Many people ask me what fitness equipment is needed for an effective home workout. All you really need is a mat and your own body weight, but a few small, inexpensive items are nice to have as well.

Dumbbells are my most used fitness tools and can be easily stacked away in a corner of a room. A big stability ball is incorporated in most of my workout sessions too. Stability balls are great for ensuring good form while doing squats and are also nice to have for various core exercises. Others items like medicine balls, Bosu balance trainers, and a TRX are fun to work with and effective, but not essential for a good workout. Cardio equipment like elliptical machines, treadmills, and bikes are also wonderful but not necessary.

Start with the basics and add more items down the line. It’s not what you have that matters, it’s a strong will and determination that will make you strong.