Happy New Year! What a year 2020 has been, here’s hoping for a better 2021 for all. Many of us have lost access to gyms due to the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean your fitness has to suffer. Why not start 2021 off right with some no nonsense home gym essentials.

My husband and I have worked out at home for 5 years now, and we spent quite some time planning and building our dedicated gym. See How to Build a Home Gym, if you’d like to see our entire gym with its full equipment. In this list however I include no machines. Rather this home gym essentials list won’t require a lot of space, so you can use them in any corner of your house. No excuses 2021!

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Home Gym Essentials List

1. Dumbells

We have varying sizes of dumbells for our home gym. My husband uses the Bowflex adjustable dumbells, which is great for small spaces. I use the weight stand with varying weights. You don’t even need as many, one heavy set, and one lighter set will help in varying your workouts. This is the BowFlex Select Tech 552 we have. Similar dumbells here.

2. KettleBells

Similar to the weights, it’s great to have a set of these, especially as kettlebell swings can be used as a cardio workout. We have the Tone Fitness KettleBells, I find them comfortable to use and they look great. Also, I’ll be like a broken record here, check out YouTube for really good beginner level kettlebell workouts.

3. Step

One of the challenges of working out at home may be the lack of a cardio machine (and if you’re up north like us running outside in January isn’t ideal). For that reason I highly recommend an old school step aerobics class (again I rely on YouTube for my classes). We have The Aerobic Stepper, a classic when it comes to step workouts. I use ours with extra risers for a more challenging workout.

4. Suspension Bands (TRX style)/ Resistance Bands

Something new in our gym is the Resistance Suspension Training System (linked similar). Can I tell you they are truly versatile, I use them for both cardio and strength training. (Again you have to check out YouTube videos for total body TRX style workouts). Also, wow, the range of motion you get for squats using these are unbeatable. We have ours wall mounted, but they can go over your door.

TheFitLIfe Resistance bands are light weight, affordable and provide a great low impact total body workout. We love these as they are easy to store as well.

5. Jump Rope

If you’re short on space for large equipment, a skipping rope is an excellent affordable option to get your cardio in. This Wastou Speed Jumping Rope for all ages is an excellent option, as they are also adjustable. Quite often we just them for a quick warm-up before a workout.

6. Foam Rollers

This may not be an essential for workouts, but since it’s become harder to get a massage, I use our foam rollers for a quick at home massage after a workout. Both of these foam rollers are SO good, one gets into the grooves etc, and the other massages out knots. Check out the ones we have, I’ve been using them for over a year with no issues. The black one, High Density Round Foam Roller (linked similar) and the green one Trigger Point Foam Roller (linked similar).

7. Yoga Mat

I love our floor mat, not only for yoga, but this AmazonBasics Exercise Mat, provides a good cushion for the hard floors. I rely on the mat for any floor exercises and for stretching. Plus it’s easy to roll away once I’m done. I use ours almost every day, it goes through a beating (esp when dropping weights on it), and it’s held up extremely well. A top recommendation!

8. Media/Smartwatch

Ok obviously you don’t need a tv/smartphone or smartwatch to workout, but they are a good companion to achieve an awesome at home workout. As I’ve mentioned,I follow most of my workout videos from YouTube, (check out BodyFit by Amy if you’re looking for some motivation), and I cast directly from my Smartphone to the TV. Any workout you need you can probably find them on YouTube. I also enjoy total body weight workouts, that incorporate some kind of cardio within them.

A smartwatch is helpful to monitor your heartrate during a workout, and keep track of your progress using an app. I’ve had a FitBit Charge for years now, and its very close to my heart (no pun intended).

*Bonus. Mirror

Mirror? YES! Without a trainer, or gym friend, I rely on a mirror to check on form constantly. Also, hey it’s more fun to be able to see yourself. I find it oddly motivating. Try something simple like this one here, Framed Wall Mirror.

And that everyone is my 8 home gym essentials list to get you motivated for the new year. Again, we also have other equipment which you can check out in my How to Build a Home Gym post, and get some ideas on how to create a more dedicated space to workout in.

Other Home Gym Posts:

• How to Build a Home Gym
• Gym Floorspace Design
• Gym Wall Organization

Here’s to a better 2021 for all and good luck with your fitness journey. Stay healthy and safe!