I'm often asked for advice about at-home workouts. Several women have used a modified Reuna Fitness Starter Package for that purpose: to learn how to develop at-home workouts that support goals using simple equipment. For those looking to add some new elements to your at-home workout space this year, I've got a few recommendations. These are all products I've used and feel they are worth the money and space but feel free to shop around for similar equipment if you've got a favorite brand.  I'm not getting paid for any of this ;)

I love rubber mini-bands because they are inexpensive and versatile for both lower and upper body exercises. They travel well and can be stashed almost anywhere if space is an issue at home. Last year, I bought a few of the wide Fabric Booty Bands and found that they are more robust and they don’t slip or roll when performing lateral walks or other lower body exercises. A variety of fabric bands can be found on Amazon even though I don’t necessarily agree with marketing that contains phrases like “beach booty” and “perfect bottom”.  My bottom is always a beach booty, thankyouverymuch!

My knees are relatively healthy and happy but they aren’t so happy on hard surfaces!  When I want to do kneeling exercises and or spend some time stretching and moving on the floor, I get out my thick purple yoga mat. I watch for sales and got mine for $15.19 online.

In addition to dumbbells, consider adding a few kettlebells to your at-home workout space. They add a new element to strength training and cardio exercises without taking up a lot of room.  For beginner/intermediate exercisers, the weights available are plenty challenging. 

Your at-home self-care collection could use a foam roller or two. I prefer the 36 x 6 plain one.  I use it regularly on my calves, quads, and upper back.  If you are unfamiliar with foam-rolling,  e-mail me and I’ll send you some information or join the Reuna Fitness Circle on Facebook to find a video demonstration. 

The Basic Amazon Bench is a fantastic simple bench. Inexpensive and sturdy! 

All the balls: medicine balls, soft medicine balls, slam balls and stability balls.  Each require relatively little space and add variety to strength, core, or cardio sessions. You don't have to have all the types like I do.

Last but not least, a planner! I personally enjoy using The Happy Planner (found mine at Michael’s).  Although my phone is always with me, my preference is still to write it all down: appointments, client sessions, to-do lists, and my own workouts. Maybe someday I'll switch to an app of some sort but for now, I love my paper planner!   "The discipline of writing something down is the first step towards making it happen." -Lee Iacocca  I'm sure it applies to typing it out too!  The key is getting the tasks at-hand somewhere you can see them and track them. 

So that's a small list of some of my favorite fitness things for at-home exercisers.  If you are an at-home exerciser that's become bored or you aren't quite sure how to put together workouts with all of your fitness stuff, the Starter Package or other coaching options may be for you! Let's talk about where you need guidance; the initial consultation is always free.
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Join me in the Reuna Fitness Circle on Facebook for exercise and motivational videos and posts and a small community of women working towards improved fitness and wellness.

Hectic Holiday Circuit

What you need: 
Moderate weight dumbbells and a timer

How do it: 
After a 5 minute dynamic full body warm-up, perform each exercise for 1 minute.  Move to next exercise with little to no rest.  Repeat circuit 3 to 4 times with 1 to 2 minute rest between rounds.  Cool down & stretch!

The exercises:
Hide the Gifts   It's as if you are leaning and reaching to place a gift on a low shelf....Perform alternating Single Leg RDL with reach

Chop the Wood  Hold one dumbbell with both hands and perform a high to low wood chop.  Switch sides after 30 seconds.

Drink the Coffee   Pick up both dumbbells, hold a wall sit while doing alternating hammer curls.

Climb the Ladder  Think high knees with alternating reaches to the ceiling.  Right arm up, left knee up then left arm up, right knee up. Do slow with full range of motion or go for speed!

Top the Tree   Pick up both dumbbells again.  Perform a squat with weights near shoulders and as you return to standing, press one weight up overhead to full extension of arm.  Back into squat, push other weight overhead.  Repeat.

Around the World  Front lunge, lateral lunge, reverse lunge.  Switch legs. Repeat for time.   Hold a dumbbell in each hand for little more challenge.

Sometimes a quick themed at-home workout is all you need to reignite your motivation mojo through the holiday season!