I’m the kind of gal that tends to change my workouts with the seasons. In fall and spring, I run and do a lot of outdoor workouts. In the winter, I’m a treadmill and gym kind of girl. Sometimes when it’s too cold to even get to the gym, I stay in and do a workout video.

If you’re short on space, you don’t need a whole room of fitness equipment to get a good workout in. Further, these five essentials are all affordable. No $2000 machines. These five pieces of equipment will meet your every need when getting your sweat on!

1. Yoga Mat

This is a necessity even if you’re not actually doing yoga. Rolling out your yoga mat will get you in the mindset to tune out your stress and workout. Also, have you tried doing ab workouts on carpet or hardwood? A. Carpet burns and B. Ouch. A yoga mat will give you a comfortable and non-slippery surface to crank out your moves.

I’ve always gotten my yoga mats at places like TJ Maxx and Marshall’s- they always have cute, colorful ones at an affordable price. These ones from Amazon are so pretty, too!

2. Two Sets of Weights

Start out with a light pair of weights- anywhere from 3-5 pounds. As you get stronger, you may find that some moves are too easy with that light weight. This is when you can pick up a second pair of weights- anywhere from 8-12 pounds. Between the two, you should have all your bases covered.

When your lighter weights get too easy, you could also use both pairs to do a drop set. This is when you do as many reps as you can with the heavy weights, and then switch to the lighter ones to finish the set. This is a great way to transition if you’re trying to work up to the heavier weights.

3. Kettlebell

Kettlebells are my favorite piece of gym equipment. They’re so versatile. You could use it for a cardio burst by doing kettlebell swings, or for strength work like single arm clean and presses. Because they’re a little bigger and more awkward shaped than a weight, you engage more muscles to keep your body stabilized when you use them.

I have a 10 lb and will use it to turn a workout into a HIIT (high intensity interval training) workout. Between sets of your strength work, do 60 seconds of kettlebell swings. The increase in your heart rate will torch calories and increase your EPOC (the calories you continue to burn after you stop working out).

4. Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are so great because they can increase the intensity of even the simplest moves. If you travel a lot for work, they’re also great to throw into your bag! They usually come in sets of varying thickness, and you’ll find which challenges you the best.

One of the best resistance band moves are monster walks, which involves putting a resistance band just above your knees, lowering into a squat, and walking laterally (like a crab), maintaining the squat position the entire time. Your legs will be burning as you work the outside of your thighs and glutes (muscles we don’t work enough!).

5. Sliders

Sliders add an element to your workouts that you won’t find with any other piece of equipment. Use them for reverse lunges, lateral lunges, ab work, and more. Your core is extra-engaged to help maintain your balance as you slide.

If you’re looking to add some equipment to your home gym, or are just starting out, these five essentials are a great way to get your workout in without leaving your house!

Thanks for reading,