My Top 5 Amazon Finds for Setting up a Home Gym
image created with Gemini Nano-Banana @pouncetothrive
Strength training and walking are essential for proactive aging. These are five of my favorites for working out at home.
As I’ve written about in my weekly newsletter, The Weekly Pounce, like many of us, I struggle to find the motivation to leave my house after a long day and drive to a gym.
I don’t have a great excuse.
Alternating between thinking “I don’t have time” and “It seems too germy” mostly seems to be what stops me. What I do know, however, is that strength training and walking are absolute non-negotiables for our long-term health. Study after study backs this up.
The current recommendation is at least two sessions of strength training per week. I also often hear fitness influencers telling us to “lift heavy.” This too, is a struggle. I mean, what’s heavy? Wouldn’t what I think is heavy vary over time? Wouldn’t it be different from person to person?
This short reel explains what “lift heavy” means very well. I think it’s the first and best logical explanation I’ve heard. So definitely take a moment to watch that with me.
photo credit: Unsplash
I have zero legitimate excuse for not going to our local YMCA. After all, it’s only about two miles from my house. I mean, how much time could it take to drive there, workout, and drive back home? An hour, max? But I’ve set up such great equipment in my house, that truly, I’m very happy doing most of my exercises at home. Keeps the cats happy, too. (Yes, I have four cats. No, I don’t think I’m a crazy cat lady, yet!)
It’s a balance, isn’t it? I want to socialize and connect with other people, so I really should try some group classes at the Y. Going to the gym and to yoga classes in a studio is a great way to both connect with other human beings and stay active. I also don’t have super heavy weights at home, so when I’m ready to lift “heav(ier)” I might not be able to accomplish that goal without professional gym equipment. Afterall, I’m willing to buy small dumbbells, but I don’t think a massive leg press machine would fit in my house, or my budget.
For now, I’m mostly all set. Here are five home work out products that I’ve found that I truly love and use just about daily. I bet you’ll like them, too.
1. A Walking Pad Treadmill
For those rainy, super cold, or brutally hot days, I love to walk on my walking pad treadmill. I’ve got it right in front of a window, so I prop my book or ipad on the sill and read while I’m walking. Sometimes I just enjoy the view. I know we should expose our bodies to different temperatures; it’s beneficial to experience a range of conditions from freezing cold to sauna-level heat. Nevertheless, the walking pad has its place in my life.
What I love about it (other than it keeps me dry) is that it’s super flat. I could go under my bed if I needed it to. It’s very quiet, as well. I haven’t used the vibration pad, mainly because I haven’t researched if the extreme jiggle provides actual benefits, but I have laughed hysterically watching my 17-year old, Larson, goof around on it.
photo by @rcky_photography
2. Resistance Bands
I absolutely love these. Of course, they go everywhere with me when I travel because they take up zero room and are light as a feather, but I also rely on them at home.
They’re just what the physical therapists ordered when it comes to strengthening the hips. I’ll leave the actual exercise routine to the experts, but it’s not hard at all to learn. You basically just lift your legs and arms as normal, but with the band in place.
I also get a super arm workout with these bands. These combined with dumbbells and a kettle ball really do just about everything you need at home for a killer arm workout. Learn the difference between lifting weights and using resistance bands.
unsplash @brucemars
3. Dumbbell Hand Weights
You’ll need to experiment with the weight best for you. I personally have sets of 2 pounds, 5 pounds, 10 pounds, and 15 pounds. They make a set that’s adjustable, but it’s much too expensive in my opinion. I just stick to the basics. Can’t imagine I’ll ever need to replace these. Definitely the core of my home “gym.” The trainer at your gym can teach you some great moves, like the “Arnold.” Actually, I bet I could find Arnold himself explaining how to do the Arnold. Don’t go too light. Learn the correct technique and the weight that’s best for you. Stick with it. You’ve got this!
unsplash @vdphotography
4. A Kettlebell
It wasn’t until I hired a personal trainer to show me around the gym that I understood how to use a kettlebell. I absolutely love them now. It amazes me how much of a cardio workout you can get with kettlebell swings. Of course, I’m always nervous that I’m going to let it go flying across the room, but [knock on wood] that hasn’t happened yet!
You can research some fabulous kettlebell moves, like round the world and my favorite swing. 20 pounds is about right for me for now. Try one out in your gym first to figure out what weight you’ll need. I plan to get much heavier ones soon so I can use them for practicing the farmer’s carry.
unsplash @nesniin
5. Mini Trampoline Rebounder
I need to write a entire blog post on my rebounder because I have so much to say about it, but let’s start by saying this: it’s so much fun! I landed on this particular brand after hours of research. It’s a decent price, it’s very sturdy, and the benefits of rebounding are well-documented by NASA.
It takes up some floor space, but I put mine in the room over the garage. I’ve also had it in front of the television so I could bounce when I’d otherwise be sitting. Truly, the entire family just loves our rebounder. Try out a friend’s and see how you like it before you invest. That’s what I did. (Thanks, Holly!) I bet someone you know has one already!
unsplash @creativechristians
The Final Pounce (and Stay in Touch!)
That rounds out my top five favorites, really in no particular order.
As always, if you’re starting a workout for the first time, make sure you get a green light from your doctor. Remember that what you’re doing today is building a foundation for your future self.
Let me know in the comments if you prefer to use your community fitness center, or if you’re building up your home gym like I have. Also, let me know which equipment you’re most likely to buy first. I’d love to know.
I’d also like to hear about your favorite home gear. What are your suggestions and favorites? I love to discover new products! LL
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