25 Gym Essentials For an At-Home Workout

Trista - July 25, 2020
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How many times have you made the excuse that the gym closes too early, or that you’d definitely go if you had the extra time? With more people working out at home, they realize the convenience of a private, tailor-made home gym. No more intimidating machines that you walk past and never try; a home gym is made with only your wants and desires in mind. Not only is a home gym more convenient, but it also smells better and is ultimately cheaper in the long run.

Home gyms don’t have to be fancy – it doesn’t even have to be a dedicated room. Clear out a little space in your living room and voila! You have your workout area. Check out this list of essential items you’ll need for your at-home workouts. With all these items in your arsenal, the only regret you’ll have is not knowing about these sooner!

Before Your Workout

If you’re a visual person, sometimes laying out your progress is necessary to see where you were and where you’re going. This fitness planner is a must! Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”FabFit Fitness Journal for Tracking Workouts and Meals” link=”B07TNSLZ1N”]

This planner spans 13 weeks and is specially designed for fitness planning. It even features a personal promise page – because you’re doing this for you, no one else!

It helps you set a baseline of where you are, plan for your goals and what your challenges are, or might be in the future, plan and track meals, create shopping lists, and log your water intake to keep you hydrated. We’ll touch more on that later, too. For your inner child, they also include two sticker pages. At the very end, it features a final reflection page so you can look back at how far you’ve come. It’s time to brag about yourself!

Live out your Lisa Frank fantasy and get your very own planner [amazon link=”B07TNSLZ1N”] [amazon fields=”B07TNSLZ1N” value=”price” format=”linked”]!

Even if gadgets aren’t your thing, seeing that number of calories burned climb higher and higher is pretty darn satisfying. Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”Fitbit Inspire HR Heart Rate and Fitness Tracker” link=”B07MM5W7Q8″]

Let’s guess: you’re less of a “write it down in a planner” type and more of a “charge my electronics overnight” type, then this is the workout essential for you. It’s sleek, lightweight, and it’ll keep track of all your movements – but not in a creepy way. It looks small, but it has so many features! It tracks calorie burn and resting heart rate plus all-day activity, including steps and distance. It can track your sleep activity, like light, deep, and rem stages, and knowledge is power.

This Fitbit can operate for up to 5 days without constant charging, depending on how you use it, which is pretty impressive. It also has an app where you can view all this information, making it incredibly user-friendly for even the most technologically-challenged of us out there.

You need this in your life, grab your Fitbit Inspire now right [amazon link=”B07MM5W7Q8″] [amazon fields=”B07MM5W7Q8″ value=”price” format=”linked”].

This little waterproof Bluetooth speaker comes in black, blue, or red and can play for up to 24 hours. Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker” link=”B01MTB55WH”]

What better way to get yourself pumped up for a workout than with some great music? Whether you’re a rocker chick, a pop girl, or an EDM fan, there are countless playlists out there, so pick one and get yourself going. This little speaker packs a punch: on a full charge, it can play up to 24 hours – that’s about five hundred songs! You have your choice of three colors: black, red, or blue. These also make great gifts for your fitness-obsessed friends!

Order your waterproof Bluetooth speaker [amazon link=”B01MTB55WH”] [amazon fields=”B01MTB55WH” value=”price” format=”linked”]!

Super stretchy, high waisted yoga pants are a must for any productive workout session! Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”High Waist Yoga Pants” link=”B07Q3V2YRJ”]

Just because no one else can see you doesn’t mean you can’t dress in cute workout clothes. The pants have pockets! That’s right – you can keep your phone close by in case you get the urge to snap a post-workout selfie or look up some fitspo to keep you fueled.

These babies have a high waist for extra tummy control and a whopping 4.6 rating, with over 3,400 reviews on Amazon! Reserve them [amazon link=”B07Q3V2YRJ”] [amazon fields=”B07Q3V2YRJ” value=”price” format=”linked”]

An open-back tank makes your workout so much cooler – and makes you more stylish! Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”Set of 2 Open Back Athletic Tank Tops” link=”B07S8LFKM7″]

You need something cute to match the pants, right? These tanks come in sets of two, so you can put laundry off an extra day. They have different colors to choose from, so you’ll be working out in style! They are loose and comfortable, which gives you ample room to stretch out and get your work out done without being cramped in a tight t-shirt.

Want a set of your own? Grab your two open-backed tanks [amazon link=”B07S8LFKM7″] [amazon fields=”B07S8LFKM7″ value=”price” format=”linked”].

Keep your hair (and sweat) out of your face with double-layered headbands. Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”3 Pack Workout Headbands for Women” link=”B07JMQRV2X”]

The piece-de-resistance in your outfit should be your hair-styling accessories. We’ve all had days when our hair refuses to cooperate, but these headbands will make your hair bend to your will. It will keep it out of your face as you master the push-up and perfect your squats.

It’s a double-layer fabric, including a layer of mesh, making it extra breathable and keeping the sweat out of your face for a fresher workout. Of course, they are machine washable, so you’ll be kicking butt in these babies for the foreseeable future. The set includes three colors: dark green, orange, and grey, so you’ll have something to coordinate with all your outfits.

Yes, you need to have a set of your own, get your workout headbands [amazon link=”B07JMQRV2X”] [amazon fields=”B07JMQRV2X” value=”price” format=”linked”].

We all need to stay hydrated through our workouts, so what better way to do that than with a fancy new water bottle? Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”Thermoflask Double Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle” link=”B07S151DRS”]

Are you staying hydrated throughout the day? More importantly, are you keeping hydrated through your workout? If not, this should motivate you to stay on the ball. It’s affordable and keeps your cold drinks cold and your hot things hot, so now you have no excuse not to drink. And with the ongoing situation being what it is, we won’t judge you no matter what you put in your Thermoflask (wink, wink). Just save the adult beverages until after the workout, okay?

You have a choice of five different colors, so whether you are an all-black fanatic or you need your bright colors, there’s an option for you. There are also several sizes ranging from 18 oz to 64 oz, depending on how hydrated you want to be!

If you are as excited as we are about this Thermoflask, pick yours up [amazon link=”B07S151DRS”] [amazon fields=”B07S151DRS” value=”price” format=”linked”].

These towels are bigger than a washcloth but not too big – the perfect size for your workout. They’re also made of microfiber, which will absorb sweat without staying wet or stinky. Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”Microfiber Sweat Towels” link=”B00OVPK0MI”]

When you are staying hydrated, then you’ll probably sweat a bit. That’s a good thing! Get sweaty! What’s the point of working out if you don’t want to feel like you worked hard? But if you are going to get sweaty, be prepared with one of these sweat towels. Their microfiber material absorbs sweat and is quick-drying. It won’t hold funky odors, and the color won’t fade, even after multiple washes.

We told you you’d be mad you didn’t know about these sooner. You can have your set of three [amazon link=”B00OVPK0MI”] [amazon fields=”B00OVPK0MI” value=”price” format=”linked”], and thank us later.

Yoga Workouts

Any yogi will tell you how vital a good mat is, and we’ve found it for you — double-sided non-slip with extra thick foam and a carrying case. Check, check, and check! Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”Thick Double-Sided Grip Yoga Mat” link=”B00RWFQYG0″]

Now that you’ve set yourself up for the best workout possible, you can get down to the essentials based on the type of exercise you want to do. For any workout involving floor work, you want a thick mat for maximum comfort. BalanceFrom’s mat is not only thick, but it’s also double-sided, so you won’t slip no matter which side you use it on. You can wash it with soap and water, and it comes with a particular carrying case for those days where you want to do yoga in the park.

We know you are ready to perfect your warrior one, warrior two, and warrior three poses, you can get your very own double-sided yoga mat [amazon link=”B00RWFQYG0″] [amazon fields=”B00RWFQYG0″ value=”price” format=”linked”]!

They may look unassuming, but yoga blocks are great for beginners and experienced yoga practitioners alike! Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”Yoga Foam Blocks” link=”B075W648GN”]

It’s a common misconception that yoga blocks are only for beginners, but they are an excellent tool for anyone who does yoga. Blocks are considered extensions of the arms, but they also support the back and help the body ease into a stretch or pose. They also support our body’s range of motion, extending or reducing it to our comfort level.

This set is made from a dense foam that will support your body and hold its weight while still being lightweight and comfortable. It’s also non-slip, which is incredibly essential when you’re placing a significant amount of trust that it’ll stay where you placed it.

Purchase your yoga foam blocks [amazon link=”B075W648GN”] [amazon fields=”B075W648GN” value=”price” format=”linked”]! They come in grey or purple.

It may look complicated, but foam rollers are surprisingly easy (and fun!) to use. They’re great for our muscles and balance. Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”Restore Foam Roller by Gaiam” link=”B07FYZ33BL”]

You’re fascinated with the idea of a foam roller, but you have no earthly idea of how to use it, this is a suitable place to get started. The roller comes with a 15-minute workout instructional video to get you started on the basics. Foam rollers can soothe muscle soreness and are great for balance and full-body work, based on their diameter.

This roller comes in two sizes: the 18 inches and the 36 inches. It comes in a textured or smooth option as well. The textured roller works your muscles more deeply than the smooth roller so that it may be a more advanced option. You also want to consider the density of the foam. This roller is a softer foam, which is ideal for beginners or moderate users who don’t plan to make it the main focus of their routine.

Once you’ve narrowed it down to which option you want, grab yours [amazon link=”B07FYZ33BL”] [amazon fields=”B07FYZ33BL” value=”price” format=”linked”]! Prices will vary based on your selection.

Yoga socks are a great alternative to a yoga mat. This set comes two sets of four colors, which is excellent when you want to color coordinate your look from head to toe! Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”4 Pack Non-slip Yoga Socks” link=”B07VXDFDJ4″]

If you’re not a massive fan of the yoga mat or you know you won’t be doing much floor work, these may be a great alternative. They are made from cotton to absorb sweat, and the grips on the bottom are perfect for non-slip activities like stretches or balance work.

Buy your set [amazon link=”B07VXDFDJ4″] [amazon fields=”B07VXDFDJ4″ value=”price” format=”linked”]!

Cardio Workouts

This adjustable jump rope comes with a carrying case, so you don’t have to do that annoying tangle-dance-thing, plus weighted handles for a little extra work for your arms. Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”Adjustable Jump Rope with Weighted Handles” link=”B07SWZHPYX”]

Jumping rope can strengthen bones, burn a ton of calories, and amp up your endurance like crazy. Make sure the cord is right for your height – you want it to be about chest-height if you’re stepping on its midpoint. We like this specific one because you can adjust the length to your height. The handles are cushioned and weighted, which is a bonus.

It’s time to buy your [amazon link=”B07SWZHPYX”] [amazon fields=”B07SWZHPYX” value=”price” format=”linked”]!

Step platforms may immediately make you think of neon pink, graffiti graphics, and possibly Cyndi Lauper, but they are a total cardio workout and a calorie burner like no other. Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”Step Platform with 2 Risers” link=”B017NTH3D2″]

Feel your 80’s self come to life with this revived workout style. Yes, it’s an old workout, but it wouldn’t have stuck around if it didn’t work! The American Council on Exercise says it is suitable for weight loss and mood enhancement, so what’s stopping you from doing this at home? It’s surprisingly affordable, and the cheesiness only adds to the fun. Get your friends to join in on a zoom call and have yourself an 80’s date, complete with leg warmers (sold separately, unfortunately).

This model has non-skid feet and a grooved top for extra grip. You can even buy additional risers if you feel super-fit and ready to take on extra height. Get it, girl!

Order your [amazon link=”B017NTH3D2″] [amazon fields=”B017NTH3D2″ value=”price” format=”linked”] today.

Work your lower body and your core with this super affordable stepper machine. It’s the number 1 seller in step fitness machines on Amazon, so the people have spoken! Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”Twist Stepper Step Machine with Resistance Bands” link=”B0016BUR7I”]

If you’re a machine fiend and have to have actual equipment, then we have you covered. Workout equipment doesn’t have to be bulky (or expensive!) to be effective. It has “twist action” to work your hips, glutes, and thighs, and who doesn’t want that? It comes with resistance bands that you can clip and unclip as well as an LCD monitor to show total count, time, calories burned, and rep count. Make sure you can balance without handles.

Purchase your [amazon link=”B0016BUR7I”] [amazon fields=”B0016BUR7I” value=”price” format=”linked”]!

If you’d like to focus less on your core and more on your lower body, this is the machine for you. Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”Twist Stepper Step Machine w/Handle Bar” link=”B001IDZHF6″]

Much like the previous item on the list, this stair stepper is great for your glutes, thighs, and abs. The main difference here is that this relies less on your ability to balance and focuses more on your target muscles and endurance. The handlebars are non-slip, and the LCD monitor displays your time, calories, and count.

Reserve your very own [amazon link=”B001IDZHF6″] [amazon fields=”B001IDZHF6″ value=”price” format=”linked”].

If you always thought rower machines were impressive but knew you’d never own one because they’d set you back thousands of dollars, here’s your chance! Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”Adjustable Resistance Rowing Machine Rower w/Digital Monitor” link=”B009QXP77I”]

This rower is so much more affordable than most models on the market. It comes with 12 levels of resistance but still is pretty quiet. The digital monitor tracks your progress so you can log how many calories you’ve burned and how long you’ve been killing it.

When you’re not using it, you can store it in a small space or under a bed, making it a great at-home workout tool. Buy yours [amazon link=”B009QXP77I”] [amazon fields=”B009QXP77I” value=”price” format=”linked”]

Strength Training Workouts

This little set has all the resistance bands you could need, plus a little extra. Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”Resistance Exercise Bands” link=”B077Y835TP”]

What’s not to love about resistance bands? This at-home gym tool will improve your exercises; they strengthen you while still being lightweight, they’re color-coded, they’re versatile — they’re great!

This set is especially great. It comes in seven different resistance levels: xx-light to xx-heavy, plus a set of workout cards to change things up. Each card has visual and written instructions, and you can slide them right into the band carrying case for easy transportation.

Check out the whole set of resistance bands and exercise cards [amazon link=”B077Y835TP”] [amazon fields=”B077Y835TP” value=”price” format=”linked”]

Ab roller wheels may sound or even look silly, but they’re no laughing matter. They take serious muscle control, but you can easily start from beginner poses to more advanced poses with the wheel. Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”Ab Roller Wheel for Abdominal Exercise” link=”B0016BJ5N0″]

Roller wheels are great for multiple muscle groups in the body: abs, side abdominals, obliques, hip flexors, shoulders, and the back. You can build up your core from beginner levels to advanced strength by starting from a kneeling posture and performing a push-up with the roller, then progressing into more challenging positions.

This particular model has grooved handles for an ergonomic grip and a textured wheel for safe rolling.

We know you’re ready to change up your workout, get your ab roller wheel [amazon link=”B0016BJ5N0″] [amazon fields=”B0016BJ5N0″ value=”price” format=”linked”]!

Ankle or wrist weights are a perfect way to add a little extra difficulty to your workout routine, especially if it’s getting too comfortable. Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”Ankle/Wrist Weight Pair Set with Adjustable Strap” link=”B06XS6CBCN”]

For the overachievers out there that just aren’t satisfied with the concept of body weight as a training tool, ankle or wrist weights are a perfect addition to your home gym setup. They take hardly any space up, and you can choose exactly how much weight you’d like to add.

This set is made of neoprene with interlocking stitching, making it a durable tool to last through your tough workouts. Lots of reviewers commented on how comfortable these weights are, which is a definite concern when considering something you’re strapping to yourself and flailing around.

Purchase your comfy weights [amazon link=”B06XS6CBCN”] [amazon fields=”B06XS6CBCN” value=”price” format=”linked”]! Pricing ranges based on the weight you choose.

This exercise ball is quite impressive – it comes with a chair setup and resistance bands, plus an exercise chart so you can use it in every way imaginable. Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”Exercise Ball Chair with Resistance Bands” link=”B07QTXTK35″]

Stability balls are great for strengthening your core and strengthening your abs and muscle tone. This ball comes with resistance bands, a manual pump, and a poster with 38 exercises to fully maximize the use of your stability ball. You have a complete at-home workout in one purchase.

Buy your exercise ball with resistance bands [amazon link=”B07QTXTK35″] [amazon fields=”B07QTXTK35″ value=”price” format=”linked”]!

Any home gym needs a set of dumbbells, and this is a great set to have. The weights are a great selection, and their shape prevents any possible rolling. Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”Tone Fitness Neoprene Dumbbell Set with Rack, 32 Pounds of Weights” link=”B00X5PBQ4Q”]

Though you can choose your adventure when it comes to free weights (dumbbells, kettlebells, or medicine balls, for example), this set exemplifies a classic collection of weights with an excellent weight selection. The lighter weights are ideal for longer rep cycles, while the heavier weights might be more suited for quick bursts of energy or one-handed exercises while you rest your other arm.

You might even want to stick entirely with one lightweight initially until you move out of the beginner phase. Whatever your choice is, this set is a great option. The hex-shaped weights also prevent the dumbbells from rolling should you drop them, not that you ever would, of course.

Order your own set of Tone Fitness Neoprene Dumbbells [amazon link=”B00X5PBQ4Q”] [amazon fields=”B00X5PBQ4Q” value=”price” format=”linked”]!

Push-up stands are a dime a dozen, but these are great because they are designed to rotate during push-ups to increase your muscle activation. Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”Perfect Pushup Elite Pushup Stands” link=”B008DNAJ5M”]

Push-up stands make push-ups safer by aligning your wrists with your hand and forearms. They do make push-ups harder, so these are not for beginners. They will also reduce strain in the wrist and elbows through their ergonomic design, and they are, of course, designed not to slip regardless of the floor surface they’re placed on.

You’re brave enough to take on these push-up stands, grab your pair of [amazon link=”B008DNAJ5M”] [amazon fields=”B008DNAJ5M” value=”price” format=”linked”] push-up stands!

If you need a workout that involves your lower body and no storage space, this is the workout for you! Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”Booty Resistance Bands” link=”B07R8TCFNS”]

Do you love kickbacks? Not the illegal kind. We’re talking donkey kicks, hip adductors, and hip abductors! This set of bands is rated 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon and comes in three difficulty levels: medium, heavy, and x-heavy, so you can choose how hard you want your workout to be. It also comes with a workout guide and a carrying case, making it the perfect portable exercise you need when you’re on the go.

Choose your booty resistance band [amazon link=”B07R8TCFNS”] [amazon fields=”B07R8TCFNS” value=”price” format=”linked”]!

If you’re just not in the mood for equipment, bands, rollers, or dumbbells, but still want to get your workout in, then this little dice set is what you need. It uses just your body weight to get your blood pumping. Credit: Amazon

[amazon title=”Quick Sweat Fitness Dice” link=”B07PR5PTD1″]

The dice in this set are color-coded based on difficulty level, and there is an instruction booklet along with video demos of all exercises and game ideas. You’ll have a total of 90 workouts you can do with this set, so what are you waiting for? Buy [amazon link=”B07PR5PTD1″] [amazon fields=”B07PR5PTD1″ value=”price” format=”linked”] today!

Hopefully, this at-home gym essentials list makes you excited to start your workout and get sweating! There’s no time like the present to change our future.

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