By Rachel Lankester, Mutton Club Editor
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Working out at home can be a great way to stay fit and healthy, especially if you’re unable to go to a gym or prefer the comfort of exercising in your own space. During Covid I invested in a lot of fitness equipment to use at home and I’ve carried on using it because it saves so much time to keep fit at home!
Maintaining fitness is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, and it becomes even more critical as we age. Midlife fitness home equipment is an excellent investment for those looking to stay active and healthy in the comfort of their own home. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best midlife fitness home equipment options that are perfect for those over 40.
My personal recommendations
Dumbbells are an essential piece of equipment for anyone looking to build strength and tone their muscles. They’re versatile and can be used for a variety of exercises, including bicep curls, tricep extensions, and shoulder presses etc.. Additionally, dumbbells are relatively inexpensive and easy to store, making them a great option for home workouts. I have a variety: 2kg (which never get used), 3kg (for aerobics workouts that need weights), 4kg which I use mostly for upper body strength training), 5kg (which I’m working up to!)
Kettlebells come in a variety of weights, allowing you to gradually increase the resistance as you get stronger. When using kettlebells as home fitness equipment, it’s important to start with a weight that you can handle comfortably and focus on proper form. I do kettlebell swings which are brilliant for core body strength. But it’s important to learn how to do these properly to avoid injuries. Check out Youtube for a good video on how to do this safely.
Resistance bands are an excellent option for those looking to build strength and tone muscles. They’re portable and easy to use, making them a great option for home workouts and for taking away on a trip too. Additionally, resistance bands are low-impact, making them an excellent choice for those with joint pain or mobility issues. You can get long ones which attach to handles or a door, and short ones which are great for travelling. Both are useful.
Core Balance Pilates Resistance Ring
I bought a core balance Pilates resistance ring in my local supermarket. I don’t use it that much yet because I don’t do much Pilates. But it’s a good tool to have in the arsenal and I like to have play with it from time to time. It helps create moderate resistance when compressed to strengthen your core, improve your flexibility and target a wide range of muscle groups. It will give you a full body workout by targeting your thighs, abs, glutes, lower back and more. Just search on YouTube for Pilates ring workouts to find out how to use it.
A suspension trainer (often the brand TRX) can support your weight for many different workouts. This is not only used for daily fitness but also for stretching and physiotherapy. It increases stamina and improves flexibility. I have fitted a bracket (see below) for one of these on the wall in my back garden. I love having a play on my patio. It’s great fun and challenges your muscles in ways it’s difficult to do otherwise. Also great for supported deep leg stretches. I follow a number of TRX accounts on Instagram for ideas on what to do.
My suspension trainer with wall bracket outside my back door!
Wall/ Ceiling Mount Bracket For Gym And Home Suspension Straps
This metal wall mount is designed with 4 holes for stronger endurance, higher stability and safer support. It can safely support up to 850 pounds so you can focus on taking your workout to the next level. I have one of these on my house wall in the garden.
A mini trampoline is a great piece of equipment to have at home if you’ve got the room. Mind is a little too big for inside so it stays in the cellar during the winter and comes out into the garden when the weather gets a bit better. It’s brilliant for cardio exercise without stress on the joints, making it perfect for older women especially! It’s effective for burning fat – just 20 minutes of daily bouncing can help you burn lots of calories. The maximum load-bearing capacity can reach up to 150kg and its impact force is very low, which can protect your joints. It’s great for your balance too.
Jumping rope can burn 15-20 calories per minute and also strengthen your legs, butt, shoulders, belly, and arms. On average, you can burn 200 calories in 10 minutes sessions each day. It is more effective than brisk walking. It’s also great for bone density and is fun to do too. I skip for 100 jumps then life weights for 5 minutes then repeat to at least 500 jumps usually, 300 when I’ve not feeling it! But it’s great exercise when time is short and a jump rope is easy to put in your trip bag to make exercise away easy. I love Dope Ropes and you can get 10% off any of their ropes with the code MAGNIFICENT.
Workout mats provide a comfortable surface for working out that can prevent slipping and injuries. I have a large mat for general workouts and a slimmer stickier mat for yoga.
A yoga mat needs to have the right mix of stickiness to enable you to hold poses easily but not being too sticky to stop you moving around fluidly. Here’s a great one.
A foam roller is an essential piece of equipment for anyone looking to improve their flexibility and reduce muscle soreness. It’s used for self-massage and can help to break up muscle knots and tightness. Additionally, foam rollers are relatively inexpensive and easy to store, making them a great option for home workouts. If you’re upping your level of exercise, you really need to take care of your muscles otherwise, they’ll tighten up and cause pain. This a great tool to use and you can do it while watching TV for example!
Other ideas
A stability ball is an excellent option for those looking to improve their balance and core strength. It can be used for a variety of exercises, including crunches, push-ups, and planks. Additionally, stability balls are relatively inexpensive and easy to store, making them a great option for home workouts. I actually use this ball with the mini feet as my chair of choice. I use it to sit on in my garden office. I reckon it’s great for posture and balance.
The treadmill is one of the most popular pieces of fitness equipment, and for good reason. It’s an excellent way to get your cardio workout in without having to leave your home. For midlife fitness, a treadmill is a great investment as it can help you to maintain your cardiovascular health and build endurance. Additionally, running on a treadmill is a low-impact workout, which is essential for those with joint pain or mobility issues. I have a sit stand desk in my home office and a mini treadmill underneath it! I don’t use it daily but if I’ve been stuck at home, I will do some walking on it to get my daily steps in.
A stationary bike is another excellent midlife fitness home equipment option if you’ve got the room. Like the treadmill, it’s a great way to get your cardio workout in, but is also an excellent option for those with joint pain or mobility issues. Additionally, stationary bikes are great for strengthening your legs and improving your overall cardiovascular health.
I invested in a rowing machine during Covid lockdown! I don’t use it very much but it’s a great bit of kit to have around. I’m waiting for the days when my legs just don’t want to run so much and then I’ll make more use of it. Again you need the room to accommodate this but maybe you’ve got a cellar or a garage it could go in? It’s an excellent piece of equipment for those looking for a full-body workout. It works your arms, back, shoulders, and legs, making it an excellent choice for midlife fitness. Additionally, rowing machines are low-impact, making them ideal for those with joint pain or mobility issues.
The elliptical machine is another low-impact option that is great for midlife fitness. Now we’re getting into serious home gym territory! It works your legs, arms, and core, making it a full-body workout. Additionally, the elliptical machine is easy on your joints, making it an excellent choice for those with joint pain or mobility issues.
In conclusion, midlife fitness home equipment is an excellent investment for those looking to stay active and healthy. The options discussed in this article are just a few of the many great choices available. When choosing equipment, it’s essential to consider your individual needs, preferences, and fitness goals. Additionally, it’s a good idea to consult a fitness professional to ensure you’re using the equipment correctly and safely. Stay safe and have fun!
You may also like: How To Design A Home Workout Routine and How To Do Leg Extensions At Home And Why You’ll Want To
Rachel Lankester is the founder of Magnificent Midlife, author, host of the Magnificent Midlife Podcast, a midlife mentor and editor of the Mutton Club online magazine. After an initially devastating early menopause at 41, she dedicated herself to helping women vibrantly transition through the sometimes messy middle of life, helping them cope better with menopause and ageing in general, and create magnificent next chapters. She’s been featured in/on BBC Woman’s Hour, The Huffington Post, The Sunday Times, Thrive Global, Authority Magazine, The Age Buster, Woman’s Weekly, Prima Magazine, eShe, Tatler HK and Woman’s Own amongst others. She believes we just get better with age. Get her book Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause and Beyond which was recommended in the New York Times.
Last Updated on June 19, 2023 by Editorial Staff
