Dappered | From Gym… to Home Gym – 10 Things for a Great Home Workout

[Dappered | From Gym… to Home Gym – 10 Things for a Great Home Workout]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [From Gym… to Home Gym – 10 Things for a Great Home Workout](#1) - [10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Wool, Marble, Whiskey, & More](#2) - [Style Scenario: Sweater Weather – Date Night by the fire pit (nothing over $100 edition)](#3) [From Gym… to Home Gym – 10 Things for a Great Home Workout](r/Dappered/~3/fMjCa5sIbPE/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 17 Nov 2020 03:00 AM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. Disclaimer: This is not a beginner “how to start working out” post. Instead, it’s a post for people used to going to a gym, but who now can’t or won’t because of COVID-19. As always, working out has risks. Talk to your doctor before starting any exercise plan. [Mood Follows Action – Rich Roll]() I believe that physical exercise is a part of having style. What’s the point of dressing well if you’re neglecting your physical [and mental]( health? I’m [a daily gym goer](. Or more accurately, I was. I haven’t been to a gym since March. I just don’t want to contribute to the spread of COVID-19. So, I started assembling a (very) small home-gym back in the spring. And what I’ve learned these past 8 months blew my mind. You really don’t need much to get in a very, very good workout at home. Don’t tell the big box gym corporations, but most of what they have is unnecessary. The amount of equipment and space you need to develop and nurture strength, speed, agility, endurance, and explosiveness is miniscule compared to the square footage and tons of gear and machines found at your local health club. Personally, I’m stronger/faster/fitter now. (Which I acknowledge was totally unexpected.) And I don’t see myself going back once the pandemic ends. Here are 10 items to help you make the switch from health club, to at home workout warrior. [A tabata timer app]( [Tabata Timer app on a cell phone]( Stop. Standing. Around. This is a tool for focus. So many gym-bros spend far too much time doing a heck of a lot of nothing. And simple equipment/movements can be much more effective if you’re cutting down on all that nothing between sets and exercises. Yes, resting between sets is good. But most of us rest for too long. I use Tabata Pro. Even if I’m not doing circuit training, having a little voice literally saying “work” inside my ears every two minutes makes me pick up the weights sooner than I would have otherwise. Core and leg HIIT days? Minute on, minute off. Until that gets too easy, and then it’s minute on, 45 seconds off. And so on and so on. Father Time is undefeated. Use him to your advantage. A dedicated space ([and maybe some mats]() [Garage gym]( Perhaps it’s a spare room. Maybe you have to move the coffee table. My space is in my garage. Most mornings when I’m out there in the fall/winter, I’m lucky if it hits 50 degrees. Get a space heater. Layer up. As the old Scandinavian saying goes: “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes.” Plank for as long as you can before you get going. That’ll help you break a sweat and get your muscle fibers firing. Good burpee form  You could be awfully darn fit by doing the following more than a few times a week: Run for an hour, but stop every 6 minutes for 10, 15, or 25 burpees. [Real burpees](. Not sloppy form burpees. So before someone tells you they can’t stay fit without a big friggin’ corporate gym with tons of weights and cardio machines? Challenge them to go for a run + burpees with you. Point is, when in doubt, do burpees. Core day. Legs day. Chest/arms day. Any day that ends in “Y”… do burpees. [A pullup bar]( [Pullup bar attached to wall]( Pullups, pushups, running, and jumping. Everything else is just some sort of variation on that. More than a few of us were humiliated in elementary school (okay, high school) by our lack of pull up strength during the phy-ed tests. Well now we’re all grown up and all… stuck at home. No better time to banish those ghosts! [This is the bar I use](. It’s plenty sturdy, with the bolts going right into wall studs. A shame-free workout playlist ([and something to listen to it on]() [Earbuds]( Screw the music snobs. There’s no shame when you’re busting-arse and pushing yourself. Let alllll the guilty pleasures fly. On my (current) personal workout playlist I’ve got everything from Skrillex to [Britney Spears]( to AC/DC to Tool to Steve Aoki to Neil Patrick Harris singing [Nothing Suits me Like a Suit](. Whatever gets you to get after it. And if someone somehow spies your playlist and wants to poke fun? Challenge them to a burpee run! Otherwise, shut your pie hole, Chad. And for goodness sakes cover it with a mask for once. [Resistance Bands – $29.99 / set of 4]( I’ll never bench press ever again (not that I ever liked to to begin with). [These things are stupid simple](, and incredibly effective. [Upright rows](. Pulldowns and overhead extensions when looped through [a TRX anchor](. And the king of them all? The resistance band pushup. Get [a set of these absurdly simple things](, combine with the humble pushup (and its many variations), and you’ll be well on your way. A few (just a few) kettlebells and dumbbells [Kettlebells and dumbbells] That’s all the weights I own. That’s it. That’s the list. You don’t need a full rack. You don’t need a bench. Get a pair of “medium” dumbells that to you, are heavy-ish/challenging but not excruciating. Get a pair of kettlebells that are the same. And then get a heavy kettlebell (mostly for squats). Get on the internet and google up some exercises. Make a plan. Adjust reps as well as time with your tabata timer as you get stronger. And kettlebells? You can use them for WAY more than “just” Turkish getups and swings. They’re great for [biceps]( [triceps]( [shoulders]( [squats]( [lunges]( etc. Weights can be hard to source these days with everyone trying to workout at home. Try craigslist, local second hand sporting goods stores, thrift stores, etc. Just be careful, and mask up before you go out. [Running shoes](, or a piece of cardio equipment [Running shoes in the snow]( We’re going for balance here. If you’re the type who trains to throw beer kegs over a high jump bar, but couldn’t run more than 10 minutes without your heart exploding… that’s fine, but this post isn’t for you. Strong heart & lungs = strong muscles and vice versa. Strength and cardio. Explosiveness and stamina. I swear by [the Asics Gel Kayano]( for everything from strength training to HIIT to snowy runs. Don’t want to risk falling down on the ice? Get a treadmill or a stationary bike. They’re spendy as all get out, but [a Peloton]( really is something spectacular. An accountability buddy You don’t need to meet face to face at the gym to hold each other accountable. Text or face time before you get going, and then once again when you’re done. Maybe exchange a few texts halfway if you’re struggling and need a boost. Just find someone you can trust and who also has good, solid habits. Because if your accountability buddy cancels, you’ll be more likely to do the same. [A TRX]( [TRX hanging from ceiling]( Not cheap and far from necessary, but holy moly do they work. And when compared to the 8 zillion machines these simple straps replace (I mean, [check out the wall poster](), they’re a hell of a bargain. I use my TRX for legs, core, triceps, biceps, back, and more. The number of exercises you can do and do effectively with this simple tool is amazeballz. You can simply sling the included anchor over a door (which you then close,) but I prefer the stability and security [of anchors bolted into wall studs](. BONUS A journal [Memo pad and pen] To plan your workouts the night before. To remind yourself that the endorphins kick in at 20 minutes. To flip back through the pages and see how far you’ve come. Physical writing with a pen and paper does amazing things to your brain. Old habits fall away, and new, healthier habits appear. Get a journal. Use it. And really, you don’t even need that much. A good pair of running shoes, a pull up bar, and the discipline to do bodyweight exercises (burpees, pushups, situps, pullups, squats, lunges, etc) along with frequent runs and walks, and you should be good. Now, not that most (any?) of you care, but here’s the skeleton of my workout plan for each week. It’s exactly what I used to do at a big state of the art gym, but I’ve since adapted with the above equipment at home. It’s possible. I’m proof. You do you of course, and don’t die or get hurt. But if you do, you can’t blame us. Sorry. Monday – Lift (“push” muscle groups) Tuesday – Core HIIT / Kickboxing class via Zoom Wednesday – Legs HIIT Thursday – Cardio – Spin (at home) or Run Friday – Lift (“pull” muscle groups) Saturday – Cardio – Spin (at home) or Run Sunday – Yoga at home ff/Dappered?a=fMjCa5sIbPE:O_o69e0pSfU:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=fMjCa5sIbPE:O_o69e0pSfU:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=fMjCa5sIbPE:O_o69e0pSfU:gIN9vFwOqvQ [10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Wool, Marble, Whiskey, & More](r/Dappered/~3/cdjkmbUbLYk/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 16 Nov 2020 02:00 PM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. Proof that style doesn’t have to cost a fortune. It’s our monthly list of ten picks, each individually costing less than seventy five bucks. Got a tip on something for under $75? Send those in to joe@dappered.com. [Huckberry Made in Japan Acrylic, Wool, Nylon, Spandex Beanie – $28]( [Huckberry beanies]( Flat out terrific. Picked up one of these on a whim and it’s seriously impressive. Japanese fabric is just the right weight, and feels good and strong. Sometimes beanies can look good but then slouch and/or shrink. Not these things. Perfect winter hats here, and the price is nice and affordable too. Seven colors to pick from. [TheTieBar Tipped Merino Wool Polo – $60](//www.thetiebar.com/product/POL-5182-0079) [TheTieBar Tipped Merino Wool Polo](//www.thetiebar.com/product/POL-5182-0079) One of the finds of the year? 100% merino wool. Soft. Strong. Breathable. Not bulky or chunky. The good sized collar lays flat and looks terrific when buttoned all the way up. Reasonably priced, and delivers that retro look other more expensive brands have been pushing lately. Does just fine on its own, or, under a sportcoat/blazer. Also available in navy or chocolate brown. Size shown above is a large on my 5’10″/195 lb frame, and it fits just right. Not too tight, not too loose. [Marble & Acacia Coasters – $38]( (for Bespoke Post members) [Marble & Acacia Coasters]( Well those are just beautiful. Coasters are one of those things that we should all have: A. More of, and B. Better versions of. Most of the time coasters look like they should be hidden away after use. Not these. Sold via Bespoke Post. [Apple Cinnamon Scones from Civilized Caveman]( [Apple Cinnamon Scones]( They’re Paleo, and they’re terrific. Super easy to make too. Certainly not overly sweet, but a nice treat just the same. Almond flour, minced apple, unsweetened coconut, cinnamon, a little honey, and a few other basics. 10 minutes in the oven, and bang, there they are. Tastes great, feels clean on the gut. We threw raisins in ours, but you’re welcome to modify however you’d like. A terrific weekend morning addition to breakfast, or a late afternoon snack on a cold winter’s day. [Kent Wang: Masks (which double as pocket squares!) – $25]() [Kent Wang face masks that double as pocket squares]() Pleats, a flexible wire nose bridge, and adjustable side straps. Made in Canada too. Don’t give in to the fatigue. [Mark & Graham Personalized Acacia Wood Valet Tray – $39]( [Mark & Graham Personalized Acacia Wood Valet Tray]( Via our man Aaron K.: It’s always comforting to come back home, and part of that comfort comes from offloading our daily carry. A nice valet tray can add a bit of style & class to this mundane ritual, and provide some protection for your furniture. This model from Mark & Graham is $39 and made of acacia wood, available in a white washed finish or the natural finish seen here. For an additional $12, the tray can be personalized with initials, or a name/word of your choosing, with a variety of fonts available. As a high-use item, how does it hold up? The tray seen here has been in use for around 3 years, and despite being shown no mercy from keys, pens, knives, etc, it’s holding up, nicely. And just like [this other valet]( the Mark & Graham can be delivered to your door [Agatha Christie Mysteries]( [Agatha Christie mystery books]( Our monthly book suggestion from Jeremy Anderberg, who among other things works for [Art of Manliness](, but also has [his own terrific “What I’m reading Now” newsletter](. You should [sign up for it](. Here’s his review: As cold weather begins to settle in and the pandemic surges, people are taking to home and hearth for the duration of what’s sure to be an especially long winter. That calls for some cozy reading. Look no further than Agatha Christie’s mystery novels, of which she’s sold a couple billion copies of (making her the best-selling novelist of all-time). This fall was the 100th anniversary of her first book being published, making it the perfect time to jump into her famous Hercule Poirot series (or any of her numerous series and stand alone books). These are not thrillers; they’re more like fun and somewhat ridiculous puzzles to solve, set in quaint European environs, and they’re incredibly easy reading. Christie is the perfect distraction for your long nights and weekends ahead. [Peril at End House]( or [The Murder at the Vicarage]( are especially good entry points. [O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream – $12.33 / 2-pack]( [O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream on Dappered.com]( This is your annual reminder that having a bloody split thumb (due to the cold dry air and constant hand washing) stain your nice new shirt is a real bummer. So use this stuff. Because it’s the real deal, while most other hand creams are pretenders. It works. Period. [Spier & Mackay Purple Label Shirts – $59]( [Spier & Mackay Purple Label Shirts]( - [White Fine Twill – $59]( - [Sky Blue Fine Twill – $59]( - [Sky Blue Royal Twill – $59]( - [White Royal Twill – $59]( Spier was founded as a shirt company. And they know what they’re doing. These are their top of the line shirts, and they’ve just been restocked. They don’t seem to last though. Last time they underestimated the demand for them. Might not last all that long. But who knows. [Wild Turkey 101 – $25]() [Wild Turkey bourbon]() Because it’s hot-toddy season. And “it’s been a hell of a long day here’s a pour that’ll kick you in the pants” season. [From Jason’s Bourbon round up from earlier this year](: “This is my favorite value bourbon. Often found for less than $25, Wild Turkey 101 is a 101 proof high-rye bourbon aged for 6-8 years and distilled by a reputable heritage distiller. A lot of bourbons at this price are thin with a quick finish, and while the finish doesn’t linger here, this is a substantial pour at a low price. Caramel, cinnamon and clove flavors are prominent to my palate. Wild Turkey doesn’t dilute this much, as it comes out of the barrel at 109-110 proof before being diluted down to 101. Compare this to other bourbons that come out of the barrel at higher proof, and you’re getting a bourbon as close to the proof off the still as you can find. This one works great for cocktails because of the higher rye content, while also being a good sipper.” For other Best Bets under $75 from previous months, [click here](. ff/Dappered?a=cdjkmbUbLYk:M5fftm3YZF8:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=cdjkmbUbLYk:M5fftm3YZF8:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=cdjkmbUbLYk:M5fftm3YZF8:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Style Scenario: Sweater Weather – Date Night by the fire pit (nothing over $100 edition)](r/Dappered/~3/itm5pbVpNpQ/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 16 Nov 2020 08:00 AM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. Looks like there might be plenty of date nights outside this year, seeing as gathering together inside is getting more and more questionable. And even if your date is with a partner you already share space with, hanging out by a fire is one of the great joys of colder weather. Here’s a sharp look that’s warm, but not too warm. [Style Scenario Sweater Weather Fire Pit Date] The Sweater: [Banana Republic – Merino Waffle Knit Sweater in Gray – $53.70]( w/ EARLYBIRD ($89). The softness of merino wool with a waffle texture for warmth. A two for one without the bulk of thicker sweaters to brace the evening chill. The Vest: [Target Goodfellow & Co – Fullzip Midweight Puffer Vest in Pomegranate – $29.99](. Mid weight to keep the core warm without the lumpy look of a [full fledge puffer coat](. A nice deeper, dark tone of burgundy that can contrast with a variety of solids and prints. The Shirt: [Uniqlo – Airism Long Sleeve T-shirt – $19.90](. Basic as basics can get, but Airism adds subtle qualities such as breathability. Perfect layering for those who run hot. The Watch: [Timex MK1 Aluminum 40mm in Olive – $50](. Or whatever your favorite down-time watch happens to be. Nothing fancy here, but not an Ironman digital either. The Pants: [Amazon Buttoned Down Slim fit 5-pocket Chino Pant – $49](. Slightly sleeker chino’s in a 5-pocket cut that gives them a more dressy, yet comfy fit. Supima cotton gives them a nice soft touch. The Socks: [Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Sock – $22.95](. Since we’re hanging outside here, a merino wool based sock will help keep your feet warm and cushioned. The Shoes: [Cole Haan – Tyler Leather Chukka in Black – $99.97](. Just right for the price point. Well cushioned and some added rubber grip to help these boots meet both form and function. The Sweet Stuff: [SmashMallow Cookie Dough Marshmallows – $11.36]( (3 pack). Why not make it an event and roast some marshmallows, either for smores or to enjoy on their own? Step it up with some gourmet marshmallows. SmashMallow offers many flavors, but cookie dough seems like the perfect flavor for smores. About the Author: Paul K., formally from Atlanta, lives and works as an IT administrator in Los Angeles. When he’s not busy freelancing as a photographer and videographer, you can find him getting his steps in on the many hiking trails of SoCal. ff/Dappered?a=itm5pbVpNpQ:R8DCR7lTJsM:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=itm5pbVpNpQ:R8DCR7lTJsM:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=itm5pbVpNpQ:R8DCR7lTJsM:gIN9vFwOqvQ You are subscribed to email updates from [Dappered Style Mail](). To stop receiving these emails, you may [unsubscribe now](. Email delivery powered by Google Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States