Equipment Recommendations

For my entire career I’ve been able to train thousands of people with bare bones equipment. When I was starting out, 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. 

Nearly all of my programming is designed 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 (Amazon link) see below for weight recommendations
• A set of dumbbells (Amazon link) see below for weight recommendations
• Bands without handles (Amazon link) I’d start with a single RED in this case. (These can be used for rowing, awareness, assisted push-ups, presses, pull ups, etc.) (here’s another option) 
• A set of mini-bands OR you can use rolled up socks or rags
• A yoga block 
• Access to wall space that you can put your feet on
• Access to a sturdy table, ottoman, or chair
• Cheap wedge (comes with two, can be used together for squats and apart for single leg exercises). OR you can always use a rolled up yoga mat, a book, weight plates, or a folded up towel
• A pair of yoga tune up balls or a single alpha ball
• A foam roller I prefer the longer roller BUT something is better than nothing!
• Coregeous Ball from Tune Up Fitness. This is a game-changer for ribcage and abdominal recovery work. While I hesitate to make this a must, it can be used for so many things (hip shifting, abdominal massage, ribcage mobility, hip stability…)

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:

• Coregeous Ball from Tune Up Fitness (also mentioned above).
• An airex pad for your knees (I don’t know about you but I ain’t twenty anymore!). Can also use a rolled up towel, yoga blanket, pillow, or cushion.
• A bench (more options from Rogue and Ironmaster). OR you can use chairs, an ottoman, a sturdy chair.
• A door anchor for resistance bands/rings
• If you want MORE variety in your upper body pulling options, a Suspension Trainer, TRX, or wood rings can be used. Use with a door anchor (above).
• Furniture Pads for foot work
• Doorway chin up bar or garage gym pull up bar (the Ironmaster bench has a chin-up attachment)
• A stability ball
• Gym Boss timer (or download an interval timer app to your phone)

Now that you know what you need. 

Check out the Move Your Body Membership.