This blog post contains affiliate links.
If you’re in the process of rebuilding your relationship with movement, I see you — and I get it. For so many of us, especially women in midlife, fitness doesn’t look like it used to. Our energy, schedules, and priorities shift. What we need is not pressure or punishment… but permission to move in a way that feels good.
And honestly? Having the right tools can make all the difference.
You don’t need a home gym or expensive equipment to build strength. But a few key workout accessories can make strength training feel doable, safe, and even fun — especially when you’re starting (or starting over).
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s comfort, support, and making the experience feel just a little more accessible — so that your body and brain both want to come back tomorrow.
So here it is: my go-to list of supportive strength training accessories for home workouts — all of which I use myself and/or recommend to my clients.
What’s inside…
Here are my tried-and-true picks for workout accessories that make home strength training feel accessible, safe, and even a little fun. (Yes, I said fun )
Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love and use myself or with clients.
Top Workout Accessories – #1: Resistance Bands with Handles
Perfect for: Rows, chest press, bicep curls, shoulder work — especially if you’re not ready for dumbbells.
Check them out on Amazon
These are lightweight, affordable, and super versatile. I love them for push/pull days when you’re short on space or don’t want to mess with heavy weights.
Top Workout Accessories – #2: Long Loop Bands (a.k.a. Glute Bands)
Perfect for: Glute bridges, squats, lateral steps, hip mobility
Get a set here
These are great for adding gentle resistance to leg day or warm-ups. Plus, they’re easy on joints and work well at any strength level.
Top Workout Accessories – #3: A Pair of Light-to-Medium Dumbbells
Perfect for: All strength training basics — curls, presses, rows, lunges
Start with these beginner weights
You don’t need a full rack. Just one pair (5–10 lbs) is enough to build confidence and see progress — especially when paired with bodyweight exercises.
Top Workout Accessories – #4: Nonslip Exercise Mat
Perfect for: Floor work, kneeling exercises, core movements
This one has great cushioning
A thick, non-slip mat makes such a difference — especially if you’re dealing with sensitive knees, joints, or just want a little more comfort during workouts.
Top Workout Accessories – #5: Foam Roller or Massage Ball
Perfect for: Recovery, mobility, and sore-muscle TLC
This one is beginner-friendly
Strength training is only part of the equation — recovery matters just as much. A foam roller can help release tension, increase circulation, and prevent stiffness.
Top Workout Accessories – #6: Simple Timer or Interval App
Perfect for: Keeping track of sets and rest time
This one Is easy to use
If you tend to lose track mid-workout (same), this little cube lets you flip to 30 sec / 1 min / 2 min intervals easily. Great for focus and structure.
Let’s gooooo
Here’s the truth: you don’t need a complex program or a Pinterest-perfect gym setup to get stronger.
Here’s my home gym set up here – it’s not fancy!
My favorite strength training workout
It’s a back-to-basics, no frills Push Pull Legs workout split – you can check it out here.
What you do need is the right mindset, a little consistency, and a few thoughtful tools that remove friction and create comfort.
Looking for more ways to motivate yourself to move?
Check out the 5 apps I use to get my movement mojo back in gear!
These workout accessories make strength training feel a little easier — and a lot more aligned with how you want to treat your body now. Not with pressure. Not with shame. But with respect, ease, and progress that lasts.
