Must-Have Gear for an Epic At-Home Workout: Build Strength & Burn Calories

Social distancing is here and will likely continue for the coming weeks, which means we need to find ways to stay motivated to exercise at home each day. I understand—it’s hard to stay committed to at-home workouts. For many of us, the gym is a daily outing and a mental break from working at home. Still, given current circumstances, staying home is the responsible choice to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

I’ll be posting home-friendly workouts and circuits for the time being, so follow my Instagram for fresh inspiration. Many of you have also joined (or rejoined) my Guide To The Good Life ebook for the next four weeks, which is amazing. I’m excited to support each other and stay accountable while quarantine is real. Personally, I appreciate extra structure to keep my healthy routine in place: cooking nourishing meals, squeezing in 20–40 minute morning workouts, and carving out time for self-care and immune-boosting habits during so much uncertainty.

I’ve received a lot of messages asking what equipment you’ll need for the workout guides. For my 10-week GOOD SWEAT guide, you can view the equipment list when you purchase by week. Don’t have a barbell or medicine ball? No problem—most barbell moves can be adapted with dumbbells, and medicine ball slams can be replaced with similar dumbbell movements (just skip dropping the weight to the floor).

For the new Good Life ebook, I intentionally designed 16 workouts to be at-home friendly. You’ll primarily need a set of dumbbells and a small resistance band. Choose weights that match your current strength—having both a lighter and a heavier pair will give you flexibility across exercises.

Below I’ve shared recommended items for a versatile at-home kit. Many people are shopping for home equipment right now, so availability can change quickly. I’ve listed essentials that cover most workout styles so you can build an effective setup without overbuying.

Home workout setup

Mats

A comfortable, non-slip mat is the foundation for floor exercises, core work, and stretches. Look for one with enough cushioning for comfort but thin enough to maintain balance during standing moves.

Bands

Resistance bands are lightweight, affordable, and versatile. Use loop bands for glute activation and hip work, and long resistance bands for assisted stretching, pull-apart movements, and mobility drills. A set with varying tensions covers most needs.

Dumbbells

Dumbbells are the most useful single purchase for home workouts. If you can, get two pairs (light and moderate/heavy) so you can progress through compound and isolation exercises without constantly changing weight.

Medicine Ball

A medicine ball is great for dynamic conditioning, slams, rotational throws, and partner work. If you don’t have one, many moves can be adapted with dumbbells or a heavy book wrapped securely.

Gliders

Gliders (or sliders) are small tools that add challenge to core and unilateral leg exercises. They’re compact and work on carpet or hard floors with the appropriate surface discs.

Recovery

Recovery tools—foam rollers, massage balls, and a quality stretching strap—help you stay mobile and reduce soreness between sessions. Prioritizing recovery supports consistency and long-term progress.