Women over 40 must lift weights regularly because it restores the muscle loss that comes with aging and restores the metabolism we had a younger age.  All good things right?

If you prefer home workouts instead of a gym (I know I certainly do!) here are my suggestions on what you may need.

At a minimum:
* Dumbbells ranging from 5 pounds to 25 pounds in 5 pound increments.  Rogue Rubber are my favorite but they are pricey.  You can always also look at Wal-mart, Dicks Sporting Goods or even Craigslist.  I do not like adjustable dumbbells because they are bulky and inconvenient.
* Dumbbell Rack (so they aren’t all over your floor).
* Workout Bench
* Sliders
* Bands in varying thickness and length
* Yoga Mat
* Hyperbell (OPTIONAL).  This converts your dumbbells into a barbell . . . it’s an affordable option until you can afford to get all of the below.

Slightly Later
* Heavier Dumbbells  – you may eventually also need 30s, 35s, 40s (depending on how strong you get!  Legs can lift A LOT!
* Power Rack – allows you to do assisted or regular pull-ups, barbell squat, barbell chest press, pull-ups etc.  There are many options – Rogue is very high quality.  Rep fitness PR-1100 is budget friendly option
* Barbell. Rogue or Luxiaojun E1 for budget friendly.
* Plates. Rogue for high end or Fringe Sport color bumper plate sets for a budget option.

Even Later
* Lat Pull Down Machine

I hope you can see that it is totally possible to build out a basic home gym with just a small investment.

And before you say “but Julie, I just can’t spend money on myself” . . . stop and ask yourself . . . how much did you spend on your son’s travel ball league and how much are your daughter’s Lululemon shorts (because Target isn’t good enough for high school girls these days) . . .

Self care is never selfish!!