At Own Your Goals, we believe in the pure power of working out from home. Our workouts are designed to be carried out in your living room, bedroom, hallway or other space, no matter the size. They can be done at any time of the day and you don’t need an expensive gym membership to see results. 

Sometimes we add in some equipment to enhance the benefits of certain exercises, but we never use anything fancy or unobtainable. We’re often asked what equipment you might need as you progress through your OYG journey, so here’s the lowdown on what we use and how to use it safely. 

Exercise mat

Most of our programmes, from the Beginner Plan to the Advanced Plan, our challenges, such as The Make A Change Challenge, and many of our workouts, involve some level of floor work. Some, such as Yoga or Pilates, will involve more than others, but either way, an exercise mat is essential. 

Exercise mats don’t take much looking after, a simple spritz of an antibacterial spray is all they need. Only roll them up when they’re dry and they will last for years. Invest in a thicker one if you have hard floors, as this will help to protect your back and joints. 

Dumbbells

We talk about the use of dumbbells a lot here at OYG, because we love the results that come from working out with weights. You can add dumbbells to many of our routines, and a good place to start is with our Strength Plan with trainer Lily. 

Using weights makes each movement harder, so it’s best to start off light, or with tins of food or filled water bottles, to make sure you get your technique right. Some level of good pain is normal, but stop immediately if you experience sudden or severe pains. 

Kettlebells and Balls

In the same way as dumbbells, a kettlebell adds weight and resistance to exercise, but you would only ever use one kettlebell. The same goes for a weighted exercise ball. 

Kettlebells are normally used in swinging movements, for example in this Christmas themed workout with Faye (that can be done any time of year!). 

An exercise ball is used similarly to dumbbells to add an extra push to each movement, as Sarah demonstrates in this Lower Body Workout. 

As ever, use them slowly and purposefully to begin with as your confidence builds. And try not to drop them on your toes! 

Chair 

A dining chair can be used as something to hold onto for stability if you’re exercising on one leg, as Sarah perfectly demonstrates here with her ballet inspired moves. A chair is also useful for performing squats, to aid your balance and ensure perfect technique. 

Booty band 

Some workouts, such as this Lower Body Workout with Sarah, make use of a booty band, or band. This is a thick piece of stretchy material stitched into a loop, that adds resistance, especially when performing squats. 

A booty band can make exercise harder (but can help to get great results!) and the thicker and less stretchy the material, the more challenging it is. This can increase 'the burn' but again, if you experience any sudden or severe pain, stop immediately.

What equipment is your new favourite?