Life is expensive these days. We’re living in a world where some days it seems like just breathing is costing you money. If you’re a mom budgeting for your family, it can be easy to have your own fitness or health be the first thing to take the axe. Here’s the thing: you definitely don’t need an expensive gym membership, fancy machines, or even a home gym that takes over your entire basement to get in shape.
You can get fit at home with a few budget-friendly pieces of equipment. Add a little creativity, and you can achieve strength, clarity, and consistency right in your living room, basement, or even patio!
Here are my favorite tips to build an effective, affordable home workout.
1. Start With Your Body Weight (it’s free!)
Before you invest in any piece of equipment, remember: your body is the best tool you’ve got. Bodyweight exercises can be incredibly effective and require zero equipment.
Try this mix-and-match list:
- Squats
- Lunges
- Push-ups (or incline push-ups)
- Planks
- Glute bridges
- Mountain climbers
- Step-ups (using stairs or a low chair)
- Walking
2. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a home workout must. They’re portable, take up no space, and can be used for upper body, lower body, and core work. They’re even a fun way to get cardio in.
A few different types of bands that I love:
- Loop bands – great for lower body work (like squats and bridges ) and upper body work (triceps and shoulders)
- Fabric glute bands – (I love these for myself and my clients because they don’t roll up like plastic ones do during lower body work)
3. Dumbbells
You don’t need a full rack of weights. A light/medium/heavy set (like 5s and 10s, or 8s and 15s) is great. Dumbbells can be a little expensive, so try to look for the best deal. I recommend that my clients check out places like TJ Maxx, Five Below, or even Facebook Marketplace for the best deals.
Free or Low-Cost Workout Guidance
So now you’ve got some equipment, but are lost on what to do with it? There are plenty of free options out there to help you get the best workout at home with minimal space or equipment. Search Instagram & YouTube for a workout that can fit your lifestyle.
Getting stronger, feeling better, and staying consistent with your workouts doesn’t mean spending money. Your own body, a set of resistance bands, and a few sets of dumbbells are more than enough to make it happen. And let’s be honest, these small investments in yourself and your health will make the biggest return.
