Have you ever wondered what the most useful home gym gear is? This list is curated by two Personal Training professionals, (yours truly!) Katie Hunt and Matt Drilias.
- 1 or 2 dumbbells: Choose a weight that is challenging to row for 8-12 reps.
- 1 or 2 kettlebells: Choose a weight that is challenging to swing for 15-20 reps.
- Mat, mini bands, and a foam roller
Useful (stealth) exercise gear around your home: a sturdy chair (assistance for squats, lunges, single leg deadlifts, etc.), couches (elevated push-ups, rear foot elevated split squats, hip thrusts), gym bag or backpack that can be filled with heavy stuff (homemade sandbag training)
We also love all the items below, when you’re ready to expand your collection of tools!
13″ long Foam Roller
We love our TriggerPoint GRID foam rollers. Super durable. Katie’s has lasted 10 years! Extra benefit: pack stuff inside the hollow core! Available in 13″ and 26″ lengths.
26″ long Foam Roller
Dumbbells
If you only have one piece of home gym equipment a single dumbbell is a great place to start. Choose a weight that is challenging to row for 8-12 reps.
Note: the last time we looked (March 24, 2020) these were sold out on Amazon.
Also try here:
https://www.performbetter.com/First-Place-Rubber-Encased-Hex-Dumbbells?custcol2=9
Kettlebells
If you only have one piece of home gym equipment a single kettlebell is a great place to start. Select a weight that is challenging to swing for 15-20 reps. Our clients (men and women) usually perform swings with anywhere from 20 to 60 lbs.
If Amazon is sold out, try here:
https://www.performbetter.com/First-Place-Gravity-Kettlebell?custcol24=12
Mats
A quality mat will improve your comfort level for floor exercises! Standard Gaiam yoga mat is 6mm. At 15mm this one has extra cushioning.
Airex Balance Pads
Matt likes to use these as a kneepad for all the work we do from half-kneeling and tall-kneeling positions. It’s also a convenient headrest when working in a side-lying position for things like the Bretzel stretch.
The Airex pad is a thick, square piece of foam originally developed for balance training. The durable, dense, sponge-like material provides an unstable surface to stand on.
BOSU
This versatile tool can be used for strength, balance and cardio. In any of those scenarios, BOSU adds an extra element of instability, which requires you to engage more core muscles that help you control your body and stay balanced. Matt tends to use these to develop shoulder and knee stability (push-ups, squats, lunges), and balance of course.
PERFORM BETTER MINI BANDS
Matt and Katie use these so much, they order them in bulk. This set includes four different levels of resistance.
Want a free 10 Minute Mini Band Workout with Katie? Click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnxBadklP8Q
Massage Balls
Katie carries this ball everywhere! The little massage ball is great for the feet, forearms, upper back and glutes. Katie will teach you how to use it here: https://youtu.be/zdA7_YNddbY
TRX
The TRX is Katie’s favorite travel & home workout tool. There are hundreds of exercises you can do with it. This set includes the door anchor, which you’ll want!
If Amazon is sold out, try here: https://store.trxtraining.com/products/trx-sweat-system
SUPER BANDS
Another versatile travel tool, the superband is excellent for pull-up or chin-up assistance and hundreds of other exercises. See Katie’s Superband Instagram series here: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd5we8yjnQL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Bench
This bench is adjustable and versatile. Use it for step-ups, decline push-ups, chest presses and more!
DYNAMAX MEDICINE BALL
14″ diameter ball, with soft-shell construction. Available in weights, from 4 to 30 pounds. We like to use these for rotational power throws (8-12 pounds), and for wall ball of course (8-20 pounds).
SLAM BALL
Katie likes the TRX brand ball she uses at SPIRE Fitness. Matt prefers the SPRI brand he has bought for use at University Club Tower and Fit Pro MKE. They are both durable, sand-filled durable, sand-filled, no-bounce balls that are ideal for tossing and slamming activities. Heavy-duty rubber shells provide maximum durability with a pliable, tacky surface, making it easy to grasp and throw.
Items from here down Katie’s fav lifestyle products:
EPSOM SALT
Epsom salt baths are one of my favorite hobbies! It’s also great for pain relief and soothing tired muscles. I love the light lavender scent of this one.
Massage STK: This Trigger Point Therapy stick is awesome for massaging the quads; something many of us need. It’s also lightweight, easy to use and works great on the calves.
Planner
Matt and Katie both use this planner!
MASSAGE GUN
If you’re like me, you don’t know how bad you need this until you own one! With four levels of pressure, you can customize it to your needs. I use mine all the time on my quads, glutes and calves.
This pain relieving lotion really works. I love using it on my feet after a long day.
These socks saved my feet after an injury in 2021. They feel good, are wicking and provide great support for fussy feet.
This vibration roller is a dream for calves, inner thighs and lower back.
