I used to be a huge fan of group fitness classes, but once we started quarantine back in March, I became a big fan of working out at home and taking virtual classes! Some of you may know that I am a certified barre instructor, and barre is one of my absolute favorite workouts! I also love pilates, spinning, running, and an occasional yoga class! I thought it would be fun to share my at-home fitness essentials for working out at home. These are the items that I like to use every day for my workouts, and they truly are my fitness essentials!

1. Yoga Mat

I have tried a variety of yoga mats ranging in different thicknesses, and I love the Liforme Yoga mats the best! They have alignment markers so that you know where to put your hands and feet, and I never slip while using it. Their mats are biodegradable, non-toxic, and PVC-free. The best thing about this company is that they are passionate about giving back. Their long-term charity partners include Friends of the Earth, Yoga Gives Back, GLAAD, and the RSPCA.

2. Soft Hand Weights (AKA: Walking Weights)

A few years ago, when I visited my family in England, I wanted to bring some weights with me so that I could work out while I was away. I ended up finding these fantastic soft hand weights, and I still LOVE using them! They are easy to pack with you on a trip, and they are comfortable in your hand. I usually stick to 3-4 pound weights in my workouts, especially in barre, but don’t worry, you will still feel that burn!

3. Mini Exercise Ball

I use a mini exercise ball in every single one of my barre classes! It’s amazing how versatile it is! You can put it in between your thighs for leg work, between your palms for arms, or behind your back for abs. It’s also quite nice to use as a block sometimes in yoga since it gives you a little spring back.

4. Booty Bands

If you are looking to really feel the burn, you have to try using booty bands in your next workout. Placing them around your ankles, shins, or above or below your knees will guarantee a booty burn! You can also use these mini bands for your upper body by placing the band around your wrists to activate your arms with a little added resistance.

5. Foam Roller

A foam roller is an essential part of my fitness routine! I love this deep tissue foam roller as it really gets in to massage the muscle. It’s a wonderful myofascial release tool, and it helps to get rid of the lactic acid in your muscles.

I hope this list of my stay-at-home fitness essentials helps you with your at-home workouts! You don’t need a gym to get your workout in, but I like to use these small tools to elevate my workouts and really feel that burn! If you want to try one of my barre classes, here is a link to a recent blog post where I take you through a 40 minute express barre class!