Equipment Recommendations
For 10 years, I was able to train thousands of people with bare bones equipment. I didn’t have a whole gym full of fancy machines and equipment. I literally started Stacey Schaedler Strength with just a set of kettlebells, a few random sets of dumbbells, suspension trainers, resistance bands, three stability balls, a bunch of mini bands, and some tune up balls. That’s all you’ll need to get started, too.
My Move Your Body programming is designed specifically to be completed at home and work with limited equipment. There are some things you’ll definitely need, and others that are nice to have.
You will want:
- A set of kettlebells
- A set of dumbbells
- Resistance bands with handles
- Bands without handles (can be used for pull ups, assisted push ups, etc.)
- A yoga block
- A set of wedges (can be used together for squats and apart for single leg exercises)
- A pair of yoga tune up balls
- A foam roller
Instead of paying high shipping fees on weights, you can also keep an eye on local options: Try Costco, Target, Wal-Mart, Play It Again Sports, and even Facebook Marketplace.
What size weights should I buy?
Let’s say you are a true beginner and haven’t lifted weights much at all. A set of 10-12lb dumbbells, an 8kg kettlebell, and a 12kg kettlebell should serve you well!
If you are an intermediate lifter, I suggest a set of 20lb dumbbells, a 12kg kettlebell, and a 20kg kettlebell.
If you are more advanced I suggest a set of 25-35lb dumbbells, a 16kg kettlebell, and a 24-28kg kettlebell.
Remember, I want you to challenge yourself, NOT make the exercises impossible!
Additional items that would be nice to have:
- A bench (more options from Rogue and Ironmaster—which has a chin-up attachment!)
- An airex pad
- Suspension Trainer, TRX, or wood rings (can be used for assisted pulls/chins when your door jam doesn’t allow for a chin up bar. Can be used with a door anchor)
- Doorway chin up bar or garage gym pull up bar (the Ironmaster bench has a chin-up attachment)
- A door anchor for bands/rings
- Set of mini-bands
- A stability ball
- Coregeous Ball from Tune Up Fitness
- Gym Boss timer (or download an interval timer app to your phone)
Now that you know what you need.
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