Setting Up a Home Gym
Your gym is closed. Your spin class is canceled. The race you were training for has been delayed indefinitely… It’s easy to feel like keeping up with your usual fitness routine is impossible, but now more than ever it’s important to keep moving. To quote the excellent movie, Legally Blonde:
“Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy!”
--Elle Woods
She later goes on to say “And happy people just don’t shoot their husbands” but that part is less relevant right now… The important takeaway is that in these stressful and uncertain times, exercise is an important tool in maintaining your mental and emotional health (as well as your physical health, obviously). So, to help you get organized, inspired, and motivated we’ve put together a home gym guide.
Gear For Everyone:
Wearable Fitness Tracker- Think of this as a personal accountability buddy. Even the simplest pedometer will help you have a clear picture of the amount of physical activity you’re getting or not getting every day and it might even inspire you to go a little longer on your afternoon walk.
Phone Stand for Fitness Videos- What’s in greater demand than toilet paper right now? Online fitness classes! Everything from yoga to dance parties are going digital. Join in the fun without fumbling your phone for the right angle. A phone stand is an essential ingredient to anyone looking to enjoy a video workout.
Gear For Cardio:
Bicycle Training Stand- If the weather isn’t right for a ride outdoors you can still get the bike benefits with a bicycle training stand. Ranging in price from $50 to $500, they come with a variety of features, but all of them will let you pedal in place while rewatching The Office, again.
Jump Rope- Kick it old school with a jump rope. Great for your heart and health, if you have at least three people you can take your jumping to the next level by learning some sweet double-dutch routines.
Running Shoes- The outdoors aren’t canceled. Grab your running shoes and put one foot in front of the other. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far you go. The important thing is that you’re moving. If you’re a person who normally does all their running on a treadmill at the gym, be prepared for an adjustment to your stride and your speed. Also, be mindful about seasonal allergies and the air quality index.
Gear For Flexibility
Resistance Bands- Joining the resistance isn’t just for Star Wars fans! Resistance bands are a versatile tool for improving flexibility and muscle tone. They pack away easily, so they are excellent for small spaces or temporary setups. We have been especially loving the resistance band workouts for better posture.
Yoga Mat- Even if you’re not practicing yoga, a yoga mat can be a helpful tool in many a home workout. Not only does it keep your clothes clean while you’re on the floor, but it also provides a grippy, slightly cushioned surface that makes everything from push-ups to sit-ups a little bit easier.
Exercise Ball- While this item takes up a fair amount of space, it makes up for it with versatile applications. Not only can you use this as a chair that keeps your core and back engaged, but you can also use it for stretches and modified sit-ups and back exercises.
Gear For Strength:
EmPack- Even if you haven’t joined our FREE 8-Week Strength Training Program with Emily Schromm (which you can still sign up for!) you can still enjoy the versatility and innovation of her specially designed EmPack. It’s fully adjustable to weigh up to 60lbs and doubles as a nifty backpack.
Dumbbell Set- If you’ve got more space in your place and you want that gym experience you can also order a dumbbell set. You may want to do your lifts in front of a mirror, just like the gym, to make sure your form is correct and you’re not risking injury.
Not ready to commit to new gear? Consider making workouts out of things you already own. As this Youtubershows us, even a simple chair can be a tool for full body fitness. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or sluggish… Just remember:
