The Best Way to Start Working Out at Home with a Home Gym Set Up

There are tons of reasons why people are ditching the gym and turning to home workouts. For starters, it takes a lot of time to drive to the gym, change into workout clothes, exercise, and then drive home, especially after a long day of work. Your commute to a home gym is much shorter and eliminates the need for transportation and childcare, which saves time and money. Additionally, you can choose your own workout schedule and don’t have to adhere to the hours of a gym or try to make it to a workout class on time when you exercise at home. You can also customize your workout routine to fit your goals, ability, and energy level on any given day. Working out at home provides privacy, comfort, and convenience that you simply don’t get when going to a gym or attending a workout class. And if you’re ready to make the switch, you’re in the right place. I’m sharing the best way to start working out at home by creating a home gym set up you love. Let’s dive in. 

How to Create a Gym at Home: Your Home Gym Essentials List

The best way to start working out at home is to have a space that’s optimized for awesome workouts. Whether you live in a tiny studio apartment or can dedicate your entire garage to your fitness studio, you can create a home gym set up that’s motivating, comfortable, and helps you achieve your goals. Here’s how to create a gym at home. 

1. Choose Your Home Gym Workout Space

The best way to start working out at home is to have a space dedicated to your fitness goals. It’s easier to get motivated when your equipment is set out and staring at you, begging to be used. Consider doubling your home office or a spare bedroom as your home gym space, so long as it provides enough room to do the types of exercises you want to do.

For example, if you want to build your strength, you’ll need some weighted equipment which can take up a bit more space. Or, if you’re going to do a lot of HIIT training with jumping involved, make sure there’s nothing overhead that you might bump into, like a low-hanging light or ceiling fan. 
What’s most important is that you feel good about where you choose to exercise, so you don’t dread it. Once you find the perfect spot for your home gym set up, it’s time to fill it with the equipment essentials you need to achieve your goals.

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2. Get Your Home Gym Basic Equipment

There are a lot of exercises you can do with home gym basic equipment. You definitely don’t need large cable machines or tons of weights to get in an effective workout. Of course, if you have the space and want a more elaborate, diverse gym, go for it. But here’s what I recommend for those looking for home gym basic equipment that will get the job done. 

1. Yoga Mat

It’s a good idea to have a soft surface for bodyweight and core exercises, and a yoga mat will do the trick. You can also use your mat to stretch, warm up, and cool down for a complete home workout routine.

2. Dumbbells

I recommend having dumbbells in a variety of weights (if possible), ranging from 5-25 pounds each, depending on your strength level. While you can get away with just one 10-pound set for many exercises, having variety keeps your muscles guessing and getting stronger. 

• Weight for Shoulders and Triceps: 5-12 lbs
• Weights for Back, Chest, Bicep, and Legs: 10-25 lbs
• Non-Dumbbell Option: A 1-gallon jug of water is 8.3 lbs, and a 2.5-gallon jug of water is 21bs

The Set of 5 Pairs of Hex Dumbbells with Rack in A is a great weight set that doesn’t take up much space!

3. Loop Bands/Resistance Bands with Handles

Loop bands or resistance bands with handles work as an inexpensive alternative to heavy dumbbells and an extensive cable machine. If it works within your budget to have bands and dumbbells, I recommend both. But loop bands/resistance bands with handles are an inexpensive and effective way to start your home gym. Use code: Ashleylane for 20% off all Hope Fitness Gear equipment!

4. Fabric Mini Bands

Fabric mini bands and/or elastic mini bands are my absolute favorite! They can be used for cardio, booty building, and upper body exercises. Wide fabric mini bands are amazing because they don’t roll up, and they provide more resistance–your booty will thank you. Use code: Ashleylane for 20% off all Hope Fitness Gear equipment!

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5. Exercise Step

The final home gym basic equipment I recommend having is an exercise step. This could be a sturdy chair, box, cooler, or anything around that height. Having an elevated surface diversifies the exercises you can do in your home workout space. I love an exercise step because it easily slides under a bed or couch, and it doubles as a workout bench you can lie on.

Optional Home Gym Basic Equipment

If you’re looking to fill your home gym set up with even more exercise equipment, you can’t go wrong with a:

• Squat Rack
• Jump Rope
• Cardio Machine (i.e., elliptical, treadmill, stationary bike, etc.)
• Bosu Ball
• Small Ab Ball
• Large Exercise Ball
• Kettlebell (heavy 30lb +)

3. Set Up Your Home Gym

Once you know where you’re going to exercise and have some home gym basic equipment, it’s time to set everything up. Having your space ready means you’re less likely to skip a workout. You might consider getting a full-length mirror to watch yourself exercise to ensure you have proper form. It’s also important to declutter and organize your space so you have room for your equipment. Lastly, create a motivating environment by decorating your home gym with inspirational quotes and photos or by investing in some high-quality speakers so you can blast your favorite playlist when you exercise.  

To keep your home gym set up safe and clean, be sure to wipe down all of your equipment with disinfectant wipes after each use. You’ll also want to store your equipment away to avoid a tripping hazard. 

The ALFitCrew Fitness App is the Best Way to Start Working out at Home 

Now you have your home gym essentials list for how to create a gym at home. Once it’s all set up, you need home workouts to jumpstart your fitness routine. The ALFitCrew app is the best way to start working out at home. It features hundreds of personalized 25-45 minute workouts designed for a home gym set up. Get an effective workout using the home gym basic equipment you have available, and find modifications, video examples, and 1:1 support when you need it. Learn more and try it free for 7 days today!