Fact: staying fit (or getting fit) does not have to be expensive or complicated. I know that’s hard to believe, what with all the yoga-barre-alates classes and one-on-one personal training sessions that everyone on Instagram seems to be doing, but it’s true. Don’t get me wrong, that stuff has its place (full disclosure, I am a Pilates-addicted personal trainer) but my point is that you don’t NEED a lot of money or a complex training routine to stay fit. A few key pieces of equipment, plus your own bodyweight, is more than enough to get you on your way.
Half the battle (OK most of the battle) is finding the right equipment at a price that isn’t going to force you into eating tinned tuna three meals a day for the next six months. That’s why I’ve partnered with Gumtree Australia; to show you how easy it is to create your own home/portable gym (and then to give away the one I’ve created!). Oh and just for good measure, I’ve developed a couple of workouts based around the equipment I’m giving away.
Gumtree is celebrating their 10th anniversary in Australia this month, with a whole bunch of improvements and a brand new, modern look. The process for buyers and sellers has been simplified too, they now have 24/7 support and there’s a new payment option, so you can use PayPal if you prefer it to cash. I tested out the new platform by purchasing everything you need for a portable gym that can be set up at home, or kept in the car to take with you to the nearest park or beach. There’s a detailed description of all the equipment I chose, why I chose it and how to win it at the bottom of this post, but for now, let’s get into the first of the workouts I’ve created.
Win yourself a portable gym, sourced from Gumtree
What you can win
Pull up bars – when you’re working out at home or outdoors, pulling exercises tend to be the most difficult to do. These pull up bars travel easily and have a lot of awesome uses.
Kettlebell (8kg) – the kettlebell is one of my favourite pieces of equipment, because it’s so darn versatile. Great for working out multiple body parts, plus it’s compact and travels well.
Medicine Ball (8kg) – I love medicine balls for much the same reason I love kettlebells, and this one gets bonus points because of the two handles, opening up more options.
Dumbbells (3kg) – a set of dumbbells is a great way to further challenge yourself once you’re feeling comfortable with the bodyweight version of certain exercises, and this size is also great for some upper body isolation work.
Skipping rope – the ultimate cardio calorie burn! You can throw this in your suitcase and work out anywhere.
Foam roller – stretching is a super important part of staying fit and healthy, and most of us (me included!) don’t do enough of it.
How to win
- Thank you for entering! The competition is now closed and Emma Smith is the winner.
Comment below, telling me why you need this equipment in your life.
Competition is open to Australian residents only and closes 5pm Thursday 3 August. Equipment can be delivered anywhere in Australia. Winners will be announced here on the blog on Friday 4 August. By commenting below you authorise us to sign you up to the Lazy Girl Fitness free fortnightly email newsletter.
*This article is proudly sponsored by Gumtree Australia. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Lazy Girl Fitness possible. All opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any way.
JenQau says
My exercise time is either morning or night when my son is asleep. As a single parent, I can’t head off to the gym or go for a walk (gosh, I miss my morning walks) during my ‘spare’ time. Having a set up at home would be a big help to getting some exercise done and being a happier mum.
Nadine Gomes says
I’m a mum of 3 children- 5,3 & 9 months. I have just today reached my pre baby weight (20kg loss since last Bub was born and I’m 9.5kg loss of a 10 kilo goal I set for myself to reach before a trip to Bali in August 💃🏽)
I have done this by simply cutting out most sugar and eating smaller portions slowly over 6 months I did this in a way I thought was the best way for me to maintain my weight long term… Currently the only excersise I’m getting is running around after my kids. I’m almost at my goal weight but I’m not at my goal body and I know regular exercise is the next step for me to achieve this, I work so picking the kids up from daycare to take them to the gym crèche is not for me I would love a home set up to get me there- then I have no excuses 😁
Emma Smith says
I’d love to win! I’m a mum of 3 girls and work full time, this would let me work out at home and still be with my girls while showing and teaching them how exercise is so important in a healthy lifestyle. I’d love them to enjoy exercise and fitness as much as I do. Fingers crossed!
Bree says
OMG Portable Pull Up Bars!!! My 16 year old son has finally taken an interest in exercise after years of watching my husband & I push through squats, lunges & all manner of things with his little sisters relentlessly crawling on top of us. Last week he even got the courage to ask his favourite teacher to help him write an exercise program to do at home with the few pieces of equipment we have. (super proud Mum moment but of course I had to act cool!) But sadly he was down hearted to see the program included some form of pull-ups. Apparently he informed me pull-up bars are one of the best pieces of equipment you could have! I could not even get my head around how we could get him such a piece of equipment (I thought only gyms had such things) & then I read your post & was blown away!
So in short I need this equipment in my life to stop my 16 year old from moping round the house due to the fact we don’t have a pull-up bar & to set him up with the understanding that you can exercise anywhere & anytime, all you need is a great program & a few bits and pieces to get you started. The only limits then are the ones you put on yourself.
Thanks!
Francesca Smith says
I’m a full time working mum of a 5 yr old. I’m finally in a place where another baby is a possibility, and I need help. As other mum’s would know, I struggle with putting myself as a priority, and having this home gym would give me the freedom to improve my health and fitness at home while not dropping the ball as a mum, and even get my daughter involved.
Rachel Robinson says
Now that the kids have moved out, I have a spare room that is crying out for a makeover. No better time to get in the best shape of my life than now the nest is empty!
Christina Gerber says
I have Hashimoto’s Disease and had thyroid cancer. My energy levels go from.100 to 0 in a heart beat. Any exercise needs to be restricted and I’d feel comfortable doing it at home.
Catherine says
I need this equipment in my life because I miss this equipment. I first started using this equipment when I joined lazygirlfit in Bondi, and it was the most enjoyable workout program I have ever done. I have now moved to the NT and work in an office, this equipment would be great for a quick workout session at lunchtime in the office garden. It could even benefit more people in the office as they could join me and we could motivate each other….
Victoria redman says
6 weeks ago today I broke my leg kitesurfing – I’d definitely love to get back into fitness from the safety of my own space at home!
Renée Wilson says
I’ve been very depressed since my sister died. I’ve started to exercise at home because I’m too embarrassed of my size to go to the gym. I hope one day I can look as good as I used to.
Emma Washington says
In the gym I am a duck. I waddle about, following other bottoms, and the grinding thumping music makes me mad. But in my garage, my inner duck sits in the corner! I am beyonce, leaping about to music that is fun! I am lithe, and leap about, carefree. The music is FUN! It has words that I know! The joy! Help send my duck back to the pond.
Angela Letchford says
Sometimes being at home with two young kids it’s just not possible to get to the gym, having my own little set up at home would be such a blessing on those days!