Skip to Content

What Do I Need to Start Exercising at Home?

5 Things You Need to Start Exercising at Home - MamaExercises.com

You know what stops a lot of people from exercising at home? Analysis paralysis.  That’s right, they analyze everything from the padding of their carpet to the equipment that they have on hand to determine whether or not working out at home is feasible.  Heaven forbid they start searching for exercise equipment online, because then the sheer number of options stops them dead in their tracks.  Does that sound like you?  Then listen carefully, because I want to let you in on a little secret.  You only need about five things to get a really effective workout at home.  Yep, just five.  Grab your pen, because here’s what you’re going to need.

5 Things You Need for Exercising at Home

#1.  Your Body

Yes, friends, the most important piece of exercise equipment that you need to get a great workout at home is your body.  Body weight exercises like push-ups, jumping jacks, crunches, planks, mountain climbers, squats, lunges, and burpees will get you in shape in no time. If you have your body with you at all times, you’re set.  If you don’t…exercising should not be a priority; please seek help.

#2. Sneakers

I know a lot of people exercise with bare feet, but without proper footwear you might find your back aching and your calves on fire – and not in a good just-had-a-great-workout kind of way. I highly recommend that you get a good pair of sneakers that fit your feet well. If you’re going to be doing any running, go get fitted at a store that specializes in runners.  However, if you can’t afford a super-duper expensive pair of sneakers, a less expensive pair will do just fine!

#3. A Mat

I have two mats – a padded comfort mat and a thin, sticky [easyazon_link identifier=”B017C8OCB0″ locale=”US” tag=”mamaexercises-20″]yoga mat[/easyazon_link].  I like both, but if I had to pick one, I’d say go with the yoga mat.  It’s more versatile and I find that the [easyazon_link identifier=”B008I4XFWU” locale=”US” tag=”mamaexercises-20″]padded mat[/easyazon_link] is a bit harder to stabilize myself on if I’m doing certain exercises.  It is, however, awesome for my post-surgery knees when doing floor exercises.

#4. A Stability Ball

Did you know that stability balls come in different sizes to accommodate your height? They do! Get a [easyazon_link identifier=”B00FBD8M4M” locale=”US” tag=”mamaexercises-20″]stability ball[/easyazon_link] that matches your height to make sure you’re able to place your feet flat on the floor and maintain proper form.  Stability balls are very versatile and they work your core in ways that doing the exercise on the floor or simply standing cannot do.

#5. A Resistance Band

If you’re not ready or able to invest in dumbbells of different sizes, that’s fine! A [easyazon_link identifier=”B010FEY7SG” locale=”US” tag=”mamaexercises-20″]resistance band[/easyazon_link] will give you a variety of exercise options and can replace dumbbells in a lot of routines. Always make sure your band is in good condition before using it though.  My cats have been known to secretly nibble on my resistance bands and then the bands snap mid-exercise. It’s not pleasant. So, always check them before you begin.

 

That’s it, friends. That’s really all that you need to get started. Did you notice that there’s no mention of a treadmill or exercise bike or weight bench on there?  That’s because you don’t need them to get started.  Yes, they’re awesome and amazing and will help you get a killer workout, but you can exercise without them.  Don’t get stuck in the cycle of analysis paralysis and end up waiting yet another day to start exercising. You can do it!
 
As always, consult your physician before beginning any exercise program to ensure that you are healthy enough for exercise!

5 Things You Need to Exercise at Home - MamaExercises.com

Save