 sets of dumbbells, but having a few different weights can really improve your workouts. You can usually find dumbbells on sale and we have 5 lbs, 10 lbs, 20 lbs, and 35 lbs. They are also available at most other sports retailers, Target and Amazon.
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TRX is a great piece of equipment that you can do so much with. It was born in the Navy SEALs and really helps develop strength, flexibility, balance and core stability. You can literally just put it over a door in your home and it works great. It’s also easy to carry with you on trips. My hubby travels a lot and our TRX fits easily in his suitcase.
We’ve been using TRX for years at our gyms and know quite a few exercises you can do with them, but ours also came with a DVD and booklet with workout options. It is an immensely diverse piece of equipment that I think is fabulous for a home gym.
I think most of us have one of these laying around our house somewhere. A yoga mat is perfect for all the floor exercises we do, especially ab work. It keeps my back clean and my floors sweat free. 🙂
With just those 4 pieces of equipment, you can be well on your way to creating your own home gym. We’ve collected our equipment over time, so you don’t need to go out tomorrow and spend hundreds of dollars creating your own gym. Just grab some dumbbells the next time you’re at Target. Or think about what size kettlebells you’d like and maybe your hubby will get you one or two you just like mine did. 🙂
I would love to dedicate a room in our next house to this! I have a confession…I have never used kettlebells or TRX. So I just learned something new! Thanks Tiffany!
I love that I’m not the only wife who gets practical gifts! Ha! One year for Mother’s day, I got a meat thermometer, a salad spinner, and a pair of salad tongs. Bless his heart, he actually seemed excited for me to open the gift. Needless to say, I now have a wish list going at a few of my favorite sites online, so he has more than enough ideas if he ever needs them. 😉
Oh my gosh Jenny that’s so funny! My hubby would definitely get the silent treatment if he got me a meat thermometer. Ha!
This is awesome. My husband and I plan to start a home gym once we have a home! I can see how it would make things so much more convenient and would save us money in the long run!
Love this post! I started working out at home after having our second because we never got to the gym either! I love when my boys join in on our workouts! It is amazing to workout when it fits in our schedule without worrying about a sitter or gym hours! 🙂
I love the flexibility of not having to drive to a gym. And that is so awesome that your boys join in too! It cracks me up to watch Little A doing some of the moves. 🙂
I used to have a gym membership but I really didn’t make good use of it.
I have everything but the TRX! Yay me! Something that goes over the door freaks me out. Especially since my husband and I hung all our doors… that would be the time that we realized we didn’t do such a good job!
Thanks for sharing Tiffany.
Wishing you a lovely day.
xoxo
whoa trx fitting in the suitcase? Clearly it’s just the band, I guess? I was thinking the huge TRX machine that is at our gym, but that wouldn’t fit in the suitcase 😉 I have really been wanting a barbell! Hoping to find one on Craigs List!
I honestly hope my hubby gets more into this idea. We have even lived in apartment complexes with gyms and he just doesn’t stick with it. He thinks going to a gym is so much more motivating for him. I guess because a lot of people are around, etc. I don’t think I understand. He doesn’t go to a class. He’s just working out with several pieces like something that would be in a home gym. I guess getting up and going gives him the motivation. I guess I have some more time to understand it. 🙂
Oh I totally understand Brittnei. My hubby used to be the same way. Going to the gym was more motivating to him. He does go to the gym at his work a few times a week still, but other days he works out at home now. It is just so much easier and still motivating.
Wow, the TRX seems really cool, I could use something like that. Right now I just use my elliptical and a few free weights!
The TRX is awesome Ashley! There are so many exercises you can do with it, from arm work to even ab exercises. It’s a great dynamic piece of equipment. 🙂
I use TRX in physical therapy. I love it because it’s low-impact and so diverse…plus there is no doubt that you’ve had a workout once you’ve finished! I’m definitely going to purchase the system…I saw it on Groupon a few months ago at a really great price, so I’m keeping my eyes out!!
I’m loving these exercise posts you’re writing! You made me laugh a few times in there, about the getting kettlebells for your birthday and the burly ladies comment, hahaha. I have got to get a TRX, that things looks amazing! I love the idea of making your own home gym because seriously, what person with kids has time to get to the gym consistently?! I know those ppl exist but they are far and few between. This would make it so much easier to stay dedicated.