Working out in the privacy of your own home is awesome. For one thing, you’re alone, so you can try out all the weird cardio dance moves and yoga poses you want without an audience. You’ll save money, since there’s no monthly fee to exercise in your own space. And you’re totally in charge of the music — without being confined to headphones. Also, you don’t have to trudge through nasty weather or traffic to get to the gym when you don’t feel going outside, which saves valuable commuting time, making a before work workout actually seem doable. Have we sold you on it yet? You can definitely craft a great, no-equipment-needed at-home workout that’s challenging and fun — in fact, here are a few ideas. But if you want to start building a home gym, there’s some great gear out there that will power up your moves (and can fit into a closet when you're not using it). Here’s what you need to cross-train, kick butt — and get in a good stretch when you’re done.
A Set of Weights
Having dumbbells in a few different weights will give you options as you get stronger, and many fitness programs will suggest having both a heavier set and lighter set on hand to perform the moves. The rack is included for easy organizing!
A Cushy Mat
You’ll use a mat for way more than just yoga — mats are good for virtually any activity you choose, especially if you have carpeted floors (trust us, you do not want sweat soaking in there). This moisture-resistant mat is thick enough to protect your knees when kneeling, but rolls up easily to hide away when you’re not using it.
A Sporty Water Bottle
Staying hydrated while you sweat is key. Choose a pop top water bottle so you won’t be cleaning up any accidental spills (it is your house, after all!). Plus, this version filters your tap water for you and is BPA-free and dishwasher safe.
Perfect Props
Blocks are an amazing tool for yoga newbies, since they can help you get deeper into more challenging poses. But experienced yogis should own a pair, too — they’re great for stretching (try using one to prop yourself up in fish pose or for supported bridge).
— SPONSORED —
The Anti-Lazy Leggings
Choose animal/graphic/tie-dye/wacky-printed leggings for some sartorial inspiration. Because who wants to change into workout clothes if they don't excite you?
Strap For Stretching
A strap is a great tool for everything from releasing tight hamstrings to helping you wriggle into tough poses. We love that this one is made from recycled polyester.
A Multi-Purpose Resistance Band
This tiny wonder can help you do virtually any move you’d perform on a cable machine at the gym: pulldowns, rotations, bicep curls, you name it. As you get stronger, tighten your grip on the band to make the exercises harder. Bonus: since it takes up practically no space, it’s also great for throwing in your suitcase to squeeze in a workout on vacation.
An Adjustable Stepper
Height makes for killer cardio moves, like step ups and box jumps. And you can use it for modifying moves like planks or push-ups — put the stepper under your hands to make the move easier, and under your feet to make it more difficult.
A Kettlebell
Want to try our 30-day kettlebell challenge? Then you’ll need one of these bad boys. This version comes with two detachable weight plates, so you can go up from five to eight to 12 pounds as you get stronger.
All-Purpose Sneakers
Sure, you can skip shoes if you’re working out at home (and you should for, say, yoga) but for anything high-impact such as jumping, you’ll want some extra support. Look for a pair that’s ultra-lightweight and breathable, like these.
The Perfect Sports Bra
If you don’t leave the house to sweat, there’s even fewer reasons to cover up an awesome printed sports bra. The longer cut means it works as a crop top, and the front zip style is incredibly supportive — which is key since this bra comes in sizes up to DDD.
Bluetooth speaker
Rejoice: You don’t have to fumble with sweaty headphones! Blast your favorite pump-up jams in whatever room you chose as your gym, thanks to this pocket-sized-yet-incredibly-powerful wireless speaker. It has 12 hours of battery life, which should get you through quite a few workouts.
One Super-Tough DVD
Keep a few types of fitness DVDs in your library, so you can constantly mix it up. One good pick is a workout that leaves you collapsed on the floor in sweat — Jillian Michaels prides herself on that, and this program is no joke. There are four different workouts on the disc that progress in difficulty, and each one combines cardio, weight training, and core exercises to keep you constantly moving and literally on your toes.
One Soothing Yoga DVD
Yoga is a great choice for a home workout because when there are no distractions, you can really get deep into your practice. This Yoga for Beginners video introduces two different styles — hatha and flow — so you can choose a variation based on your mood and energy level.
One Barre DVD
Most barre-based workouts use lifts and pulses to activate small, overlooked muscle groups, which can be surprisingly difficult. Another barre secret: A dining chair makes a great at-home barre, so a barre DVD is another great one to have in rotation. Exhale’s barre basics is basically like if a boutique fitness class popped up in your living room — just light a candle, and you’ll swear you’re in the studio.
A Mini Core Ball
Not everyone has room for a full-sized stability ball (unless you’re inflating and deflating it for each use, which…no thanks) but you can definitely find a place to stash the mini version. You can perform virtually all the same moves on the baby-sized ball, and the small size is also a great tool for inner thigh and butt exercises.
Super Soft Towels
One easy way to make your little fitness corner feel more like a luxurious health club is to invest in a few hand towels you use exclusively for workouts. Jade’s microfiber version is ultra-soft and absorbent, but dries quickly. Bonus: For every one sold, Jade provides a month’s worth of clean drinking water to an individual in the developing world.
Socks to Get a Grip
If you have slippery floors but don’t need shoes for your chosen activity, try a pair of grippy toe socks. Use them for barre moves, yoga flows, and more.
A Foam Roller
Once you start foam rolling, you might never stop. Rolling out tired, sore muscles on one of these babies can feel like heaven. And if you have your own at home, you can just stretch out on the floor, turn on Netflix, and roll the night away. Bliss.
An Official Timekeeper
For everything from timing cardio circuits to extending your plank hold, it helps to have a big, bold timer in view. (Your phone screen will dim after it’s been idle for 5 minutes, so it might not be your best bet.) Repurpose this kitchen timer for gym use — it counts up or down from 99 minutes and 59 seconds. All without having to enter your passcode.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
How One WWE Diva Sticks To Her Resolutions & Deals With Instagram Haters
No One Looks Cute On A StairMaster
How Coffee Can Help You Want to Work Out