Home H&F equipment - cheap options

[Jo]

I’m trying to do more strength and flexibility stuff this year, but we don’t have a gym membership, so I’m doing it at home. Flexibility activities seem ok - I have a yoga mat, blocks, and strap, and can find lots of videos on YouTube. I’m getting a little bit bored with lunges, planks, and similar. I bought a band this weekend (the kind with handles) and am planning on another one (loop) and I’m trying to find a YouTube channel or two that I like.

if I’m trying to set myself up for real gains in strength this year, but don’t have the $$$ to buy a full weights system, is there anything else I should buy? 

What about recovery stuff? I’m running and doing other cardio, so I have a stick for leg stuff and one of those cane thingys for upper back knots. I’m pretty sure that does nothing useful, but it feels so awesome. Time to add a foam roller?

and are there YouTube channels or other fitness videos that will help with this? I have the You Are Your Own Gym book, but could use some other sources of exercises and YouTube searches turn up a ton of stuff, some of which is terrible.

What inexpensive home fitness equipment do you have or want?

[vcubergirl]

I would maybe add a big ball. You can do a ton of core and back exercises on them!

I saw someone post in FB about a cheap set of 3 kettlebells, I think from Aldi (if it's not Aldi, it's Lidl). That might be a good thing to look into.

[breezy8407]

I was going to say kettlebells, too. You can do a lot with a lighter and heavier option. Same for a couple pairs of dumbbells. One lighter for upper body, one heavier for lower body for instance.

[heliocentric]

I was going to suggest a set of bands (loop kind), but I see you already have that on your list. I got a set of 5 on Amazon for cheap. They can be added to amp up body weight exercises and also act like weights (ex. use for biceps curls).

If you want to get some dumbbells, check out craigslist or FB marketplace for used sets or check out the kettlebells suggested by others.

I also find a sturdy chair can be useful. You can do dips on it, barre work, or use it for lunges (back leg on the chair).

If you want to do pullups / chinups an over the door bar is pretty inexpensive.

I found my foam roller at TJMaxx for cheap, but a tennis or lacrosse ball can work until you get one.

I currently subscribe to 3 paid sites (Beachbody on Demand, Peloton Digital, and Down Dog Yoga), but prior to that I mostly used Fitnessblender.com and found them to have a good selection. I'm sure if you search on pinterest you could find some programs / ideas, too.

[labbie]

For videos I can't recommend fitnessblender.com enough. It's free and they have everything from cardio, HIIT and strength workouts of all lengths.

For equipment, check Craigslist or FB marketplace in your area, I always see equipment on there. We scored a weight bench and a barbell set for free off local craigslist because they didn't want to move it and it's held up great.
 

[Wines Not Whines]

I subscribe to a streaming fitness video service called Les Mills. I chose it because I’ve gone to their gym classes and I liked them. I’ve also heard good things about the Beachbody, Aaptiv, and Peleton apps. I think they all have cardio, strength, and yoga videos. They all have free trials.

The gear I have at home is pretty basic. I have a resistance band and a few weights (5, 10, 25 lbs).

[woowoo]

We both use the Aaptiv app and are obsessed with it. Thousands of workouts, some great programs (I'm currently half way through the maternity program), etc.

We also have a TRX at home and if you have the space for it, it's a great investment (although not that expensive).

I would also recommend a bosu ball instead of a big ball, you can still do core on it but it's a great way to up your game with deadlifts, squats, pushups, etc.