The Tools You Need At Home, To Get Your Bod Summer Ready

Let’s be honest, most people dread the idea of going to the gym for several reasons: too noisy, not enough machines, no clean towels, dirty locker-rooms and they are quite expensive. Sometimes it’s just easier to stay home and avoid all the noise and inconvenience. However, with summer being here, there are going to be plenty of moments that you’ll want to feel bikini ready. It isn’t just about how you look but how you feel that is really the most important factor here. You will want to feel strong and exude confidence when you’re taking a dip on the beach, in the pool, or just sunbathing. 

For these reasons you can create your very own gym in the comfort of your home. You will be able to save time and money with a personalized gym that fits you and your fitness goals. Not sure what to purchase? Don’t fret - we’ve got you covered!

Resistance bands

Resistance bands are an easy way to get your stretches in both pre- and post-workout. This equipment is easy to store, affordable, and effective. You can also bring them anywhere if you do decide to take a 2-week long vacation this summer. They are phenomenal for toning your arms, back and legs. You can also pick your resistance and go up in resistance as you become stronger and more agile as your workouts go on over time. 

Some recommended exercises include: front squats, lateral bands walks and reverse crunches.

Try these cute pink resistance bands in light, medium, or heavy:

Yoga Mat

    Did somebody say “om?” Yoga mats are so versatile when it comes to your at-home workout. They are great for all your super zen yoga moves, stabilizing your jumping jacks or stretching after a really good workout. Having a yoga mat around is a major key to your at-home gym because a yoga mat allows for your feet to stay in place without slipping on the floor. Nobody got time for an at home work-out injury.

Some recommended exercises include Downward-Facing Dog, Cat-Cow Stretch, and Boat Pose.

Get a yoga mat that leaves you feeling extra positive when you leave your mat:

Kettlebell

Kettlebells are ideal for strength training. This piece of at-home workout equipment helps to isolate muscle groups, leaving you feeling strong and lean after your workouts. Kettlebells help with flexibility while combining strength training and cardio in one swoop. Kettlebells are great for the busy person who doesn’t have a ton of time to dedicate to their at-home workout, but still wants to gain muscle and feel lean from a quick workout.

Some workouts you can do are squats, kettlebell lunge press, and Kettlebell Russian Twist.

Try out this pink kettlebell:

Jump Rope

Jump rope gets your heart racing, adrenaline pumping and is a killer workout for your abs, booty, legs and arms. That’s a full-body workout in about 15 minutes with one piece of inexpensive equipment! Jump roping is not only fun, but it gets you into the calorie burning zone. Just one ten minute jump rope session can burn a whopping 480 calories. Jumping rope will also improve your quickness and agility.  

Some exercises are figure 8 motion, jumping with the rope forward and jumping with the rope backward 

A great jump rope is ELITE Surge 2.0 Speed Rope because it has a great grip and is lightweight.

Exercise sliders

Exercise sliders are another cost-efficient and highly effective piece of workout equipment to incorporate into your home gym. They help to improve mobility, stability, agility and balance.  Exercise sliders allow for fluid movements that lengthen throughout your abs and muscles. They are inexpensive and easy to store, as well.

Some exercises to try are: wide mountain climber, pike and the reverse tuck

Get a pair of exercise sliders here. 

 Mount Pull Pull Up Bar

A mount pull-up bar is a fantastic tool for getting your arms in shape for the summer.  Mount Pull Up Bars help with grip, building muscles, strength-training and are good for your back bone. And to be honest, they are just plain fun to incorporate into your workout. Mounted pull up bars make you feel like you’re on the jungle gym again like when you were a kid. 

Some exercises include pull-ups, chin ups and knee raises 

Get your pull up bar here.

Cycle Machine

It’s okay if you don’t have a bike because you can cycle at home and still get the same effects of reduction in stress levels, cardiovascular fitness, and strengthened bones. Cycling is low impact so you can go at your own pace and comfort level. Cycle machines help with improved mobility, too. 

Some exercises include cycling while doing crunches, sitting in a chair and cycling and cycling for one minute straight intervals

This machine is really cool because it can fit anywhere!

Mini Trampoline

Mini trampolines are great for increasing the lymphatic flow in the body, helps to get rid of cellulite, and strengthens the skeletal system. Not to mention jumping on a trampoline is just plain fun! Mini Trampolines assist with weight loss, balance and helps with back problems if you have them.

Mini Trampoline workout include: jumping in place, doing a light twist while jumping and sidekicks 

Find your trampoline here.

Ab Wheel

Ab wheels are great for toning your midsection into rock hard abs! Ab wheels also help with stability and strengthening your lower back. They assist with balance, coordination and boosting overall strength. Ab wheels are great if you are bored of traditional crunches and want to amp it  up a notch when it comes to your at-home workout routine. 

Some exercises include ab wheel plank, v rollouts, and knee tucks. 

Get your ab wheel here.

Foam Roller

Foam rollers are a must for any home gym. They are great to use post-workout and pre-workout to loosen any tight muscles or pressure points. Foam rollers also help to promote blood flow within the body, stress reduction, and prevents injury. If you feel that you have any knots in your muscles this is the piece of equipment to have around in your home gym.

Some light exercises you can do include lower back, upper back and rolling out tightness in your calves 

Get your foam roller here