Lose Fat and Gain Muscle At Home!
Let’s be real nobody wants to spend a lot of money on a gym membership, especially as a college student with other expenses on their plate. As a student myself, I wanted to get fit on a budget. So, after two years of working out (lifting weights), I’ve gathered up the best minimal equipment worth purchasing to see results at home. I hope I can help you reach your fitness goals with minimal equipment and effective workouts!
Whether you are a beginner or intermediate lifter, you can still lose weight and gain muscle as long as you progressively overload and challenge yourself. It doesn’t matter if you include dumbbells or not, with correct form, proper choice of exercises, and nutrition, you can definitely see results. Before, I didn’t believe in those no equipment workouts but now I love them! and I’ve definitely been sore for days after. I love following @Madfit and @HeatherRoberston on Youtube, they both provide equipment and equipment free workouts to tailor to your goals.
So even if the gyms are re-opening and you don’t feel safe going there, my list includes affordable equipment to keep you on track of your fitness goals. All prices listed in Canadian Dollars.
1. (Long) Resistance bands
Long Resistance bands are essential and universal to use. They add enough resistance to each exercise and can be used to target many muscles at once. The one my sister bought from Amazon came with a door anchor and handles to help target different muscle groups and mimic physical gym equipment.
The whole set is CAD $75 which would be equivalent to $15/band. Using different resistance bands will help you progressively overload.
If you don’t feel like purchasing the whole set, Amazon sells a 15-35 Lb red band for $15. I used this exact band before quarantine and it’s super durable.
2. Booty (loop) Bands
So I’m very picky when it comes to booty bands and finding the perfect ones. Thankfully all the rubber loop bands I’ve purchased before haven’t snapped. Last year, I finally found the perfect booty band set from two Influencers on Instagram. Since, then I’ve brought the bands to every gym session since! My favourite bands are from fitwsis.com. In the past, I’ve had rubber loop bands that overstretched and lost their resistance in a few months but these 3 resistance bands still kept their shape and durability. They are $15 USD for the set and if you follow them on Instagram they offer discount sales every so often.
If you’re not into rubber resistance bands, these fabric bands from Amazon are also really good and affordable.
3. Ankle Weights
I bought my ankle weights a long time ago, used them a few times, and then put them away once I started being consistent with gym workouts. If it weren’t for quarantine, I probably would have left them sitting away in the closet. However, these are really beneficial to use! You can add them to your wrists or ankles and do many exercises to challenge yourself. I bought my ankle weights in store for around $15 CAD but these ones on Amazon are similar in price! With good reviews too.
4. Core Slider Discs
You can definitely save money by not purchasing them. Instead, you can use a towel or a paper plate but I prefer having actual discs meant for workouts. These discs are perfect for training the core and legs. You can get them on Amazon for $20 CAD.
5. Yoga Mat
Yoga mats help protect your floor and all your sweat so you don’t slip during the workout. It’s also soft and protective. You can also save money by using a towel but towels tend to move around a lot. Plus, they don’t have enough grip to stay in place.
Amazon sells them yoga mats starting at $22 (also comes with a strap). But I suggest checking your local department store for cheaper ones.
6. Weights
Weights are very important to see results. If you can’t afford heavy weights, you can also use heavy weighted objects you have at home. Ever since quarantine started and gyms closed, prices for weights went up and people resold their weights for triple the price. If you have the money and don’t know which weights or how many to get: Start with a small lightweight pair (5-10 Lb), a medium pair (12-20 Lb), and a slightly heavier pair (anything 20+ Lb). The ones sold on Amazon are super overpriced and not worth buying. If you did want to purchase weights, I would check your local department store like Walmart.
7. Chin Up/Pull Up Bar
This pull up bar is super easy to add to your door frame and no screws required! Once it’s hanging on the frame you can start repping out those pull ups. You can also leave it on the ground and do push-ups or sit ups. They’re available on Amazon starting at $28!
The Bottom Line
Not all of these products are a necessity to purchase but they will help you see the results you want at home. Weights and resistance bands are the top items I would invest in for muscle maintenance and gains.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read full disclosure here. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I use personally and/or believe will add value to my readers.
Nice essential things👍🏽