I’ve had an on-again, off-again relationship with the gym for years.
While having access to cardio machines and a wide range of weights is great, I’m always drawn back to the convenience of home workouts.
You don’t need a lot of gear to exercise in your living room, but I've found that having the right set-up will help you stay motivated and make progress quickly.
I recently interviewed Ben Alldis and Hannah Frankson, two expert instructors at Peloton, who agreed that there are a lot of benefits to working out at home.
I asked what equipment they recommend for beginners—here’s what they said.
1. Dumbbells
Strength training should be a core part of your home workout routine, as it helps with everything from longevity to metabolism and reduces your chance of injury.
“Get a set of light, medium and heavy dumbbells to begin with,” says Alldis.
Having a range of weights allows you to try out different moves and add load when you need to.
You could opt for adjustable dumbbells to save space and money, or get a set of fixed-weight dumbbells, which allow for speedy changes between exercises.
2. Mat
A mat can provide cushioning for moves like planks, push-ups and sit-ups.
More importantly, however, it helps you demarcate your workout space.
“Something as simple as a mat can change your whole room,” says Frankson. “It’s a definite message to yourself: ‘This is now my workout space’.”
3. Fun cardio machine
Unsurprisingly, one of the first things the Peloton instructors recommend buying is a bike.
“To be fair, I get on my bike most mornings!” says Frankson, who’s known for her upbeat cycling classes.
Pick a form of cardio that you like and buy something in line with that.
It doesn’t have to be a bike—although some of the Peloton models are currently discounted in the Prime Day sale—just make sure it’s something you enjoy.
4. Yoga blocks
Regular yoga sessions can help you stay mobile and lower your stress levels.
Frankson admits she prefers high-energy workouts to yoga, but she says she makes sure she does it once a week at a minimum to keep her mobility in check.
Alldis recommends getting yoga blocks if you’re a beginner, as they can support you during difficult poses.
5. Clothes that make you feel good
Having good-quality, flattering workout clothes can make you look forward to your workouts and keep you motivated.
“The kit that you wear is actually really important,” says Alldis.
“You've just gotta wear what you feel great in.”
Brands like Lululemon fit nearly everyone well and last forever, but mid-range options like Under Armour and Gymshark have a great spread of styles that appeal to different tastes.
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