5 Tips to START Where You Are — Making the Most of Your Workout Space

When it comes to starting a fitness routine, we often get stuck in the trap of thinking we need the perfect environment. You know, a dedicated home gym, high-end equipment, and a quiet, clutter-free space.

But here’s the thing: you don’t need any of that. What you actually need is the willingness to get moving with what you have — in the space you already occupy.

Here are 5 simple tips to help you make the most of your imperfect space and start building strength today, no matter what room you're in or how much gear you own.

1. You don’t need a full room.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a large, open room to work in. A yoga mat-sized space (about 4x6 feet) is more than enough for most workouts.

Push aside the coffee table, or simply move things around to create a little area for your mat, towel, or even just a small piece of floor. You’d be surprised how much you can do in a compact space. Push-ups, bodyweight squats, lunges, and even core exercises all work in a small zone.

2. Furniture = free gym equipment.

If you’ve got furniture, you’ve got equipment. Think of your dining chair, couch, or even a sturdy table as workout tools.

• Step-ups: A chair or couch is perfect for this lower body exercise. Just step up, one leg at a time, to challenge your balance and legs.

• Incline push-ups: Use the edge of your couch or a table to do push-ups at a higher angle, making them easier and more accessible.

• Seated mobility work: Your dining chair can be a comfortable seat for gentle stretching or mobility exercises for your hips and back.

BONUS! Walls are your friend! Use them for push-ups, wall sits, balance support, or even stretching.

3. Get creative with what you already own.

No dumbbells? No stocked home gym? No gym membership? No problem. Look around and get creative with what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas to turn your everyday items into workout equipment:

• Backpack loaded with books: Fill up a backpack with a few books to create your own “weight” for squats, lunges, or deadlifts. You can also wear it as a weighted vest during cardio.

• Canned goods: Canned goods or bottles can double as light weights for resistance exercises like bicep curls or shoulder raises. Fill tote bags to work on your grip strength so you can carry all the groceries in on one trip.

• A gallon of water: A gallon water jug is about 8 lbs and makes for a great single weight for exercises like overhead presses or rows.

• Pillows: Yes, you read the right! Pillows make for a great way to practice the power slams when you are frustrated, also good for chop variations.

You don’t need fancy gear. Just use your imagination. Those everyday items work perfectly!

4. Use sensory cues to set the vibe.

Setting the right mood is just as important as having the right space. You can shift your brain into “movement mode” by creating a sensory environment:

• Music or podcasts: Throw on your favorite playlist or listen to a motivating podcast to keep you energized.

• Interval timer apps: Set up a timer for your workout — this helps with pacing, and the sound signals when it’s time to switch exercises. There a many FREE options for all devices, test a few out to see what works best for you.

By using sensory cues, you’re giving yourself a signal that it's time to move, even if your surroundings aren’t perfect.

5. Embrace the interruptions.

We’ve all been there! The dog jumps in, a kid wanders through, the phone rings, or you have to pause for a delivery. It can be frustrating, but that’s part of real life, and it doesn’t mean you’ve lost momentum. Think of it as a temporary pause of buffering.

Strength isn’t just about perfect reps or uninterrupted focus. It’s about showing up anyway, even when things are chaotic or messy. Embrace the interruptions, take them in stride, and keep moving foward.

Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in what’s not perfect. The pile of laundry on the couch that needs to be folded, the dishes in the sink, the fact that you don’t have ‘enough’ or the ‘right’ equipment, or the interruptions that happened during your workout. But every rep counts, and each time you show up for yourself, you’re moving closer to your goals.

Even if you only get in 10 minutes or only complete half of your intended exercises, that’s a success. Celebrate it. Your consistency and frequency 80% of the time is more important than perfect 100% of the time. Small wins add up to big results, even in a seemingly imperfect space.

The START! Challenge — Real Life. Real Movement. Real Progress.

If these tips resonated with you, the START! Challenge might be just what you need to help you turn these ideas into action.

The START! Challenge is an 8-week program that begins May 12, 2025, designed for people who want to build strength and confidence using what they already have, no expensive, fancy equipment or gym membership required.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Learn how to strength train with minimal equipment

• Adjust your workouts to your available space

• Build confidence and consistency in your routine

• Enjoy the process of showing up, even if things aren’t “perfect”

This challenge is all about creating real progress in your everyday space, with real-life interruptions; and feeling stronger as a result.

Ready to START?

Get on the waitlist before it closes on April 10th to save $20 off the $198 investment and secure first dibs on one of the 12 spots available!

👉 [Click HERE to join the START! waitlist]

Let’s stop waiting for perfect. Let’s just START!