Minimalist Setup for Superior Gains?

This image represents a training environment with potential to build better fitness and more muscle than a modern, fully stocked commercial gym.

• 

You see, the fitness equipment isn't the issue. Never has been.

It's how you use the equipment that you have/prefer that determines the outcome.

Often, fewer options leads to less distractions which leads to more focused training and the outcome is better gains.

I’m not saying a kettlebell and pull-up bar are the best way to train or even that they're better than a commercial gym.

I'm simply pointing out that it's not the equipment that determines your outcomes. It's your effort, consistency, and – yes – your environment, that will play a role on how well you apply those habits.

A single moderate sized kettlebell and a pull-up bar may be an extreme example, but it's probably best to start with less, take it as far as you can go, before adding more. In my experience, more will eventually be:

Heavier kettlebells

Adjustable dumbbells

An adjustable bench

But even that may be unnecessary, and if you don't have space for things like a bench, than – of course – you can do without.

And by all means, if you love going to the commercial gym, do so. Enjoyment is a big piece to the consistency puzzle, so don't force yourself to train at home or anywhere else if you're miserable doing so. Find your preferred environment.

But I see most gyms going in a weird direction over the last several years and too many people are too distracted by the problem of too many choices that they never really focus enough on any specific exercises to make real progress. And gyms are kind of designed for that, aren't they? To keep you a little confused, overwhelmed, and dependant on their ever-increasing prices?

Anyway, enough jaw-jacking from me. I could go on all day talking about this stuff going off on far too many tangents. So let me reel it in.

If you're interested in a very simple efficient, minimalist training environment, download your free copy of my “30 Minute 1 Kettlebell + Bodyweight Programs” https://garagegymbro.gumroad.com/l/hgpbe

This is a great place to start. I – myself – often do workouts like the ones in that document, using just 1 kettlebell and my bodyweight. Though, if you follow me, you already know – while my training equipment is simple, I use more than 1 kettlebell along with an adjustable bench and dumbbells in my training. That works for me at this stage in my life. But the programs and workout structure remain exactly the same as what you'll find in the document.

Again, eventually you, too, may add a pair of adjustable dumbbells and heavier kettlebells. It's part of the progressive overload process. But start as simply as possible. Then add as little as necessary or desirable over time.

Thanks!