home workouts - the fitness cult

As moms, our days are so full; school drop-offs and playdates, work, meals, and bedtime routines. Finding time for yourself (let alone a workout) can feel impossible! The good news? You don’t need a big expensive gym or garage full of bulky equipment to stay active.

With just a few versatile pieces of gear, you can create a minimalist “mom gym” that works for your lifestyle, your body, and your stage of motherhood. Below, I’ll walk you through the must-have essentials, a few nice extras if you want variety, and pregnancy-friendly picks to keep workouts safe and supportive.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use or trust.

Why Minimalist Fitness Gear Works for Moms

Saves time: No need to commute to a gym or wait for machines; everything is home with you, at your fingertips.
Saves space: Compact tools fit under the couch, in a basket, or even in the trunk of your car!
Saves money: Investing in a few quality pieces that you’ll actually use is less than a gym membership you won’t have time to go to.

Most importantly, minimalist gear gives you the freedom to fit in movement when it works for you. Whether that’s a 20-minute workout during nap time or stretching while your kids play, simple gear keeps fitness accessible and realistic.

Must-Have Essentials for Every Mom

Yoga Mat
- Your yoga mat is the foundation for everything from strength to stretching to Pilates to well, yoga! A good mat can even give you a little extra cushion or support for floor play or tummy time with your littles. Look for a yoga mat that provides cushioning, stability, and gives you a designated “me space” that makes workouts feel intentional.
Resistance Bands and/or Hip Bands
- Portable, affordable, and incredibly effective. Resistance bands are small but mighty, adding challenge to strength and toning workouts without taking up any space! Hip bands in particular are great for lower body and core moves like squats, glute bridges, bicycle crunches, or lateral walks.
Adjustable Dumbbells (Optional Upgrade)
- If you’re ready to take strength training up a notice, adjustable dumbbells are a smart investment. They save space compared to a full weight rack and allow you to progress gradually, which is key for building strength and supporting everyday mom life (hello, carrying toddlers and groceries in!).

Nice-to-Have Additions (If You Want More Variety)

Kettlebell – perfect for dynamic full-body workouts like swings, deadlifts, and squats.
- MINIMALIST WIN: Check out this super cool adjustable weight that can serve as dumbbells, a barbell, or a kettlebell for a truly efficient space-saver!
Stability Ball – Builds core strength, improves balance, and doubles as a desk chair for better posture!
Foam Roller – Think of this as a self-massage tool. It’s wonderful for recovery, easing sore muscles, and counteracting long days of carrying kids or sitting in your office.
- LEVEL UP: Foam Rolling too painful? Try this deep-tissue massage gun instead for a DIY treatment.

Pregnancy-Friendly Gear Picks

If you’re currently pregnant or planning for a baby, a few supportive tools can make movement safer and more comfortable:

Theraband Resistance Bands – Focus on strength and mobility without heavy weights.
Stability Ball – Excellent for posture support, core stability, and even preparing your body for labor!
Yoga Block or Pregnancy Pillow – Provides support during stretches, relaxation, and modified yoga poses.

(Tip: Many of these items will continue to serve you well postpartum, especially for gentle recovery and core rebuilding.)

How to Choose the Right Gear for You

When building your minimalist setup, think about:

Space: Where will you store or use it?
Budget: Start small; you don’t need everything at once.
Workout style: Do you prefer strength, yoga, or cardio-based movement?
Stage of motherhood: Pregnancy, postpartum,or chasing toddlers will all shape your needs.

Start with one or two essentials, then add on as you discover what you love most.

Putting it Together: Your Minimalist Mom Gym

Your perfect setup can be as simple as:

1 yoga mat
1 set of hip bands
1 set of strength tool (like resistance bands, dumbbells, or a kettlebell)

That’s it! With these three things, you can create endless workout possibilities without feeling overwhelmed by equipment or clutter.

Fitness for moms doesn’t have to be complicated; in fact, sometimes simple is best! With just a few well-chosen pieces, you can stay active, strong, and energized through every season of motherhood.

👉Check out my post Build Your Home Gym for Under $500 if you’re curious about creating a bigger setup!

👉Shop my mom-friendly gear here.

👉Got your gear and ready for your workouts? Get personalized support with my program design and in-home or virtual training! Book a FREE consultation or sign up for my email list to get more mom-focused workouts, recipes, and wellness tips straight to your inbox.

You’re doing so much for your family already! Now, it’s time to make fitness simple and doable for you! 🤍

1. A Good Yoga Mat

First things first—you need a comfortable, supportive surface for your workouts. A yoga mat isn’t just for yoga; it’s your foundation for everything from core workouts to stretching to bodyweight circuits.

Look for one that’s thick enough to protect your knees and wrists but still has a good grip so you won’t slide around during planks or lunges.

This is your “home base” for exercise, and it will make every workout more comfortable and inviting.

This Gruper mat is my favorite and has been my go-to for indoor and outdoor workouts for the last 6 years and is still going strong! It’s thick and cushy without sinking into it and provides a nonslip surface. It’s easy to clean and keep clean, and rolls up for simple storage.

2. Fabric Hip Bands

Next up—fabric hip bands. If you’ve only ever used those thin rubber loop bands that roll and pinch, you’re in for a treat.

Fabric bands are wider, more durable, and way more comfortable. They’re amazing for glute activation, leg workouts, and adding resistance to exercises like squats, hip thrusts, and side steps.

They’re also small and portable, so you can toss one in your diaper bag or suitcase for workouts anywhere.

I love this 6-piece set that includes 3 hip bands and 3 full-body length bands in different levels of resistance. The full-body length bands are great for adding resistance to core moves or incorporating upper body exercises into your band workouts!

3. Rubber Resistance Bands with Handles

Resistance bands with handles are like having a full cable machine… without the giant footprint or price tag.

They’re perfect for upper body workouts, rows, presses, curls, and even some lower body moves. They also make it easy to adjust resistance—just step closer or farther from your anchor point.

If you want a versatile, space-saving tool that can work every muscle in your body, this is it. In fact, if you can only buy ONE item for your home gym, go with these resistance bands! I’ve had my set since pre-COVID times (remember those days?) and use them both for my personal workouts as well as with my clients and they have held up with virtually no wear.

4. Adjustable Dumbbells

Here’s where your strength training game really levels up. Adjustable dumbbells give you multiple weight options in one set, which means you can go lighter for isolation moves or heavier for big compound lifts—all without buying (and storing) a dozen pairs of dumbbells.

They’re also a money-saver long term. Once you have these, you’ll be set for years of progressive strength training.

I like this super versatile set that can be a pair of dumbbells, a Kettlebell, or a barbell and adjust up to 45lb each or 90lb together. This gives you the freedom to explore many types of exercise movements and mix up your workouts!

5. Adjustable Bench

The all-in-one, an adjustable bench. It might seem like a luxury, but it’s actually a total game-changer.

With a bench, you can do incline and flat presses, step-ups, Bulgarian split squats, hip thrusts, and countless other exercises. Adjustable options give you multiple backrest angles, which means more variety in your workouts and more ways to challenge your muscles. I also love that this one has the option for the back extension and support for loads of ab exercises!

6. Adjustable Dumbbell & Equipment Storage Rack

Okay, I’ll be honest—this one might seem “extra,” but it’s actually the secret to keeping your home gym organized and inviting.

A small rack designed to hold your adjustable dumbbells, resistance bands, and other gear not only keeps everything in one place but also makes your workout space feel intentional.

When your equipment is neat and ready to go, you’re more likely to use it (and less likely to trip over it on your way to grab a snack).

Why This Setup Works for Busy Moms

No commute — Your gym is just a few steps away.
Flexible timing — Workout during nap time, before the kids wake up, or while dinner’s in the oven.
Minimal space — All of these items can fit into a small corner of your living room, bedroom, or garage.
All-in-one solution — Strength, cardio, flexibility, mobility—it’s all possible with this setup.

Making It Happen

You can find all of these items on Amazon. If you buy them individually, you’ll still come in under $500—and you’ll have everything you need for full-body workouts at home.

Whether you’re squeezing in 15 minutes before the chaos of the day or carving out a longer sweat session, this home gym setup gives you the tools to stay consistent, feel strong, and build the healthy lifestyle you deserve.

Ready to get started?
Click the links to shop, or reach out to me for in-home personal training or virtual coaching—I’ll help you create workouts that fit your equipment, space, and schedule.

Your fitness doesn’t have to wait until “someday.” You can start today, right at home.

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Work with Me

Resources

Location

Contact

The Fine Print