The Essential Equipment List for Your Home Gym

The holidays are approaching, leaving many of us scratching our heads over what to gift our loved ones- or even what to add to our list for ourselves this year. While it’s always important to consider a budget, it is also timely to remember that a gift is something that adds value to the life of the recipient. With those considerations in mind, I have crafted a fitness and health inspired gift lift list perfect for the holidays or for any occasion that calls for a thoughtful offering. I have also categorized each piece of equipment so that you can match the right gift to the interests and ability level of the person for whom you’re shopping. Use the link at the end of this article to browse a few of my favorite selections.

Here are my top recommendations for all budgets for the in-home essentials you will actually want to use!:

  1. Dumbbells- all fitness levels: simple yet highly effective, a set of dumbbells says, “I enjoy getting a little workout in whenever I want!” Available in different aesthetics, colors, and materials, dumbbells are the perfect in-home fitness accessory because they take up very little space and are easily hidden in plain sight in a living room, office, or guest room- easy access, easy to clean up. Click here for a free full-body dumbbell workout video from Coach Vera.

  2. Kettlebells- intermediate fitness levels: kettlebells offer an extremely versatile option for your in-home fitness. You can go heavier without needing bulky machines; however, you should be well-versed in the specifics of using the ketttle bells, as they require specific form to handle them without getting injured.

  3. Studio classes- advanced fitness levels: buying fitness classes at boutique studios can be great, however this should not be the first place that you start on your fitness journey. Group fitness classes should only be utilized by people who have been through individual coaching prior to their attending a group setting. Individual fitness instruction helps to prevent injury and helps you to build a better understanding of the modifications your body needs in certain movements. If you are an experienced athlete, I recommend pilates or yoga, or try FlowLIFT, which is a great combination of both. You can learn more about FlowLIFT here.

  4. Cardio equipment- all levels: My number one rule when it comes to purchasing in-home fitness equipment is that you ask yourself the question: “will this (whatever piece of equipment) help me to be more consistent with my exercise?” For me the machine that makes me answer, “yes!” to that question every time is the Peloton treadmill. Hear me out! You don’t- I repeat, you do not- have to enjoy running to use this machine. With settings from walking to hiking, bodyweight stretch classes to pilates, to full-body strength workouts, guided meditations, and more, this is a product that I fully stand behind as a professional. And this is not a paid endorsement- I own the Peloton Tread and the bike, both of which I know make me more likely to workout. You can learn more about these products in the link at the end of this article.

  5. Resistance bands- all levels: This product is perfect for traveling, living room workouts, quick office exercise breaks- portable and offering a wide variety of workout options, resistance bands are fun and effective tools for any fitness enthusiasts on your list. Use the longer ones for more upper body moves, and the mini fabric bands for your lower body- find the product details in the link.

Remember, even the best cooking pot will not produce food- it is not the tool itself, but rather how we use it that matters. Each piece of in-home exercise equipment is intended to enhance the consistency of your fitness habit. Have fun, remember that as long as you move your body every day you’re doing great, and don’t take this stuff too seriously! Happy shopping!

All products described in the article can be found on my Amazon list here.

Copy and paste URL: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3GXZ6ZQRKSX1H?ref_=wl_share

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