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Have you been wanting to get started on your fitness journey but maybe feeling intimidated and overwhelmed about getting a gym membership to exercise in front of a bunch of strangers….Perhaps working out at home is more your vibe. Whether it's the tight schedule, budget constraints, or shyness holding you back from the gym, no worries! Building your own home gym can be an empowering and fulfilling way to achieve your fitness goals. Let's get into my list of Home Gym Essentials for beginners, and discover how to turn your space into a fitness haven.

1. A Welcoming Space: Set the Tone

First things first, let's create a space that radiates positivity and motivation. Clear out the clutter and dedicate a corner or a room where you can focus on your workouts without any distractions. Elevate the space with a splash of vibrant colors like with these wall light panels (may not be an essential for some but they just add a little something extra & are fun, vibrant, and multicolored), seeing motivational quotes on the wall can be inspiring and motivating when you’re not feeling it, and don’t forget a full-length mirror for checking your form and gym selfies.

2. Comfy Activewear: Dress to Impress Yourself

When working out at home, you're the star of the show! Slip into comfortable and breathable activewear that makes you feel confident and ready to conquer those workouts. You don't need a whole wardrobe, just a few sets that make you feel like the fitness goddess you are. Get inspired by the carousel of images below styled by me;) Click on an image to shop the look & you’ll be taken to the activewear style collage in my Amazon storefront.

3. Quality Mat: Your Supportive Foundation

Protect your joints and provide a cushioned base for bodyweight exercises, yoga, and stretching with a high-quality exercise mat. Look for one that's non-slip and easy to clean, ensuring a comfortable workout experience. Thickness matters! Be mindful of the thickness of the mat while shopping to make sure it aligns with your goals and plans. A thick, cushiony mat is good for stretching and doing floor exercises like bicycle crunches and donkey kicks. These exercise don’t require balance and provides enough cushion for your knees and back but this type of mat is not good for yoga. A thinner mat is better for yoga or exercises where you’re standing and need to maintain balance.

4. Versatile Resistance Bands: Your Portable Gym

Resistance bands are a game-changer for home workouts. I personally like to keep all varieties available in my home gym; latex/fabric, short/long, they are all useful and serve a purpose. These compact, affordable tools add intensity to your exercises, targeting various muscle groups. Whether you want to focus on total body or just the booty, they've got you covered! Not only are they affordable but they’re also portable helping you maintain consistency with your health/fitness goals when traveling.

5. Dumbbells or Kettlebells: Lift and Tone

Investing in a set of dumbbells or kettlebells can greatly enhance your strength training routine. Start with a couple of different weights or a set of adjustable dumbbells and gradually increase as you progress. Dumbbells or kettlebells are perfect for full-body workouts and achieving a toned look or building more muscle.

6. Stability Ball: Core Strength Buddy

A stability ball is not just for sitting! It's an excellent tool for core exercises, balance training, and even some strength moves. Plus, it adds an element of fun to your workouts.

7. Cardio space savers

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a huge cardio machine. There are a lot of affordable options available that don’t take up a lot of space. A jump rope (if you have the head room or a patio) is a fantastic way to get your heart pumping, improve coordination, and burn calories.

Have you seen these mini steppers ? They are so compact and it honestly looks like a fun way to do cardio. Or a cardio vertical climber ( I have one of these in my bedroom). They are a bit pricier but still more affordable than most cardio machines out there and doesn’t take up a lot of space, this is a total body cardio workout. Get your steps in year round with a foldable walking pad. I think these are the coolest things and so much more affordable than a traditional treadmill…plus, it can fit under a couch or bed

8. Streaming Workouts: Virtual Fitness Friends

Get your daily dose of motivation from virtual fitness classes and online tutorials. There's a ton of amazing fitness creators on YouTube, including yours truly (subscribe here), to choose from offering a variety of workouts. From yoga to pilates to home cardio/strength training, catering to all fitness levels. Find a trainer or community that resonates with you and make sweating enjoyable. If you’re looking for a home workout guide, check out my lower body fitness guide, Building Curves for beginner or intermediate levels, more details in my shop.

9. Proper Lighting and Music: Energize Your Space

Good lighting and uplifting music can do wonders for your workout ambiance. Natural light is ideal, but if that's not possible, opt for bright and warm artificial lighting. Create a playlist that pumps you up and keeps you moving.

10. Hydration and Nutrition Station: Fuel Up Right

Lastly, don't forget to keep a water bottle and some healthy snacks nearby. I personally love Larabar, specifically the peanut butter chocolate chip! With only 4 ingredients, it’s definitely on my list of healthy go-to snacks that also satisfies my sweet tooth. Staying hydrated and properly fueled ensures you can give your best during your home workouts.

Time to Get Started!

With these Home Gym Essentials in place, you're all set to kickstart your fitness journey with confidence, dedication, and a sprinkle of fun. Remember, your home gym is your sanctuary of strength, and each workout is a step towards your best self. So, get ready to sweat, smile, and shine as you embrace the incredible power of at-home workouts. Let's do this, ladies! 💪🏋️‍♀️