I Turned My Basement Into a Home Gym - and it Changed Everything
This post contains affiliate links. I only ever recommend things I genuinely use and love. Some links come with a discount code — I'll always let you know!
Okay, let me paint you a picture. Not long ago, I had a bedroom in my basement that was basically collecting dust. It was fine - and I still squeezed in my workouts in there. Then one day I looked at it and thought: what if this became the gym I always said I'd go to?
So I did the thing. I cleared it out, pulled up the gross carpet (so satisfying!) invested in a handful of key pieces, and turned it into my own little home gym — and honestly? It's one of the best decisions I've made for my health and my sanity.
Working out from home has been a total game-changer. No freezing commute. No waiting for equipment. No excuses. I show up with my messy bun and in my socks if I want to. And because I'm in perimenopause right now, staying consistent with movement isn't just a "nice to have" — it genuinely matters for how I feel every single day. I still try to weave in movement outside, with friends by going to a hot yoga class or hitting the hiking trails, but having this space for my strength workouts has been a game changer.
So in this post, I'm sharing everything: my go-to workout routine, the free resources I swear by, and every single product I use in my home gym (with links and codes where I have them).
My Workout Routine (and the why behind it all)
Before we get to the gear, let me give you a little context on how I actually move — because I think it matters, especially for women in our 40s and beyond.
Perimenopause changes so much: sleep, energy, body composition, mood. Movement has become my anchor. Here's what my week typically looks like:
Strength Training: 3-4x/week
Daily Walking:10,000 steps OR 45-60 minutes
Heart-healthy HIIT: 1-2x/week
Yoga, Cycling and Hiking: 1-2x/week
Strength training is the one I feel most passionate about right now — and if you're in perimenopause or menopause, I'd gently encourage you to prioritize it too. Building and maintaining muscle during this stage of life is one of the best things you can do for your bone density, metabolism, and overall resilience.
My Favourite Free Workout Resources:
Some of the best workouts I do are completely free on YouTube. I am a big believer that great movement doesn't have to be expensive. Most of the time, I’m using Heather Robertson on YouTube.
My Home Gym: What I use
Now for the fun part - here’s a full look at what’s in my new home gym - and why I chose each piece.
Adjustable Dumbbells
These are genuinely my most-used piece of equipment. Adjustable dumbbells let you cover a full range of weights without needing a rack full of individual sets.
For progressive overload — which, again, is so important in perimenopause — having that flexibility is everything. I have a discount code for you!
Currently 50% off!!
Adjustable Bench
An adjustable bench opens up so many more exercise options — incline presses, step-ups, seated rows, you name it. I ordered mine from WeGym because I love how neutral the white is. If you're building a home gym from scratch, this is one of the first things I'd add after weights.
B YOGA Mat
I've tried a lot of yoga mats over the years. The B Yoga mat is on a different level — thick enough to feel supported, grippy enough to feel safe. Whether I'm doing a full yoga flow, stretching after a strength The B Yoga mat is on a different level session, or following along with a YouTube workout, this mat is always underneath me.
Use code CHRISTIE15
Resistance Bands
Light, affordable, and incredibly versatile. If you travel or are just getting started building your home gym, resistance bands are a brilliant first step.
Non-negotiable for my yoga practice. Blocks aren't a shortcut — they're a tool that lets you get into poses properly and safely. I use mine constantly for both yoga sessions and in strength training.
Use my code: CHRISTIE15
A note on progressive overload for women in perimenopause & menopause:
As estrogen declines, we naturally lose muscle mass more quickly. Strength training — especially with progressively heavier weights — is one of the most evidence-backed ways to counteract this. You don't need to lift heavy from day one. Start where you are, and do a little more each week. Your future self will genuinely thank you.
Your Turn…
That’s it! If you're in perimenopause or menopause and thinking about building a home gym, I genuinely hope this post makes it feel more doable. You don't need a huge space or a massive budget. You just need a few good pieces and a willingness to show up for yourself.
I'd love to know — do you work out at home? Are you thinking about it? Drop a comment below or come find me online. I share my workouts regularly and I love connecting with women who are navigating this season of life with me.
If you’re interested in more about my fitness journey through perimenopause, you can read more about strength training here, and about some of my healthier habits here, and some protein snacks you’ll want on repeat here.