The fitness world can be a murky place when it comes to all of the different ways to train, build muscle, lose weight, etc. Now, let’s add in marketing tactics for all sorts of at home workout accessories. This workout equipment claims to target the mom belly, promises to build that booty, and so forth.
Wow, that’s a lot. Some of us don’t want an entire home gym to have an effective workout. Am I right?
Working out for new moms, busy moms, any moms, takes time out of our day. The last thing you want to do is search for the latest and greatest at home workout accessories (or trends) to hit your goals.
The marketing is endless and it’s easy to get distracted by shiny things. One thing we don’t have time for though is researching. We are already doing that on the daily with our children, does it ever end? Well, let me tell you this.
Do not let workout equipment or lack thereof stop you from working out. However, having at home workout accessories does allow for more workout plan options. Additionally, it allows you to add resistance and challenge in a different way than only your bodyweight can.
Let’s dive into some of my most used at home workout accessories I feel every mom should have and why I think they are important.
Specifically, those who don’t feel like spending a fortune for a fully loaded at home gym.
1. Resistance Bands
These come in the form of short loops or long looped bands. Personally, I’ll program a short loop mostly for lower body exercises. Or to target booty building. Also, it provides feedback for individuals who can’t “feel their butt” or legs when doing certain movements.
Don’t expect huge gains from this accessory due to the limited resistance. However, there are killer glute building workouts that use bands and it is a great way to start or to do an at home workout. The long bands can be used in many different ways. I mostly use them for upper body but either way, you can’t go wrong with either.
Example Exercises:
- Short Band Loop- Clam Shells, Fire Hydrants, Glute Bridge with Pulse, and Side Shuffles
- Long Band– Bent Over Rows (Place band under feet and pull), Ys and Ts, Bent Over Tricep Extension, Pallof Press
2. Set of Dumbbells/Weights
(preferably 2-3 different weight amounts– 2-6 total dumbbells)
I say a few different sets for a couple reasons. First, if want to challenge your body, you will need different weights at some point as you get stronger.
Second, the amount of weight you can lift with your upper body is most likely going to be less than what you can lift with your lower body.
Why sell that booty short with a 5-pound weight because that’s all your tricep can handle? I don’t think so.
Aim for these ranges: 1 set of weights between 2.5-5 lbs., 1 set of weights between 8-12 lbs., and 1 set of weights between 15-25 lbs.
And if you’re about to say, “Wow, this is getting expensive, Ms. Moneybags!” I say to you, “Walk. Do not run to the nearest TJ Maxx.” I kid you not they have random weights that are completely fine for at home use.
Or, the next time you’re at Target and filling your cart with a lifesize Santa’s sleigh from their holiday clearance section that you don’t need, you better make room for some weights in there. Just sayin’.
- Example Exercises: Dumbbell Squat, Shoulder Press, Reverse Lunge, Bicep Curls, Bent Over Dumbbell Row, Glute Bridge Chest Press, and so much more!
- Pregnant and not sure what you can do? Head over to Services and I can help build a customized plan. Or, check out my free downloads for quick and easy beginner challenges and guides.
Like I said, there are hundreds of at home workout accessories you can have to reach your goals. But ultimately, the most important piece is you. You can have all the equipment in the world but if you don’t show up and do the work, it doesn’t matter anyway.
3. Exercise Ball/Swiss Ball
Whatever you want to call it, you know what I’m talking about. You need to have this for your at home workout accessories toolkit. If you’re pregnant, bounce on this thing and be ready to meet your baby. (just kidding, kind of.)
It’s actually great for stretching which can provide relief in areas that might be sore (lower back, shoulders, etc.) or help with opening the pelvis to allow the baby to drop.
For immediate postpartum moms or beginners, this is great for helping reintroduce strength movements, building the pelvic floor and core muscles, etc.
Lastly, for really any mom who is wanting to get into a standard workout, build a core, gain stability, and balance, this is a great way to increase the challenge.
- Examples for Pregnancy: Overhead Stretch, Four square stretch, Chest Opener, Wall Squats
- Examples for Postpartum Recovery: Pelvic Clocks, Single Leg March, Wall Squats
- Examples for Beyond Immediate Postpartum/Beginner/Intermediate: Planks, Roll Outs, Chest Press, Single Leg Split Squats, Elevated Glute Bridges, Hamstring Curls, etc.
In my opinion, this is the core of what you need to get started! You’ll be guaranteed to have a more effective workout- above and beyond bodyweight programs which are amazing in themselves. These tools will change your body by placing resistance on the parts you want to target and increasing your stability and balance.
Like you need another reason to go to Target or TJs? You’re welcome. 🙂
