What equipment do you suggest for a personal trainer to have to train clients at home?

I think it might depend on your specialty and your clientele. Think on that and then chose your tools and toys.

I no longer transport equipment into client's homes.

Instead, I work with whatever "equipment" they already have available (stairs, clothes baskets, sports gear, small pets/children, etc) and make recommendations of things they might want to add depending on goals, experience, budget, etc.

The only thing I absolutely REQUIRE for a home-based client is that they have a certain amount of space to move freely.

Horizontally, they must have at least enough room to lie on the floor and do a 'snow angel' without ramming into any furniture.

Vertically, they need to be able to reach over head without getting their arms caught in a ceiling fan (or similar).

Anything beyond that is bonus.

Now if they have access to a gym outside of their home (but we don't meet at that gym), I will bring in bands, dumbbells, dowels or even a portable bench to "fake" the exercises in order to teach 'em the movements they'll do at the gym as part of their program.

Part of being a Personal Trainer is being creative with what you have in the location you're training your client(s). Make use of any steps they may have at their house, small obstacles, elevated objects they can perform push-ups on, split squats, etc.

First get yourself a heavy duty duffle bag, I got one from Performbetter.com (this thing is HUGE!). Here's a list:

Jump rope
Kettlebells
Medicine balls
6"-12" banana hurdles
Dumbbells
Body bars (short weighted bars)
TRX Suspension Trainer
Resistance bands (various resistances)
Mini bands
Jump stretch bands
and more...

All of these items listed above can fit in the bag I'm talking about and will definitely do the job. Just be creative!

I would recommend TRX and resistance bands, both are easy to transport and easy to use.

TRX, its easy to transport, easy to put up and it gives a great workout

TRX is great but the Gray Institute teaches so many exercises that require no equipment at all. The Matrix patterns and body weight give tons of options and accomplish so much. Think outside the box.

Definately a yoga mat, and different level resistance bands. Those are the only two pieces of equipment my trainer used and that was in a gym! :)

I love the TRX with the door stop as well, any balance trainer is great too, and Valslides.

I find that different tension resistance bands, 55-65 cm fitness ball, a foam roller for balancing the tight/weak muscles in the body, and some 5 -10 pound dumbbells are versatile and easy to work with for me and the client.

Dumbbells, a mat, something for cardio like a jump rope, & enthusiasm!!! (-:

I suggest exertubes of varying levels, stability ball, BOSU, foam ball, gliders. Easy enough to cart around and if you needed to choose between the stability ball and BOSU - I would stick with the ball for budget and the BOSU if budget is not an issue as you could also use it for cardio as well as core strength.

Definitely the TRX. Also the bands that have interchangeable bands/handles are great. This way you dont have to carry a bunch of weights. Med ball and a stability ball too.

Equipment such as TRX, resistance bands, and discs are hands-down the easiest to transport and extremely versatile. However, other favorites (when space is agreeable:) include: BOSU, Ballast ball, kettlebells, foam rollers.

One other issue here: it's important to train our clients not to be equipment-dependent; so teach them well their squats, lunges, push ups, crab walks, bear walks, burpees, etc...also, visit a nearby park for benches, hills, and other such elements for a fantastically dynamic workout. HAVE FUN!!

Stabilty ball, tubing with handles, Dyna band, foam roller, balance disc and free weights. That's all u need really.

When it comes to new clients. I always give them tubes. Many people have hand weights, and I usually suggest they get a resistance ball. With these items you can usually get a person started on learning fitness skills. Several of my clients have progressed and have gotten a Bosu of their own and they enjoy that very much. I have also given a foam roller to a few clients as presents.

Newer equipment like the TRX is great but currently pricey. So, I have brought mine to various clients... if they latch on to it and really like it then it may be something they get. Kettlebells, Jump ropes, medicine balls, etc... they all cost money and take up space. If a client really enjoys a specific piece that I bring round, then they get it. I think it helps them feel like they are making the decisions and taking control of their fitness program too. So, what to get a client, I say for more than a couple basic things... let them try out stuff and decide what they want to get.

Stability ball and/or Bosu, resistance band and a mat! Foam roll is a must...I too, look around the house and use stairs/props etc!

Hi Kym. The general rule-of-thumb that I use in selecting equipment for in-home training is if I can fairly easily carry/transport it, and if I can use the equipment in multiple ways. So, following that definition, bands, tubes (both with attachments and handles), medicine ball(s), and hand weights. To this I also add (and use according to the particular client's needs and goals) such modular equipment as an agility ladder, hurdles, agility dots, paper towels (for a drill I use with clients), a deck of cards (for recovery "games") and even a couple of steps. With the equipment listed above, I can produce a very challenging workout with lots of variety.

LaRue, MHA, JD, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com

I primarily use tubing and bodyweight. There are so many effective exercises you can do and so many areas to hit with really simple pieces of equipment.

As most of the other contributors, I transport 2 different tubings (light & med) & kettlebell. I only ask they invest in a yoga mat & resist-a-ball. For less than $30 they can get started.

I like to use Bodylastics, weights, bosu ball, roam roller and yoga mat. Items that are easy to carry and you can use for multiple exercises.

I may be biased,,,,but I am also a true believer.
For home training, in the field, dock, wherever outside (or in) the gym, EVERY trainer should have their clients training with
the Lebert Equalizer Bars and/or the Buddy system

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7DcrhFkMkQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4ouHoKWJWY

Exercise tubes and an agile brain. Every house is a fully equipped gym if you get creative.

Stop watch, foam roller, stability ball, Bodylastics bands, and suspension trainer. Then work towards some K Bells and Power Blocks or Dumbells and graduate to barbells and squat rack eventually..lol

A ball, some bands, medicine ball, and them! I usually provide all of my clients with a stability ball as part of purchasing a package, they get a lot of use out of it even when im not there. I have the majority of my clients buy some small dumbbells at first and just keep buying bigger weight as needed.

TRX, stability ball, kettlebells, elastic bands, Bosu, foam roller, barbells, pilates circle, medicine ball.

PowerBlocks are a must.

Kisar

Pilates ring, foam roller, yoga mat, yoga block, medicine ball, TRX, elastic bands

As many have already said, my personal choice would have to be a TRX. Between the size, portability, functionality, and ease of use, I think it is the best piece of equipment to have on hand.

The ease of transportation makes it ideal to bring to a client's home.

That's not to say there aren't many other wonderful products (and obviously our bodies are the greatest piece of exercise equipment), but if I am really asked to pick just one tangible piece of equipment, I have to go with a TRX.

Medicine balls and tubing for sure
It depends on where I can park my car!

I always have a back pack of "stuff"
Most of my clients have equipment as well.

Learning how to use their own body is obviously one of the most effective and safest tools they can use and it doesn't cost anything. But in narrowing it down to just one tool it makes sense to suggest some form of bodyweight training gear. TRX is a great product and for something with a bit more versatility try a CrossCore180. Good luck!

I usually start with creative body weight exercises, depending on the client - their goals, limitations, injuries, and interests. However, down the line you will eventually need some equipment. I try to encourage all of my clients to buy some resistance bands and a stability ball to have as their own, pretty much any workout can be done with just this equipment. A medicine ball and a set of adjustable dumb bells are also versatile as clients progress, whether you have your clients purchase these or just have them yourself.

I am sure that this has been noted , but resistance bands are the easiest in-home exercise equipment to take in home. However, I gauge what I bring based upon client needs.

All you need is a clean level surface to be in business.

Bands and bodyweight for sure. I like a soft medball that is light, and a mat to use on floor exercises.

TRX, RIP TRAINER, mat, stability ball, TP Therapy Grid, bands, gliders, kettle bells, HR monitor, Calipers & tape. (just add sunshine & hills!)

Any portable equipment and there are lots out there! TRX, bands, tubes, bosu, rings, bars, medicine ball, etc. I usually chose 1 or 2 to bring with me depending on the workout. I've had some clients for many years and they love the variety. It's important to keep them fresh and from getting bored.

Tiffiny Twardowsky
http://www.einmotion.com

I will start out by making sure the client has a clean, open space with floor mats (or yoga mats) in their house to exercise. Then, discuss which equipment they already have and determine if it is safe to use. Next, consider that each client is going to be different from the next. This is the tricky part. You could have all the equipment in the world but you may find a client that is most comfortable with body weight exercises only. Or at the other extreme, the client may prefer to use a ton of equipment. Talk with the client about what exercise modalities interest them or think about what they will need to meet their individual goals (ex: for maximal strength they may need a barbell and bench for bench press and squats).

Personally to start out I have purchased the most portable equipment such as a bosu ball, balance disc, SMR foam rolls, stability ball, jump rope, bands/tubes, medicine ball, and adjustable weights. I will encourage my clients to get a bench and some of their own equipment if they don't have it already. If I need to purchase more equipment as I go, then so be it, but the key is to try to be creative and make your mobile training as convenient as possible for both you and the client. The less equipment you have to lug around, the better!

Hi Kym,

I am Team Beachbody Coach and only need my DVDs and any equipment (mat, resistance band) that goes along with each program. Typically, there is no equipment needed at all. www.beachbodycoach.com/Bodybelieve. Good luck!

Julie

Small edit: I read the first response and thought it was a continuation of your question so I thought you don't want to carry equipment to the client, you want the client to have the equipment at home. So this is more of an answer to what I'd want the client to have in their house, not what I take to a client's house.


What's their budget and storage space?

Here's what I'd want them to have with a limited budget:

1) Rubber tubing with handles - Twist has a great product called the Smart Toner (fabric covered tubing) that clicks into a plastic stick (Smart Stick) to make a Smart Gym. 1 or 2 different strengths of Smart Toners and one Smart Stick goes a long way, and very reasonably priced. You can attach just one end to the Smart Stick and you've basically got a Rip Stick for less than 1/3 the price. Very little storage space

2) Resist-a-ball, again, a very functional item with a low pricepoint. Takes a little storage space

3) Sandbells - similar to kettlebells, but they do a little less damage to a client's floorif they drop them. Also can be thrown on purpose like a slam ball, and works on your grip strength to pick them up. Very versatile.

If they have more to spend, I want them to have the above, plus:

4) A CrossCore (improvement over TRX as it's on a pulley so you can stabilize AND mobilize in rotation).

5) An aerobic step

6) A Bodyblade

OK, now I'll answer the question you actually asked, lol. I carry a plethora of equipment in the back of my van for client consults. The items that come out the most frequently are the ones at the top of the list. My "bring to client" list is a little different than my "I want client to have" list because some of my equipment is expensive. i.e. I wouldn't expect a client to have a full set of ViPRs, but I bring them with me and pull the appropriate ones out of my van.

1) CrossCore - almost every time
2) A BodyBlade
3) Medium-weight ViPR, usually a 6kg or an 8kg
4) A balance board
5) Havyx or gliding discs (great for balance and mobility)
6) Smart Gym
7) Slam balls (non-bouncing med-balls)
8) Agility ladder
9) Lebert equalizers if we are going to be outside doing drills

Hi, so i use just my body...it give you all that you need...

It depends the training, the client’s goals and the location. My choice of equipment are kettlebells, jumping ropes, bands, weighted bars, TRX and in some cases where there is enough space outdoors I also bring a battling rope.

Free weights, resistance bands and a jump rope. I agree with Mikheal, a Total Gym is excellent.

Take care, Daniel

I would say TRX is by far the most versatile and portable of "travel" exercise equipement. I have trained many a client using nothing more. Probably the best tool out there in my opinion right now!

I have 4 indispensable pieces of equipment: BOSU, a stability ball, an 18" foam roller and TRX straps. I have found that these few items greatly test a clients coordination and balance and offer a workout that majority of people prefer. They offer a workout type I call functional fitness: They provide clients routines that promote energy at work and at home, and a toned well shaped body. I also utilize a bowflex, (great for rehabs), a powerblock dumbbell set, an adjustable kettlebell set and medicine balls.

Your clients' goals and needs should determine what you bring. Almost everyone can benefit from body weight exercises though, so in most cases you can work with the environment around you!