NSNH Equipment Recommendations

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Bare Minimum

You’ll need a set of strong bands and some way to anchor it at the bare minimum.

These are great bands and come with a lifetime warranty to replace if you break any.

Here's a door anchor so you can use the bands anywhere!

Starter

Ok that's truly the bare minimum. But now I want to get into the bonus options.

I'll go in order of most important, in my opinion, for someone on a budget. So, you can just slowly upgrade as you find you enjoy this stuff.

Want personalized recommendations?

Next I would add a stability ball, like this one. Though be sure to get the size recommended for you (or go slightly larger if in between).

If you travel a lot or don't have space for one, here's another option. (The balls are a PAIN to blow up and deflate over and over, so I recommend having space to leave it inflated).

Though sliders are not exactly the same as the stability ball, they are a nice option. (But, you can also use paper plates and not spend anything =D )

Middle Ground

Two great body weight additions to a home gym are:

A door pull up bar. The one below does a great job protecting your door, though I would recommend still putting a wash cloth folded between the ends and the door frame.

And if you want to get even more options, check out a suspension trainer. The brand TRX is most well known, but I prefer this one (and we’ve owned and tested 5 different brands!)

Home Gym

Free weights would really fill any home gym space.

There's so many options so it’s hard to narrow it down. You can just buy a single set for a lot less money, but after you've gotten 2-3 different weights, you're paying as much or more than an adjustable set. There are tons of brands available locally (sometimes cheaper because no shipping), but we will list out the ones we've had some clients get. We haven't actually tried these. We use an adjustable set

If you were going with single sets, I would get the following options:

2 light weights (between 5-15 pounds based on your strength and experience)

2 medium weights (between 15-25 pounds)

1 heavy weight (between 30-50 pounds)

If you want to invest only once, we use the powerblocks and are super convenient

Whew, that's our full list.

MISC Recommendations

Things you may not "need", but are still nice depending where you are at in your journey.

Fabric Loop bands - Not only at they more comfortable on your legs, but they are also much stronger and easier to adjust!

Check these out. This set has 3 levels, plus adjustable length so can use on any part of your leg for so many more exercises.

Coming Soon

Other items we will be adding soon include medicine balls, kettlebells, weight vests, and more.

Group Information and Equipment Guidelines

Review the information below to find out which track is the right one for you. You can also watch this video that walks you through the options.

Once you have chosen your track you can submit the form at the bottom of this page. Select one and only one option, please.

Play Video

Group 1:

If you have access to equipment such as free weights, any cardio equipment (rower, stairs, treadmill, bike, etc.), and other things common in a fitness center, “Group 1” is for you!

  • You could also run rather than use cardio equipment
  • Options to include steps, med balls, etc. included, but these are optional

Group 2:

If you’re primarily doing this at home, with resistance bands (though a few small weights can easily be added if you have them), but still can use stairs, bike, run, or have some cardio equipment access, select “Group 2”

Group 3:

Lastly, If you don’t like to run, and don’t have access to any cardio (no stairs, bikes, or lap pools) then the last option is for you! “Group 3”

  • You will still get cardio, but in the form of exercises, you can do in a single room. This option was made specifically for COVID and people who can’t easily get outside.

Group 4:

This program is made specifically for the demands of male dancers, taking into account some extra work for upper body to support partnering, extra stability for the lower back, etc. This option is similar to group 1 in terms of equipment need.

  • If you need a band only option, please consider the co-ed options of group 2 or 3.” If you need a band only option, please consider the co-ed options of group 2 or 3.

No track is better than the other, you will get results regardless. You can find more information about the equipment requirements for each track by scrolling down.

Equipment Guidelines

Group 1: NSNH Full

Required

Weights:

  • Medium to heavy dumbbells (anywhere from 10-50 lbs depending on experience)

Bands:

  • Strong Resistance bands that can be short loops or long for different exercises
  • Plus an anchor to hold it in place
  • Cable machine would also work

Cardio:

  • Either access to equipment (any of the following: pool, bike, treadmill, rower, stair stepper, elliptical)
  • Or space to run, actual stairs, or a bike a safe space to ride it

Recommended

Squat Rack and/or Suspension Trainer

  • Squat Rack and barbell could be used instead of suspension trainer (not just for putting the weight on your back, but also movements where you may hold on the the weight in the rack)
  • If neither available, band alternatives are provided

Misc:

  • Stability Ball
    • Sliders or a towel on smooth floor can work as well
  • Box/Step/Sturdy bench to step or jump on

Optional

Weights:

  • Medicine balls
  • Kettlebells can be used or substituted for other weights
  • Squat rack and barbell for adding increased challenge to some movements
Group 2: NSNH Home + Cardio

Required

Bands:

  • Strong Resistance bands that can be short loops or long for different exercises
    • Plus an anchor to hold it in place
  • Cable machine would also work

Cardio:

  • Either access to equipment (any of the following: pool, bike, treadmill, rower, stair stepper, elliptical)
  • Or space to run, actual stairs, or a bike a safe space to ride it

Recommended

Misc:

  • Stability Ball
    • Sliders or a towel on smooth floor can work as well
  • Box/Step/Sturdy bench to step or jump on

Optional

Weights:

  • If you get dumbbells, barbells, etc. you can easily add them into this program. 
  • Medicine balls
Group 3: NSNH Home Only

Required

Bands:

  • Strong Resistance bands that can be short loops or long for different exercises
  • Plus an anchor to hold it in place
  • Cable machine would also work

Cardio:

  • Due to COVID-19 some people have to space to go outdoors or access to equipment. This program will take away traditional cardio work, and replace it with exercises you can do with a band or just bodyweight in any room. 
  • If you enjoy running, biking, or swimming (and have access to it regularly) we recommend group 2)

Recommended

Misc:

  • Stability Ball
    • Sliders or a towel on smooth floor can work as well
  • Box/Step/Sturdy bench to step or jump on

Optional

Weights:

  • If you get dumbbells, barbells, etc. you can easily add them into this program. 
  • This program is a better option if don’t often have access
  • Medicine balls
Group 4: NSNH Men
Group 4: NSNH Men

Required

Weights:

  • Medium to heavy dumbbells (anywhere from 10-50 lbs depending on experience)

Bands:

  • Strong Resistance bands that can be short loops or long for different exercises
  • Plus an anchor to hold it in place
  • Cable machine would also work

Cardio:

  • Either access to equipment (any of the following: pool, bike, treadmill, rower, stair stepper, elliptical)
  • Or space to run, actual stairs, or a bike a safe space to ride it

Recommended

Squat Rack and/or Suspension Trainer

  • Squat Rack and barbell could be used instead of suspension trainer (not just for putting the weight on your back, but also movements where you may hold on the the weight in the rack)
  • If neither available, band alternatives are provided

Misc:

  • Stability Ball
    • Sliders or a towel on smooth floor can work as well
  • Box/Step/Sturdy bench to step or jump on

Optional

Weights:

  • Medicine balls
  • Kettlebells can be used or substituted for other weights
  • Squat rack and barbell for adding increased challenge to some movements