While you might not be able to progress your training to Ms Olympia Body Building Competition standards in a home-workout setting, for most, it’s a really great place to start your fitness journey. (And honestly? With the right equipment- you can take it faaaaar beyond the basics!).
Why train at home? First off, home is where you feel comfortable and safe, its your environment and you can make it private, temperature controlled, plus have everything you need on hand. For many women it’s also the fact there isn’t always the time or budget to regularly get to a gym after their busy working day, your home makes workouts easy, affordable and with no additional daily commute, (and when you live in Sharjah- this matters!)
So, what do you need to start working out at home?
The Home-Workout Essentials:
A Yoga Mat: Don’t scrimp on this, you’re going to be spending a of time on it- so make it plush, easy to clean and of course a colour/design you like.
Dumbbells: If you’re really new to working out, I like to start with a set of 2kg and 4kg dumbbells. The 2s for most things, and the 4s for chest presses, rows etc. (After a few months you will need to increase to 3kgs and 5 kgs.)
Kettlebells: Anyone who’s worked with me knows I LOVE kettles, I would definitely recommend adding a 5kg early on and progressing to an 8kg after a few months.
Bands: These are great, get a pack of the short and long bands, just buy a good quality as I’ve seen the stretch to a point beyond useless, roll up every time you try to use them and /or just be so ‘plasticky’ that they can give clients hives.
The Home Workout ‘Good to Have’s’
A Yoga Ball: These are great for balance-based work and are generally robust enough you can even use them as a chair replacement.
A Plastic Step: Great for a bunch of exercises from calf raises to step ups.
Leg Weights: 2Kg leg weights are great for increasing the intensity of various homebased leg exercises.
A Pull Up Bar: Mastering a pull up is the ultimate flex, and no one will believe for a second you did all the training from the comfort of your own home!
A Small Walking Pad: It’s not all about building muscle, you’re also going to have to figure out your cardio work, for many women this is a small walking pad. Just half an hour watching your favourite show, making calls or even under your desk and can significantly increase your daily steps and heart health!
This set-up should see you through the first six to 12 months depending on how quickly you progress. It will allow you to follow most beginner cardio/Pilates/strength video sessions, online training and/or be the majority of the equipment required to work with a home PT. Enjoy!!
