Weight Training At Home

I’ve been working out for almost two and a half years now and I’ve only ever stepped (properly) in a gym twice. When I began my fitness journey I started with workout DVDs which then led to YouTube workouts for a fair few months and then I stumbled across Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide programme on Instagram. I completed both guides, 1 & 2 before I decided I wanted a new challenge which didn’t involve as much cardio/resistance training. And truth be told, I found myself getting tired of the BBG timer. That’s when you know you should try something new – when you no longer look forward to it. I’ve said it time after time but I really wouldn’t be doing what I did if I didn’t enjoy it and for me, that’s how I stick to it.

I began lifting weights at the end of last year and followed Lauren Gleisbergs free weight training programme of which she provides on her website. The workouts last no longer than 40 minutes, require a limited use of equipment and most importantly it works. 

But the one thing I’m always asked is: “How do you workout from home?” To me, the questions seems bizarre because I’ve always worked out from home and i’ve known no different. However, I’m aware of the misconceptions that weight training at home has. So firstly, here’s my top tips for getting started:

• You need at least a pair of Dumbbells, a barbell and some resistance bands. That’s all the equipment I have myself (apart from some weight gloves). You can buy cheap(ish) weights from Argos (UK) or from gumtree/eBay. Put your bargain head on and search around!

• Be prepared to increase your weights – again this can be costly but not as costly as a monthly gym membership.

• You will need an area to workout in. For me, I clear my living room (bye bye coffee table) and workout there.

• Having a pair of indoor trainers are good too – especially if you’re like me and will be working out on a cream carpet… Ekkk.

• Consider buying a rack for your Dumbbells and weights too for somewhere to store them easily.

• And lastly, after almost a year of weight training at home I have now reached the point where I am considering buying a barbell rack to improve my lifts further and of course, lift heavier. This won’t happen straight away if your a beginner, however it’s something you may think about after you start hitting PB’s and gaining more strength.

So that’s how you get started. I admit, when I began lifting weights at home I had to endure a few trial and errors. You’ll soon learn alternative moves for certain exercises that require proper gym equipment and you’ll soon discover what exercises work well for your body. Eg, I know lunges work best for my glutes rather than squats. Everyone’s different and that’s why it’s important to find out what works for you.

When the Lauren Gleisberg workouts came to a break  I decided to try a new workout programme before the next challenge started. I’ve trailed a few different programme and workouts and personally I believe everybody has their own preferences of what they enjoy. So my advice would be to do your research and be prepared for some trial and errors.

• Crush60 Home – This is probably my second go to weight training programme. What I love about the crush workouts is it works. I know it’s simple, but it’s true. Each workout leaves me burning and probably gave me the worst shoulder DOMs I’ve ever had. The pdf you’re given too is also really great. It’s interactive and provides workout videos if you’re unsure of the movement which I found incredibly helpful! As well as this the plan is easy to follow and understand and also provides tips and information at the start.

• FitnessBlender – Although this isn’t a programme as such it’s still a great option. If you’re able to split up your workouts into days then there’s no reason you can’t incorporate these workouts into your weight training. However, I do suggest doing your research into their workouts first so you know exactly if the workout video is for you. Eg, not just 10 minutes of weights and then the rest is cardio!

• Lauren Gleisberg – As well as providing free workouts on her website Lauren also provides different programmes of which you can buy and use whenever. There’s a few to pick from but my favourite is the latest weight training:home guide.

• The Internet – The sky is your limit! I use the Internet for various workouts when I’m in between programmes and it’s actually a great way to find new programmes or to simply educate yourself more about weight training. For the past couple of weeks I’ve been looking at the style of GVT (German volume training) and the articles and information available has been extremely useful. So if you’re unsure then definitely start with the Internet.

Besides everything I’ve touched upon that really is pretty much it. Yes it’s possible to weight train at home, yes you can still get results and yes you can stick to it! But before you think about working out from home ask yourself why. Why do you want to? For me it’s because it’s easy and convenient. It’s easy to roll out of bed, put my workout clothes on and get straight into it. But for others, people may find they’re less motivated working out at home because you’re on your own. If in doubt, try it. If you love it, then great – carry on. If you hate it, stop and go back to the gym or find something else that works for you! Fitness really is unlimited – don’t think it’s only ever found in the gym or indoors… It really isn’t.

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