10 At Home Fitness Essentials You’ll Actually Use
We’re going with the basics when it comes to at home fitness essentials here, nothing fancy. There really isn’t much you need to stay active and consistent, but I will be listing all the basics plus nice extras.
Because in all honesty, if you have clothes and a pair of shoes, you’re ready to go!
Currently, this is my list of 10 go-to fitness essentials that’s I’ve used consistently over the years and have actually last.
I’ve never, and I don’t think I’ll ever be, the girl that looks so cool working out in her lifting set. I’m usually in all black, shorts that have lasted me years, a t-shirt I got for volunteering at a CrossFit competition, and the cheapest shoes I could afford when it was WAY past time to get new ones.
Whether you’re just getting started, need some basics you can keep coming back to, or just looking for ideas, this is the list I will always recommend to people. And if it changes, I’ll come back and edit this blog.
The 10 fitness essentials I recommend:
- Shoes
- Good clothes
- Headphones
- Weighted Vest
- Rebounder
- Walking Pad
- Dumbbells
- Yoga Mat
- Bands
- Pressure balls or Foam roller
1. Shoes
Shoes can be the hardest and most controversial thing when it comes to what you need for working out or just wearing on the daily. And when they’re expensive too, it makes the decision that much harder.
So here’s what I look for when purchasing shoes.
Price- sometimes I’m only able to spend $25-$50 on a new pair. Life happens and budgets get tight. So I start there. Other times I’ll splurge and go as high as $150. But I’ve found some great ones on any sales rack with tennis shoes.
Size- no duh, but some shoes don’t come in a good range, or have a wide options, which is what I’ll try for usually.
Reviews- we like to know that a shoe is of good quality when purchasing online, that we aren’t just spending money on something we’ll have to return or will cause an even bigger headache.
Besides looking on Amazon, I’ll check TJ Maxx, Walmart or a shoe outlet store. Your variety and name brand may be limited, but you’re just looking for some decent shoes to get started. Make sure there’s some room in the toe, good traction so you don’t feel like you’ll slip and as comfortable as you can get when trying out shoes in a store or when they come in the mail.
But overall, don’t overthink the cheaper shoes too much. I’ve bought brands from New Balance, Nike, Sketchers and Altra. If you’re just getting started or really need a new pair of shoes, these will get you through.
2. Good Clothes
Like I said above, I will never have the super cute workout sets. I’m good in a free volunteer shirt or size M-L band tee. But when it comes to the bottoms, I am PICKY!
I’ve got thick thighs with a bit of cushion, I’ve got a stomach, and I don’t want to have to worry about them riding up or falling down when I’m working out.
Whether that’s running, CrossFit, basic gym session or walking outside, these 3 recommendations from IUGA and The Gym People are a MUST if you’re looking for something simple.
Shorts- I’m going to preface with long shorts not being my favorite, but I’ll explain more in the next recommendation. But I love working out in shorts, and feel suffocated when they’re long.
So the perfect in-between short is going to have a 3″ or 5″ inseam. 3″ will be closer to booty shorts for me, while 5″ is long enough for comfort and usually don’t ride up.
You may have to test a few out, but when you find the right ones, get doubles! I’ve had my IUGA and The Gym People for over 3 years with weekly use and they’re still going strong!
Long Shorts- Now, I know I just long shorts aren’t my favorite, BUT if I’m trying to run, this length 100%. Chub rub was one of the biggest reasons for me not wanting to get into running. I don’t like running in long leggings, I get so hot, but these were perfect for keeping me comfortable and still being shorts.
6″-8″ inseam has been the perfect sweet spot to avoid chub rub while still getting a workout in. Again IUGA has been perfect, but I did find some others but they pilled in weird spots super quickly.
Long Leggings- Am I just going to contradict myself through this whole section? Yes. But hear me out! I coached and trained others for years, sometimes I don’t want to wear short, or I want to go on walks outside when it’s colder and don’t want my leggings to pill after 2 walks in them, OR if I’m being really daring and trying to run when it’s cold out? I have leggings that have lasted me 3+ years with daily use and wearing for hours while coaching classes or long walks outside from IUGA. This brand has turned into an easy repeat buy for me when I finally need to upgrade or just get more.
3. Headphones
I used to get the Skullcandy headphones all the time from Walmart. They’re good quality and super simple! So if you need backup wire ones, yes to those!
But for wireless, in ear headphones, I found a pair on Amazon that lasted for over 4 years! I charge them about every-other week and they’re good to go. I recently upgraded them slightly, but they’re still the most inexpensive pair of headphones I’ve found for the quality.
I use them at the gym, for walks or runs, and on the airplane. I’m huge on music and podcasts, so I want to have access to it.
They do move around a bit, but I’m a fidgeter anyways so I don’t even notice it. Unless I’m doing lunges and they start to fall out.
That’s the only negative I have for them; they sometimes fall out if I don’t push them in my ear correctly. So if it’s cheap, just know it won’t be perfect but you’ll get a lot of use out of it.
4. Weighted Vest
No matter what life has looked like, what I’m going through personally or financially, walking has always been a constant for me. Long walks for exercise or to calm my spinning mind. And since purchasing a weighted walking vest a couple years ago, I’ve felt even better on strictly long walk or no workout days.
I got a 12 pound weighted vest and it’s perfect! Feels comfortable walking in and balances out really well.
I can’t say how it is for running, but walking is great.
And especially if you aren’t able to workout a lot, this is a great way to still add weights to a workout or walk without a lot of effort. It can also help add resistance if you don’t have a lot of exercise equipment and do a lot of bodyweight exercises.
Check out my Bootcamp workout ideas for some bodyweight exercises.
5. Rebounder
This has been a recent purchase for me, and honestly, I love it!
It brings out the kid in me to just bounce around on this rebounder in the basement. I always called it a trampoline, and still do at times, but after doing some research, I know better now.
I actually found a couple YouTube channels that have some great rebounder workouts or even just more info if you’re just getting started with it.
But it’s been a great way to start my day, just 5 minutes bouncing to wake myself up. Sometimes I’ll take a break in-between work to bounce for 10-15 minutes instead of drinking more coffee and it honestly gives me such a mood booster!
I’ll put my headphones in, play my favorite playlist and just have a quick break.
Whether it helps with lymphatic drainage or not, gets rid of aches and pains, increases mobility or reduces cellulite, you’ll have to decide for yourself. If you’re pretty active as is, it’s a nice extra way to get some cardio in. If not, it could be more beneficial for you.
And on a TOTAL side note, it’s great to dry out laundry on too. In case you needed more of an excuse to get one! But I’d still recommend looking into what exactly you’d be looking for from the two ladies above.
You can also usually find a used one on Facebook marketplace too.
6. Walking Pad
Yes, I’m in on the trend, and it’s totally worth it!
Would I rather go outside and walk around my neighborhood or a park, absolutely! But I also live in Minnesota, and there’s a point in winter where you can’t or no longer want to brave the cold.
Also, if you don’t live in a safe neighborhood or have odd hours (like me when I worked a 3a starting shift and liked before-work walks) a walking pad at home can give you more options than you might be able to have.
And I figure if a walking pad is going to decrease the excuse of needing to go to the gym and not having the time to commute there, then I’d look into it!
Of course, the one we originally purchased a year or 2 ago is no longer available, but the company UREVO we bought it from is still around. So far, I’ve really liked it! I might upgrade to another Walking Pad, but really, whatever’s in your budget will do.
I got a cheap standing desk off of Amazon too (so make sure your walking pad has a railing or get a desk) and will listen to podcasts or work on some writing while I walk. And 30-45 minutes I find is the perfect amount of time to use it.
Whether it’s once or twice a day, especially if it’s raining, I’ve been super happy to have it downstairs with the rebounder.
7. Dumbbells
If you’re someone who has a favorite spoon in the drawer, then you’re going to have a favorite style of dumbbell. And if you’ve done CrossFit at all in your life, you’re going to be looking for the Rubber Coated Hex Dumbbell with Chrome Comfort Grip. You’re welcome.
I looked FOR YEARS for the perfect dumbbells because I could never find the right kind.
Now, of course, I’ve found them at Walmart and now Amazon. But as long as you look for rubber coated hex dumbbell, you’ll get ones like what I have pictured down below. Facebook marketplace will most likely have options too, but be picky. And weights should go for about $1/pound, at least that’s what I look for.
And also, one set of “heavier” dumbbells will do SO much for you! I always base it off of CrossFit because that’s what I do a lot of exercises based off of.
So for example, #35 is perfect for easy snatches for me, I can bench press them for 15 reps easy, but I can only push press these for shoulders. I’m also a big fan of higher reps to condition your muscles, so be picky with what weight you choose and don’t feel like you need a full set.
Start with a challenging weight and invest in more later if you’d like.
Check out my Progressive Overload blog for my specifics when it comes to training.
8. Yoga Mat
We all have had a yoga mat in our lives that just sits in the corner, or is put somewhere that we find again once we move. But honestly, they’re so nice to have!
I’ve noticed I do actually do more stretching and warm ups before my runs and workouts now that I have one again. I’d recommend getting an extra thick yoga mat, especially if you have hardwood floors. It’s comfortable to stretch on, it’s super long for my 5’ 4” body, and makes basement stretches on the nasty floor more enjoyable.
Plus, it rolls up easy and can go to the side. Like I said, we all have one that we never use. But if you don’t have one right now and the thought has crossed your mind in the last 6 months, might as well get it now.
Also, put it in a higher traffic spot so you see it more and will feel “guilty” if you don’t stretch. Pro tip.
9. Bands
I used to get so annoyed with the booty-band girls showing their butt blaster workouts and how they can add inches in just a few weeks.
To start off, no, that won’t happen.
Can you create some good shape and growth? Yes, but not as much as they’re promoting.
They either lift heavy weights because that’s how you grow muscle, or genetics are great.
But aside from that, bands are super great to have! And not just the little circular ones, but the longer ones too. I use both for warmups every morning, and it does make a difference.
You can also do a lot when added to your workouts too. So in general, yes they’re great. But don’t expect them to help you get crazy results. I focus more on stretching and warm ups with them, or an easy thing to take with you on travels.
10. Pressure Ball/Foam Roller
Do you suffer from getting older, exercising a lot and having poor posture? Then you too need these things!
But seriously, even if you don’t use them as often as we should (myself included), when you run into a minor injury, slept wrong, leg day was worse than expected or have a knot you can’t get out, these are so nice to have around!
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve used my foam roller, complaining the whole time, and then feeling a bit better after. Or with the pressure ball killing a knot in my back or getting the crunchies out of my foot, I’ve been so happy to have them laying around.
So again, something we keep to the side, but are thankful to have around.
And those are my simple fitness essential recommendations!
There’s so much selling and promoting now, it’s hard to know what’s actually good and authentic. So I hope this was helpful in keeping things simple and knowing what’s good to start with. Expensive stuff can mean higher quality, but don’t let a financial barrier stop you from taking care of yourself.
There’s always a way.
Whether you’re just starting out for the first time, still going at it, or coming back after months or years away, welcome to fitness! You’ll love and hate it, but this list will help get you started or going again on the right foot.
Join me in my Year of Health and Hobbies if you’re in a funk and want to get back to a good routine and relationship with food and fitness too!
Also, if you’re unsure where to get started with your fitness or if you need to change things up, check out The Best Workout For You.
