Home Gym Essentials for Busy Women

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to go to the gym can be a challenge, especially for busy women juggling careers, families, and a never ending to do list. The thought of adding a commute to the gym to the necessary workout time can seem impossible.

But what if your gym was right at home, waiting for you whenever you had a spare 15 or 20 minutes?

Creating a home gym doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With the right equipment and setup, you can have a convenient workout space that fits your lifestyle.

My fitness journey transformed when I removed the need to travel to a gym to fit in a workout, now, by the time I would have driven and parked at my local gym, I have almost finished an effective workout. I am also able to exercise when I have a few free minutes during the day, making it easy to include regular movement breaks rather than one workout as I had traditionally struggled to do. 

In this guide, we’ll show you how to create a home gym that’s perfect for your busy schedule, without breaking the bank or requiring a ton of space.

Home Gym Basics: What Equipment Do You Need?

You don’t need a lot of fancy or expensive equipment to get a great workout at home. Just a few key pieces of equipment are beneficial to improve your health and fitness at home.

Focus on equipment that’s versatile, easy to store, and will give you a full-body workout.

Essential Equipment for a Small Space:

Find the Perfect Home Gym Space

You don’t need a dedicated room to have a home gym. I use a part of my lounge for most of my home workouts, which means I pass the weights every time I leave my work desk (a great motivator to pick up the weights for a few reps!).

A corner of your lounge, bedroom, or even a hallway can be transformed into your workout area. Look for a space where you have enough room to stretch, jump, and move comfortably.

Tips for Creating a Functional Home Workout Space:

• Clear out Clutter: Make sure your workout area is free of distractions and items that can get in the way.
• Portable Equipment: Choose equipment that you can easily tuck away or store away when not in use.
• Mirrors: Adding a mirror can help ensure you are using good technique and can help make your space feel bigger.

If possible, choose a spot near a window for natural light, which can help boost your mood and motivation.

Time-Saving Home Workouts for Busy Days

The beauty of a home gym is that you can squeeze in a workout whenever you have a few minutes.

There is plenty of research to show the benefits of regular movement throughout the day rather than one workout or exercise session. Regularly moving your body throughout the day helps prevent issues associated with prolonged sitting, such as poor posture, back pain, and increased risk of chronic conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes).

You don’t need an hour-long session to make a difference—consistency is key. Here are some quick workout ideas that are perfect for your home gym:

• 15-Minute Full-Body Circuit

3 rounds - bodyweight squats, push-ups, plank holds, and jumping jacks.

• 10-Minute Core Workout

Alternate between ab crunches, leg raises, and planks for a fast, effective ab session.

• HIIT for Cardio

Perform 30 seconds of high-intensity moves like burpees, mountain climbers, and high knees, followed by 30 seconds of rest. Repeat for 10-15 minutes.

By keeping your workouts short but focused, you’ll be able to move your body even on the busiest days.

Maximize Your Time with an Online Workout Class

I often hear ‘I don’t know what to do’ as a challenge for starting or sticking to an exercise program. Working with an online coach provides you the structure and support of an experienced coach from the comfort of your home.

I like to encourage my clients to ‘exercise snack’ throughout the day. Making use of the precious pockets of time; the 5 or 10 minutes that you may have, has many benefits for your mind and body.

Find out more about the benefits of working a fitness coach in this blog.