Fitness gear every busy mom needs at home

Being a busy mom your workout routine needs to be flexible yet consistent. Exercising doesn’t need to be simple, easily available and should fit your schedule. ALl of that can be accomplished at home without any expensive equipment. 

Disclaimer: Before you start any new workout, please consult with your physician.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of working from home vs going to gym

Pros – 

1. Save Time and Money – Working out at the home gym is an inexpensive option. You can start simple and build as you learn and grow more. 
2. Convenient – Having gym at home makes workout time flexible and easily available to you at any time based on your schedule for the day.
3. Diverse Selection – There are so many options available like Apple Fitness, Peloton, Workout Apps, Social Media

Cons-

1. Distractions – At home means, everyone can see you and you can see everything else that needs your attention.
2. Lack of motivation – The flexibility that makes it easy to workout from home also could be a problem when it comes to staying consistent and motivated.
3. Social Interactions – Going to gym can give you social interaction and motivation thats hard to find on your own sometimes.

If you have decided home workouts are for you or even if you want to try, below is the suggested fitness gear or must haves that will make you successful with the home workouts

• Resistance Bands-  They are great for strength training, and come in a variety of resistance – small, medium and heavy. You can start and build up as you progress.
• Dumbbells – They are the best tool for the job. You can buy a weight tower or start small like individual weights (2/3/5 lbs) based on your comfort level. There are adjustable dumbbells available which is good investment for space saving home gym.
• Yoga Mat– Perfect for stretching or mat exercises, a good yoga mat will give you comfort and grip. It can be rolled and tucked away easily.
• Jump Rope– Is an inexpensive way of getting a quick burst of cardio. Its cheap, and can be tucked away easily.
• Ankle weights – Easy way to add resistance to your workouts like walking, or body weight workouts. These are easy for starters and can be used to get used to weights.
• Stability Ball– Must have for yoga/pilates and core workouts.
• Kettlebell– Small but mighty equipment can help you strength train, and build resistance. They take less space and are versatile.

While the above mentioned equipment list should get you easily started, below is what will take your home workouts to the next level. They might also require some more space in your home.

• A Cardio Machine– treadmill, stationary bike or rowing machine will help you get the caloric burn cardio workouts right at the comfort of home.
• A bench – workout bench can be used in strength, lower body workouts and stretching. You will be able to add a lot more workouts to your routine with a bench.

Top Tips to Stay Consistent with Home Workouts

1. Remember progress over perfection as your mantra. 
2. Try to build consistency over an all or nothing mindset. 
3. Start small and build as you go. 
4. Mix and match is always an option, join a group class like Yoga/barr/spinning that can give you the motivation and social interaction that you are seeking without taking a lot of your time in the week and for the rest use home gym.
5. Give your home workout at least a month before giving up.
6. Always Plan your workout time in your family schedule and plan it ahead of time.