Home Gym Essentials for an Effective Workout for Moms

When I was in college I spent a lot of time between the gym at school and the one I had paid a yearly membership to use. I really enjoyed working out and enjoyed the benefits even more.  Who doesn’t want to look incredible in their bikini?

I never thought I’d ever get this out of shape and be this unhealthy.  The good news is that it is never too late to turn things around and change for the better. I’m working hard towards becoming that fit and healthy woman I used to be.

I’ve changed my eating habits and have been working out 5-7 days a week and really pushing my body to change.  I’ve found on this journey that I do not need head to a gym to effectively achieve my previous fitness level.

Unfortunately, I didn’t think the girls would have appreciated me taking over their play area to put in a giant piece of gym equipment. Check out these home gym essentials that will help you achieve an effective workout without breaking the bank and without having to build an actual gym in your home.

Home Gym Essentials for an Effective Workout for Moms

Your Body

Your own body weight can help you go a long way towards getting fit – squats, push ups, planks, lunges, burpees etc… are all great examples of exercises you can do at home with only your own bodyweight.  However, if you really want to target specific muscles and switch up your routine to keep it interesting and effective, you will need additional equipment so read on for the essentials.

Dumbbells

Top on my list of tools is a set of dumbbells.  If you have a tight budget but need to start somewhere, this is the place to start.  They are extremely versatile and a great way to increase muscle mass, tone your muscles and add definition. If you have young kids be sure to grab a pair of  1 or 2 lb weights so they can get in on your workouts now and then too.

Stability Ball

A stability ball is a great tool for developing balance and coordination by targeting your core. They also double as a bench if you need one.  I love versatile tools, don’t you?

Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are lightweight elastic strips that can be used in place of dumbbells to allow you to perform upper and lower body strength exercises, however both tools have a place in your workout arsenal.  Resistance bands are also easy to transport, which makes them ideal to take along on trips or to work.

Medicine Ball

Medicine balls are smaller than Stability balls and are weighted.  They are ideal for adding a little oomph to core exercises in place of dumbbells as they are a little more comfortable to hold on to in general.  Medicine balls are great tools for toning and defining muscles as well as improving core strength, balance and coordination. 

Floor Mat

Floor mats are necessary to make exercises that involve planks, sitting, kneeling or lying down more comfortable.  It’s also essential should you want to work Yoga and/or Pilates into your schedule.  (You do.) If you have a hard floor you tend to work out on, you definitely want to go with a 5mm thick mat. 

Mini Exercise Bike

You can burn couple hundred extra calories a day with only 30 minutes of moderate exercise on a stationary bike. Get in some bonus cardio while watching tv, or even working at your desk if you have a mini exercise bike.

Comfortable Activewear

It’s really important to wear the right clothes when you are working out and that goes for everything from yoga to strength training. You need to sure you can move around freely without being restricted by your clothing.  If you are larger chested you will need to invest in a couple sports bras in order to work out comfortably.  Of course you can be comfortable and still look great, especially when you shop at Sears for womens activewear!

Well, that should get you started in the right direction, and it can all be be stored in a closet.  Of course you will want to change up your game so you don’t get bored.  Try a great kit like Gaiam’s Strong Core and Back Kit – change things up and add a little difficulty and really challenge your body!
 

Visit Sears Canada online or in-store at a locati0n near you to shop for everything from workout wear and accessories to restorative equipment, treadmills and home gyms, by Canada’s favourite brands including NordicTrack and Bowflex.

Connect with Sears Canada on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Don’t forget to join the conversation with the hashtag #HappyRenewYear!

Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Sears Canada. All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

Elizabeth Lampman

Elizabeth Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She enjoys travelling, developing easy recipes, crafting, taking on diy projects, travelling and saving money!