The gym isn’t for everyone. That’s okay. Memberships are expensive, and we’ve already got so many subscriptions to manage. Plus, there’s the added pressure to actually go, and who has time for that?

You don’t have to sign off on the idea of going to the gym or working out around other people, but you can start building a fitness foundation at home.

“People hold themselves to higher standards when others are watching,” explains certified personal trainer, Purple Reign performer and Las Vegas SoulCycle instructor Amber Strauser. “At home, you can create a safe space that gives you good vibes.”

Strauser converted her three-car garage into a home gym during the pandemic. It’s since become a solo and group fitness business, RedHot Box, where members get the benefits of a personal trainer and gym-like camaraderie without the intimidation factor that often comes with the weight room.

Where do I build my home gym?

The most important factor in creating a home gym is “it’s got to be a place where you want to go and want to be,” Strauser says.

“Put things in your space that motivate you, things you love, things that inspire you—whatever is going to get you into that space to move your body, because you gotta want to be there,” she explains.

That means incorporating things you’d bring to the gym anyway but feel good having at home, like a workout playlist or a new workout outfit.

How much equipment do I need?

A large setup can be intimidating, so start with adjustable dumbbells for versatility and progress.

“You can do so much with just a couple of dumbbells, and it doesn’t take up a lot of space,” Strauser says, adding that compound exercises—squats, overhead presses, chest presses—will utilize the most muscles in a given movement.

Basic everyday movements, such as walking up a flight of stairs or getting up from a chair, can also be re-created as workout routines to improve mobility and strengthen muscles.

How long should my workout last?

Many of us don’t have time for two-a-day workouts, but twice a week?

“You want to shoot for 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity,” Strauser says. “Maybe two days of high-intensity workouts, then just take it easy for three days of just walking.”

Strauser is a big advocate for walking. And why not? All you have to do is put one foot in front of the other. It’s that easy, and that’s never going to change. They’re not going to invent new walking.

“Shoot for 30 minutes per day of walking,” she says, “a longer duration of a lower impact exercise.”

The more the merrier… when it feels right

Working out with a friend or a small group of friends can eliminate the intimidation factor that keeps so many people out of the gym. There’s an extra motivational boost that comes with it, Strauser explains, because you’re getting real encouragement.

Statistically, Strauser says more calories are burned during a group workout because people know others are watching.

At the end of the day, your fitness journey is your own. When you’re ready to bring more people into the mix, go for it. Just remember that showing up is its own victory.

“Everyone wants to be better and do better,” Strauser says. “Exercising your body is a no-judgement zone. It’s an investment in yourself.”

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