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The Busy Person’s Guide to Fitness: How to Build a Home Gym That Works
- Melanie Wintle
- Dec 14, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 13
Are you looking to get fit but struggling to find the time or motivation to hit the gym? You’re not alone! With busy schedules, unpredictable weather, and the hassle of gym commutes, working out at home can be the perfect solution. In this post, I’ll share the advantages of home workouts, my personal journey to fitness at home, and my top 10 equipment recommendations to help you build your home gym, one step at a time.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
Working out at home offers several key benefits:
Save time and money by eliminating gym commutes and memberships
Stay consistent by working out whenever it fits your schedule.
Work out in comfort without worrying about crowded spaces or bad weather.
Home workouts give you flexibility and control. You can tailor your workouts to your specific goals, preferences, and lifestyle. Plus, exercising in the comfort of your own space makes it easier to stay consistent, even on the busiest days.
My Personal Home Workout Story
From the time I was a teen, I loved working out at the gym. It became a regular part of my life, and I enjoyed the routine. However, as I got older the pressures of full-time work and raising kids came along, getting to the gym became a challenge. I stopped going when my kids were small and haven’t looked back.
I started working out at home with the basics: a yoga mat and some hand-me-down dumbbells ranging from 3–8 lbs. Despite this minimal setup, I found working out at home more effective than the gym. Why? Because I could consistently fit in 20–40 minutes of exercise, less time than it would have taken to get to and from the gym, find a locker, and start my workout.
As YouTube gained popularity, I discovered free workout classes that added variety to my routine. Over time, my commitment grew, and so did my equipment collection. The equipment listed below, is the equipment I have built up over time and use. What is next? A power rack and increasingly heavier dumbbells as I continue to progress!
It’s been over 15 years, and I’m still consistently working out 2–3 times per week. Why? Because it’s part of my routine, and I know that even when I don’t feel like it, I can always find at least 20 minutes to maintain my health. Once fitness becomes a habit, it becomes easier to prioritize, no matter how busy life gets.
Top 10 Home Gym Essentials
Here are the tools I’ve found most useful over the years, listed in order of priority:
Why It’s a Great Choice:
Provides a comfortable, non-slip surface for workouts.
Protects your floors and reduces impact on your joints.
How to Use: Ideal for yoga, stretching, and bodyweight exercises like planks and push-ups.
Why It’s a Great Choice:
Perfect for strength, rehab, and mobility exercises.
Compact, portable, and offer variable resistance levels.
How to Use: Great for glute bridges, lateral band walks, and upper body activation.
Why It’s a Great Choice:
Allows for progressive strength training with a variety of movements.
Versatile for building strength in every muscle group.
How to Use: Start with 5-10 lbs and add heavier weights as you get stronger. Perform exercises like deadlifts, presses, and rows.
*Already have dumbbells and not sure about kettlebells, this nifty gadget converts any weight of dumbbell into a kettlebell Kettle Gryp (black) or Kettle Gryp (orange)
Why It’s a Great Choice:
Engages your core and improves stability.
Adds a challenge to bodyweight and mobility exercises.
How to Use: Perfect for bridges, planks, and stretching routines.
#5: Jump Rope (or Ropeless Option)
Why It’s a Great Choice:
Quick and effective cardio option.
Improves coordination and builds bone density.
How to Use: Use for short to medium-duration cardio intervals or warm-ups.
Why It’s a Great Choice:
Boosts the intensity of bodyweight workouts.
Helps build bone density and strength during walks, hikes, or treadmill sessions.
How to Use: Wear during push-ups, squats, or outdoor walks.
Why It’s a Great Choice:
Perfect for improving balance, stability, and rehabilitation exercises.
Adjustable height makes it versatile for all fitness levels.
How to Use: Use for step-ups, tricep dips, or low-impact cardio.
Why It’s a Great Choice:
Small, portable, and great for core and lower body training.
Adds a unique challenge to bodyweight exercises.
How to Use: Perfect for mountain climbers, lunges, and hamstring curls.
Why It’s a Great Choice:
Offers a low-impact, full-body workout.
Engages multiple muscle groups and suits all experience levels.
How to Use: Anchor it to a door or sturdy point for rows, squats, and planks.
#10: Weight Bench (Flat or Adjustable)
Why It’s a Great Choice:
Provides stable support for strength and mobility exercises.
Eliminates the need to perform exercises on the floor and allows for greater range of motion.
How to Use: Use for chest presses, Bulgarian split squats, or step-ups.
Start simple and expand your collection as you progress. This list is designed to help you prioritize what to invest in first, so you’re never overwhelmed.
Your Gym, Your Rules!
The beauty of a home gym is that you can start small and build as you go. Keep in mind that budget and personal goals may influence the addition of equipment. My personal wish list is quite long, but this is a great place to start! Begin with a few essentials and add equipment based on your fitness goals. Remember, consistency is key, your effort will pay off! Start with what works for you and expand as your needs and goals evolve.
What’s Next?
Choose one or two items from this list to start with.
Create a simple workout plan that fits your schedule.
Commit to showing up for yourself, one workout at a time.
Feeling stuck or overwhelmed? That’s where Move Well Health comes in! Whether you need guidance selecting equipment or creating a workout plan, I’m here to help you take the first step toward a healthier, more active life. Get started today
Ready to Get Started?
Bookmark this page and start building your home gym today. Don’t forget to share it with someone who might find it helpful. Let’s make fitness work for you, one step at a time.
Disclaimer:
This site offers health, fitness and nutritional information and is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have read on this site. The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk.
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