For the most part, I separate work and pleasure, keeping my workouts in the gym and my Netflix in the home. Sometimes, though, you can’t be picky about where you sweat, and you need the proper tools to help you do so. Here’s a quick & dirty list of what I like to keep in my (tiny) apartment and why.
- Dumbbells: For high rep exercises (which tends to be what I do at home anyway), these 8 pounders work great for me. If you’re a beginner, 5s might be a better place to start; 10 if you’re #swole.
- Jump rope: A quick way to get in some cardio/plyometrics, without needing much equipment or space.
- Laptop, phone, tablet, etc. I rarely go into a workout blindly. I keep several workout guides and/or videos in rotation to lead the way, and I need something to display my workout spirit guide. Lately, my Intel Tablet has been doing the trick. The quick wifi makes it perfect for streaming YouTube fitness videos to follow, or Googling an exercise I don’t know how to do. It’s super small and durable so I can even bring it with me to my apartment building’s gym. (Pictured below is Kayla Itsines’ Bikini Body Guide)
- Foam roller: After strength + cardio, it’s time to recover. I focus on my quads, glutes, calves, and upper back using my foam roller. Goop also has a great routine.
- Lacrosse ball: Once or twice a week, I use this to loosen my glutes. I suffer major lower back pain whenever I neglect this, so the temporary pain is worth it.
- Golf ball: Roll out your feet with these. Thank me later.

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