Here’s a started pack and intermediate version of workout equipment you’ll want at home. Pick any items you have, can find, can afford, or would enjoy using. You don’t need the complete list to have, easily, two month of workouts. Click the links to lead you to the cheapest and best options (I receive no $ for my endorsements). Also, I’ll denote weights with options A/B, or lighter/heavier. You don’t need both. Start where you feel comfortable.
Starting Equipment
- Clear Floor Space
- Yoga Mat*, towel, or carpet
- Yoga Block
- Dowel: wood, PVC pipe cut from Home Depot, a Swiffer or Broom
- 18′ Foam Roller
- A steady, elevated surface like the end of a kitchen island or couch to do push ups (DON’T LET IT MOVE)
- A hard box or step
- Band (sprint, resistance)*
- TRX (if you have somewhere to attach)
- Dumbbell (5lb, 8lb, or 15lb), these are OK to start. You can graduate to tougher handles.
- Kettlebell (8kgKB/12kgKB), (18lbs/25lbs), the link sends you to my favorite bells…but most are out of stock right now. Fine to use a department store brand, just try to match these in texture. No color ones with painted or “metal” handles
- Sand Bag (8lb/15lb), or a bag of rice or something in a back pack. Books kind of hurt 🙂 Also, the sandbags don’t come filled.
- Mini-Band (light/medium)*
- Ab Wheel
- Medicine Ball or Slam Ball (10lbs/20lbs)
*Careful if you have latex allergy
Slightly More Advanced Equipment
- Two Dumbbells (20lbs/35lbs), recommend octagon shape and textured handle
- Single Kettlebell one size up (16kgKB, 24kgKB), the link sends you to my favorite bells…but most are out of stock right now. Fine to use a department store brand, just try to match these in texture. No color ones with painted or “metal” handles
- Pull Up Bar (if safe to attach over door or to wall)
- Jump Rope (regular or speed rope your preference)
- Battle Ropes, need a lot of space and tolerant downstairs neighbors
- Body Bar or light bar (5lbs pair of plates, 15lbs of plates each side –so two fives and two 10’s), or a plain barbell
Tip: The heavier the weights, the more likely you’ll want to put something under them to protect your flooring. Child’s puzzle piece flooring is a good/cheap option. A yoga mat or piece of wood also work.
My favorite places to order from are Rogue Fitness and X Training Equipment. If you can support these businesses, I recommend them.
Final thought: You’re thinking, “This is silly, why isn’t a bench on there?” Well, if you can’t stick to the basics at home, regularly, then why buy a bunch of bulky equipment you won’t use? A couple of bands can be tossed in a closet. Also, at this moment, most racks and heavier weights are hard to order. If you really want a barbell set up, you’re probably best off buying a squat rack (with safeties) and removable bench. If you want to Olympic lift, make sure you have the space and proper setup.
As always, if you have questions, please email me at strengthinprogress @ gmail.com or join below.
Strength in Progress 