Home Workout Equipment

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Gyms may or may not be available over the winter, and you have either been crushing the outdoor activities this summer or other things have gotten in the way. In any case, it is now time to start preparing for your winter activities and you know strength will be a key player. There are probably some physio exercises you were supposed to be doing, maybe some new injuries that are starting to nag, or you are feeling the effects of a season of throwing yourself into much more volume of running or cycling.

If you don’t already have your own full gym in your basement, our purpose here is to give you some lists of equipment to maximize your home gym options for training. While it’s been said on repeat, the message remains the same:

Strength training, done correctly, helps you maximize your performance and minimize your potential for injuries.

A good strength plan to supplement your pursuits is manageable, at your current level, and (these days) can ideally be completed at home. All programs from us can be completed with, or adapted to, any of the equipment combinations below. The goal is to have something to help you achieve regardless of how much you have to work with.

Equipment has been challenging to find lately so there will be a few online links to suppliers. I spoke to a manager Catharine from Fitness Depot in Calgary (they have several locations across the country) who was very helpful and although they aren’t able to offer us a discount code she mentioned that they do actually have most items in stock. They have pickup and delivery options, so if anyone is interested please send an email and we may be able to arrange a bulk order for free delivery.

Below are a few targeted lists depending on your needs

Online links for each product are provided at the bottom of the page, please support smaller locally owned stores whenever possible

Budget Minimal: 

  • 4L water or milk jugs, OR stuff sack/backpack with books or heavy objects

  • Mini Band(s)

  • Pull up band(s)

  • Stability ball (optional)

Space Minimal:

  • Dumbbells, 5-40lb depending on your abilities (2-3 sets is amazing)

  • Mini band(s)

  • Pull Up band(s)

  • TRX

Full set-up:

  • Dumbbells, 5-40lb (4-6 sets)

  • Mini band(s)

  • Pull Up band(s)

  • Stability ball

  • Pull up bar

  • Bench (optional)

  • TRX

 

Bonus items everyone should consider:

  • Yoga blocks (large book alternative for the budget-savvy)

  • Lacrosse ball - very budget and space friendly, EXCELLENT mobility tool

  • Foam roller (travel or full-sized, Nalgene type bottle for budget-savvy)

  • Yoga strap (for stretching, webbing or thin towel for budget-savvy)

  • Floor sliders (can purchase, or cardboard for carpet & small towels for floor)

 Online Links:

All will open in new window

  • Lacrosse ball

  • Travel Roller:

  • Dumbbells:

    • Fitness Depot (several options)

    • Canadian Tire

    • Weights are weights, they don’t have to be fancy though the rubber hexes do have some nice features. Otherwise it doesn’t matter which you choose

  • Minibands:

    • Fitness Depot - one of several options

    • Canadian Tire - cheaper price, lesser quality

    • My favourite brand for these so far is Perform Better, which can be found on Amazon.ca, though they are more expensive

  • Pull Up Bands:

    • Fitness Depot

    • Perform Better is great, but a US website, prices, and shipping (Amazon.ca also sells them but I prefer to support the original companies)

  • TRX: (door or ceiling mountain strap system for resistance training)

    • Fitness Depot

    • TRX (US site & shipping, Fitness Depot is nearest Canadian retailer)

    • Note: there are many off-brand alternatives for this piece of equipment that can be much cheaper, such as this one from Canadian Tire

  • Pull Up Bar:

  • Stability Ball:

    • Fitness Depot

    • Canadian Tire

    • Cheaper isn’t necessarily better for exercise balls, if possible feel the actual material yourself to see if the texture works for you

  • Floor Sliders:

None of the above links or products are affiliated via sponsorship or commercial partnership. They are all found via online searches and based on my personal experiences with various equipment.