5 Essentials for At-Home Workouts

7 min read

Staying fit can be much easier at home when you are in a time crunch or just shy in the gym. Honestly, it is MUCH cheaper too.

And hey, that is my favorite part about it! But real talk. Even if you are a gym rat or a newbie, you will need a few essentials to get you started!

It is true that you can get by with simply just your body weight. However, having a few essentials can help you stay on track with your goals and bring motivation.

We all know that discipline is the true game-changer. But with a few handy items, it will only bring you more success within your goals.

Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links, which means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

1. Comfortable and Supportive Workout Gear

It is so important to be comfortable when you are working out! It allows your body to move in all types of ways. Although, the benefits of wearing good workout clothes are crazy high!

Not only are you comfortable, but with good workout clothes, you naturally will maintain better form and posture. When you look good, you feel good.

Here are the best types of clothing to workout in based off my experience:

• Leggings/Joggers
• Supportive Bra
• A tighter (but breathable) top
• Flat bottom shoes for heavy lifting
• Supportive shoes for cardio

If you need some help or don’ have any of this stuff, I got you!

Leggings!

I am not the biggest fan of expensive leggings at all. However, I have some great ones from places like Aerie, Amazon, and Gymshark that are wallet friendly.

Aerie is awesome because they always have sales, and they are super affordable! I LOVE their Offline brand.

I recommend this brand because they actually stay up during a high intensity workout: https://amzn.to/4g3reAu

And my favorite. Gymshark! They have the best selection for seamless leggings! Check out this pair out if you like seamless!

Supportive Bras!

It can vary from person to person on the types of bras to wear for workouts. My personal preference is something supportive, but soft and light weight.

It seems a little contradictory, but I think having a balance between the two is essential. I like to do workouts that are based around Pilates and Yoga.

Because of this, my intensity isn’t as crazy as some cardio workouts.

I prefer neutral colors as well with a cute back design. I have found some affordable ones off of amazon that haven’t done me wrong yet! And, for under $30 is such a steal! If this interests you, take a look at my favorite one: https://amzn.to/3OJhXl9

Tops!

I am definitely a person who only works out in a bra and bottoms. However, if that is not your style, I totally get it!

Recently, I have been LOVING Free People Movement for their comfy workout clothes. Also, their loungewear in general is AMAZING!!!

Alo is also great for cute sets. It is definitely more on the expensive side, but still good quality!

BUT if you are like me, you will probably want some basic essentials in there. I recommend buying in bulk for any tees or pants that you like. Just buy every pair in different colors.

Like this 5-pack of tight cropped tees for under $40

Supportive Shoes!

I was told that when you are heavy lifting, you want flat bottomed shoes. Whether that is backed up by science or not, I am unsure.

However, I have found it extremely useful to have flat shoes for this because it helps me stay in one spot without my feet rocking back and forth.

You could use converse or vans for this, and they are affordable too which is great!

I prefer new balances or on clouds for my cardio shoes, they provide great support and are also extremely durable!

2. High Quality Yoga Mat

Even if you’re not practicing yoga, a yoga mat is one of the best investments for at-home fitness. Whether you’re doing Pilates, stretching, bodyweight exercises, or floor routines, a yoga mat provides the necessary cushioning and stability to keep you safe and comfortable.

Why it matters: A good yoga mat offers a non-slip surface to perform exercises with balance and control. It protects your joints during floor exercises and gives you a defined workout space, allowing you to focus fully on your routine.

Without a mat, you risk slipping on hard surfaces, which could lead to seriously injuring yourself.

• Top tip: Look for a mat that’s at least 1/4 inch thick for optimal cushioning. A textured surface ensures a non-slip grip, especially for yoga, Pilates, or balance exercises. For those with sensitive knees or wrists, a thicker mat provides added comfort.

Here is my favorite yoga mat that I use! I use it for every single at-home workout, and it is so easy to clean after each use too! https://amzn.to/4iEB7qn

A quality mat can also serve as a mental cue, signaling that it’s time to focus and engage in your workout, adding a sense of structure to your fitness routine.

3. Resistance Equipment

To truly challenge your body and build strength, incorporating resistance training into your at-home workouts is essential. Dumbbells and resistance bands are two of the most effective tools for achieving this.

Resistance training is crucial for building muscle, increasing strength, and boosting metabolism. Dumbbells offer direct resistance and are great for targeting specific muscle groups, while resistance bands are portable and offer variable resistance throughout an exercise.

If you’re new to resistance training, start with lighter weights (around 2-5 pounds) and work your way up. Resistance bands come in various resistance levels (light, medium, heavy), making them a great option for adjusting intensity based on your fitness level.

Both options are ideal for full-body strength training, from bicep curls and lunges to squats and shoulder presses.

These tools add versatility to your at-home workouts, allowing you to engage in strength training, which is essential for overall fitness and muscle tone.

4. A Solid Water bottle

Staying hydrated during your workout is vital for maintaining performance and preventing fatigue.

It sounds silly that this is even a part of the list. Even though you’re exercising at home, it’s easy to forget to hydrate, but water is necessary to keep your body energized and your muscles functioning properly.

Hydration helps maintain endurance, prevents overheating, and ensures that your muscles recover efficiently after each workout.

Dehydration can impair focus, reduce energy levels, and even cause cramps, so it’s important to drink water before, during, and after your workout.

Choose a water bottle with a wide mouth for easy refills and a design that makes drinking convenient. A bottle with measurements on the side helps you track your water intake, encouraging you to drink more regularly.

I like my half-gallon water bottle for my at-home workouts because it shows me exactly how much water I have drank and how much I have left to drink!

If you’re doing a longer or more intense workout, consider a bottle that’s insulated to keep your water cool or one that has a built-in filter for cleaner drinking!

5. Fitness App

The final essential for at-home workouts is a timer or fitness app that helps you structure your sessions and keep track of your progress.

This can make a big difference in the effectiveness of your workouts, whether you’re doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT), circuit training, or strength workouts.

Timers help you stay on pace, ensuring you’re working in intervals or resting for the proper amount of time. Fitness apps are incredibly useful for creating a workout plan, tracking your progress, and providing guidance when you need it.

Whether it’s for tracking the duration of an exercise, setting goals, or finding new workout routines, these tools add structure to your routine and keep you accountable.

Download a fitness app like Nike Training Club, MyFitnessPal, or even a HIIT-specific timer app.

Many fitness apps include a variety of workout plans that you can follow based on your goals, from weight loss to strength building.

With a fitness app or timer, you’ll have more direction and motivation to stay on track with your fitness routine, helping you get the most out of each session!