2021 Fitness Equipment Guide
Here’s a list of everything you need to get an amazing workout in from the comfort of your own home!
Whether you’re preparing for another “lockdown,” you’re already in one, or you’re just finally ready to build out a mini home gym, I’ve put together a list of all of my favorites!
Everything here I either own or has been recommended to me by my clients unless otherwise noted. Use the pictures as a guide or click through using the “Buy on Amazon” button to be taken directly to the product page.
I left out barbells and racks since the Amazon prices for those are not great, and the quality is shmedium at best. If you need help picking out that kind of stuff just reach out :)
*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links below
$50 and Under
Pull Up Bar
It ain’t fancy but it definitely gets the job done! Upper body pull movements are really hard to program at home without equipment. A pull-up bar is going to be your best, cheapest, bodyweight-only piece of equipment. If you can’t afford a TRX and/or don’t have the space for a barbell set up, get this!
2. Therapy Bands
If you’re ever been to PT, i’m sure you have a few (dozen?) of these paying around. If not- go ahead and invest in this cheap piece of equipment. I love bands and thing they’re a great option for most movements that require <20 lbs (Delt flys, tricep extensions, ect). One piece of advice though- don’t ever tie a knot in these if you don’t want it there forever! If you need a miniband, scroll down to the next recommendation. For less than about $25 you can buy both these and some minibands.
3. Elastic MiniBands
It might seem excessive, but like I mentioned above, you’ll never get a knot out of a therapy band- so save yourself the heartache and buy a set of these too.
They’re a great entry-level option for lower-body banded exercises and as staple for upper body exercises. There’s no way you can hit some rear delt iso holds with the fabric ones😅
4. Fabric Loop Bands
Talk about an upgrade! If you’re hip thrusting or glute-bridging and ready for the next level up, give these a try!
5. Resistance Bands with Handles
Most exercises can be subbed just using bands. Squats? Step on the band and hold a handle in each hand at your shoulders. Push movements? Floor press by laying on top of the bands or add some resistance to your pushups by looping it around your back. SO MANY OPTIONS!
If you have access to DBs/ KBs or BBs then I’d say skip ‘em. But if you’re only working with bands and a pull-up bar- get these too
6. Jump Rope
Limited space? Get to jumping! Talk about a great cardio option. Maybe it’s time to start working on 2x unders? Just make sure to get something adjustable. Remember how we sized jump rope in P.E.? The end of the rope should come up to your armpits when you’re standing on top of it with both feet together.
7. Lacrosse Ball
One of two must-have items for self-myofascial release (SMR). A tennis ball could work too!
8. Yoga Mat
Even if you aren’t a yogi, it can be nice to have a workout mat handy for floor exercises.
9. Slam Ball
If you live in a downstairs apartment- your neighbors won’t appreciate this one. But if you workout in your garage then I would definitely consider adding this to your arsenal.
10. Foam Roller
A classic recovery essential + my favorite way to crack my back!
11. Cushion Seat Cover
When I got my Echelon I asked all of my stationary-bike lovers to tell me what seat cover they used… and they all just said I’d “get used to it.” Well as much of a methead as I am, I just didn’t like that answer. I bought quite a few but kept this one as it was most comfy and stayed on my bike the best!
12. Aerobic Step
Step-ups are one of the best & most underrated lower body exercises. I especially love unilateral training for intermediate/advanced trainees with limited weight options. Just 2x check the weight capacity for whichever steps you purchase. PLUS if you’re a shorty like me, you can even use these as a bench!
$50-250
Kettlebells
Let’s be real- by the time you read this who knows what weight prices will be like. Having said that, I’m going to link the two KB brands I’ve purchased below. I like KBs more than Dbs because you can sub them for DBs, but can’t sub DBs for KBs. Therefore, I always recommend KBs. Plus, worst-case scenario is that you have to do things unilaterally if you don’t have KB pairs… which really isn’t that bad.
2. Dumbbells
IMPORTANT: these are sold in units of (1). I repeat- this is NOT the price for a pair!! I was sorely surprised when it arrived-ugh. Anyways, these are great and I’ve seen them on sale for the best price for about a year now.
3. Weighted Blanket
Do you have COVID19 anxiety? Seasonal Depression? Just not sleeping very well? Give one of these a try! I like the 20 lbs one personally. It’s also helped me start sleeping on my back more- something we should all do!
4. Massage Gun
Full disclosure here- I don’t have this same one. Apparently, they’re not for sale anymore which is a huge bummer. However- this one gets great reviews and has the same specs as the one I have and love. Don’t waste your money on a brand-name gun! These are a fraction of the price and work just as well.
5. TRX Suspension Trainer
No space for a full gym? Can’t find the equipment anyway? Give a TRX a try! This is a personal “must-have” recommendation, I don’t know what I would do without it. Plus- it’s great for all levels from beginners to advanced, there’s a movement modification for you! When you register your product you get access to the TRX exercise app as well.
I used this bad boy all of summer 2020 before I purchased some other equipment and I still go back to it regularly.
6. Adjustable Bench
Floor presses are great but having an adjustable bench will give you more pressing options. Plus it’s nice to have an adjustable back for row and bicep variations. If you don’t have a wood chair and you have the storage space, I’d highly recommend buying a bench.
$250 and Over
1. Airdyne
This is the same model I have and I absolutely love it!! I would however recommend upgrading the seat cushion. Check out the one I listed above!
I love using these for sprints and it’s great that you can get an upper-body push/pull workout in simultaneously.
2. Stationary Bikes
MOVER OVER PELOTON! Save yourself a ton of $$$ with one of my recommended picks. All you need is a Peloton monthly subscription on any tablet and BOOM- this bootleg version will save you enough money to buy the rest of the things on your list. You’re welcome :)
I personally have the Echelon, but I have several friends with the Joroto, so I’ll link both & let you decide for yourself!
