To Equip or Not to Equip
March 23, 2024
If you are interested in creating an at-home fitness space, we offer the following suggestions. You can buy an item or two or load up on everything. Do note that our programming is designed for what you have. We offer everything from pure bodyweight work with no equipment to TRX and the like if you have invested.
To make this list easy to navigate, we included links to Amazon. However, you can also find these products from other vendors. You can Google the item for all potential sources.
Building Your Yoga Studio
Yoga Mat - Mats are useful to keep you from slipping on a floor surface. You can practice without them, but they are handy and define your area nicely. There are so many mats to choose from. We are recommending an eco-mat that we like that is slightly padded.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B072BVHB3Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You might prefer a more traditional thinner mat.
Sunny Health & Fitness Non-Slip Yoga Mat High Density Anti-Slip, Anti-Tear Texture in Blue/Purple with Compact and Lightweight Material, 4 mm Thick Large Size 68 in x 24 in.
Finally, there are mats with foot placement and other information printed. We don’t find these necessary, but you might like.
Yoga Blocks - Blocks are handy for bringing the floor to you in poses like Triangle and Crescent Lunge. They can also be used for many other purposes like propping up your knees or for balance. Blocks come in foam, cork or wood. The foam blocks are the most flexible for all uses and will be what we recommend here.
Gaiam Essentials Yoga Block (Set of 2) - Supportive Latex-Free EVA Foam Soft Non-Slip Surface for Yoga, Pilates, Meditation
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B075WZZTRN/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_WSKBFbDS34734
Yoga Strap - Straps are useful for all kinds of things, from stretching your hamstrings to legs on the wall to assisted gomukhasana. Your Yoga strap can be your jump rope, dog leash, bathrobe cord, etc. or you can purchase a classic strap.
REEHUT Yoga Strap (6ft, 8ft, 10ft) w/Adjustable D-Ring Buckle - Durable Polyester Cotton Exercise Straps for Stretching, General Fitness, Flexibility and Physical Therapy
Blankets - You may have blankets and towels around the house that will serve. Traditionally, yogis use Mexican blankets. They are the right size for various uses from sitting on to covering for savasana. It is important to have four blankets if you want to do a shoulder stand to protect your neck. There are a number of options and you can find grey and other solid colors. We like the traditional colors and patterns. You get what colors you get when you order.
Canyon Creek Authentic Mexican Yoga Falsa Blanket (Assorted)
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06WD4Z9MP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Rounds - These little balls are to aid you with myofascial release. We love our balls! They can be used in a small space than a larger foam roller. We like those too!
RAD Rounds (Targeted Release for Tight Spaces)
Bolster - These are nice to have, but not critical. You might have a pillow or bolster at home that will work just fine. Bolsters are particularly helpful for yin poses.
YogaAccessories Supportive Round Cotton Yoga Bolster
Weight Training
There is a large amount of equipment you could purchase to weight train. Unfortunately, the demand for dumbbells and kettlebells, and the like grew astronomically this past year of Covid. Prices have started to come down, but it is useful to shop around a bit. A very simple, low-cost solution is to buy resistance bands. We like these long multi-use bands.
Resistance Bands Set 3 Pack Professional Latex Elastic Bands for Home or Gym Upper & Lower Body Exercise, Physical Therapy, Strength Training, Yoga, Pilates, Rehab, Blue & Purple & Pink
We also like resistance bands with handles that are weighted. For these bands (and for dumbbells below) it is useful to think about what weight or volume you need.
For women, 3 lb, 5 lb, 8 lb, 10 lb. You will grow to need 12 lb. 15 lb. 20 lb and, perhaps, 25 lb. For men, 10 lb, 15 lb, 20 lb, 25 lb to start. You will grow to up to 50 lb.
Resistance Bands - An alternative to dumbbells is resistance bands. The exercises are different, but you can work your whole body. This set is weighted.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B010MVAO9S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
For dumbbells, know that you will get stronger as you train and will, therefore, grow the weights that you need. With the weighted resistance bands, you double up bands to add weight.
You can get dumbbell sets at each size. You can also get adjustable dumbbells.
We are including some available at Amazon. You might do better at your local Walmart or possibly hardware store.
This is a nice adjustable set that will work well for women.
Sunny Health (SJTT9) 14 and Fitness 33-Pound Dumbbell Chrome Set
A similar, slightly less expensive version:
This is a set that will work for men. As predicted, it is pricey.
Adjustable Dumbbells Set, 30kg Dumbbell Weight Set for Women and Men Home Fitness Gym Exercise Training Tools (Black)
Kettlebell - This is extra and you don’t need to get one. A kettlebell gives you different ways to train. You can add it in the future. You can get ones from 5 lb. on up to 25 lb. We like the adjustable one suggested here.
Mural Wall Art Kettlebell, Adjustable Kettlebell 5-12 lb, Great for Full-Body Workout and Strength Training
Medicine Ball - Similar to a kettlebell, these are weighted balls that give you different options. They come either round or with handles that make them more like a kettlebell. They are fun to smash down on the floor; yea, that is an exercise. With handles:
SPRI Dual Grip Xerball / Medicine Balls
Without handles:
RAGE Fitness Slam Ball, Ideal for Cross Training
Core and Legs
Resistance Loops - Different than the weighted bands, resistance loops can be used for a host of exercises. We like to put on our thighs for a glut series.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AVDVHTI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Fitness Ball - There are two sizes and both are useful. A ball you can sit on with your legs at 90 degrees is useful for core work. We also like to squat rolling a ball down our back against a wall. Check the sizes based on your height.
TKO Anti Burst Fitness Ball Set 65cm
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FH2W54/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
We also like to have a pilates ball around. This is a small 10 inch round ball. These are great for core and leg exercises.
Purple-Rox 10" Mini-Fitness Exercise Ball For Pilates, Yoga, and Core Training
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0170RM1K2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Do let us know if you have any questions. If you drop in our Yoga Flow or Mat Pilates classes, we mostly work without props. If and when you sign up for personal training, we design your program based on the equipment you have or have access to. As folks return to gyms, we can design a custom program for you to take to your favorite spot designed for the equipment you have available to you there. Flexibility is our middle name!