#home-gym

#home-gym

There are so many proven scientific benefits to moving our bodies, but the one I need more than ever right now is burning off the low-grade anxiety that we, as mothers, are carrying around. The pent-up emotional energy that comes from existing in an increasingly hostile country, and doing our best to keep that from spilling into our mothering. We can't very well spend all day, every day screaming into the void like we want to.

Many home gyms grow sideways, a basic rack here, a cable tower there, a bench in the corner, and plates leaning against walls. That patchwork setup works for a while, but that also makes it hard to move smoothly from warm-up to heavy work, especially if more than one person trains. A single, well-equipped frame can simplify that without feeling like a commercial monster dropped into a spare room, turning scattered gear into a system that actually flows.

Workout gear is almost always clunky and unsightly; gray equipment haphazardly crammed into a basement room that only just checks the box when it comes to an apartment building's list of promoted amenities. Mirrored walls jarringly cut across cheesy cityscape or jungle scene murals and rubber mat flooring. Bad EDM music pulsates at full volume. With function superseding form, aesthetics always seem to be an afterthought.

When life moves fast, carving out time for your health often feels impossible. Most of us have faced the struggle racing through traffic to reach a crowded gym, only to see motivation fade. However, wellness does not have to be another task as it can become part of your home. Imagine a space crafted just for you where there is no commute, no distractions, no waiting.

A quick admission: I absolutely love an elliptical or cross trainer. They don't always get the plaudits they deserve, but these low-impact cardio machines not only put less strain on your joints than a treadmill but also help you get an impressive, full-body workout. Whether you hop on one to warm up before an intense strength-training session or use it to gently burn calories while listening to your favourite podcast, the elliptical or cross trainer can strengthen muscle, reduce fat and improve cardiovascular fitness.

Routhenstein, who primarily focuses on strength training and cardio, told Business Insider that the key is being proactive about scheduling workouts - even short ones - when they fit into her schedule. "If you don't plan it, it's not going to happen." As a dietitian, she said that cooking most of her meals helps her maintain a balanced diet rich in protein, fiber, and carbohydrates to build muscle and stay energized.

Right now, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbell Set - an adjustable 52.5 lbs dumbbell set that crams 15 different weights into a 17″ tool - is just $399 during the brand's Black Friday sale, down from nearly $500. Besides being cheaper (in new condition) than we could find anywhere else, the pair of 552s offer simplicity (use selection dials to alter your weights) and flexibility - the weights adjust from 5 to 52.5 pounds in 2.5lb increments, replacing what is essentially an entire rack of weights.

The RITFIT GATOR 3-Section Adjustable Weight Bench is designed for those who want more from their workouts and their space without compromising on either front or settling for less. It's a bench that grows with you as your fitness journey progresses, adapts to your changing goals seamlessly across different training phases, and looks as good as it performs in any environment you place it. The modular design makes it work for beginners and serious athletes alike.

(Image credit: Getty Images) When television presenter and former footballer Mark Wright began work on his £3.5 million Essex self-build with wife Michelle Keegan, he had one room in mind as a personal priority: a private gym. Several years later, that space is complete - and it's a transformation that blends high-end design with practical training needs. The gym started as an unfinished shell, with wires hanging loosely from the ceiling and walls left bare.

The Lifesmart 3-in-1 Treadmill's small size and motor raise durability concerns, which warrant long-term testing to gauge performance against higher-end models.