No Sitter, No Problem: How a Home Gym Solves the Parent Workout Dilemma

No Sitter, No Problem: How a Home Gym Solves the Parent Workout Dilemma


5 minute read

Ever found yourself skipping a workout because there’s no one to watch the kids? Or maybe you’ve had to wait until nap time, only for something else to come up. For fitness-loving parents, the struggle to balance exercise with family life is real, and often, the lack of childcare makes it seem impossible. 

But what if you didn’t need to leave home for a great workout? A home gym could be the perfect solution!

No Childcare? No Problem – Workout from Home!

If this sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone. The reality for many parents is that finding time to hit the gym often feels impossible between work, house duties, and taking care of kids. And that’s where a home gym truly shines.

When you have your own space to work out at home, your fitness routine becomes adaptable to your schedule, not the other way around. You no longer need to organise childcare or plan around gym opening hours. Whether it’s during nap time, while the kids are playing, or late at night after they’ve gone to bed, your home gym is always there when you need it. 

Plus, by building your own space, you’ll have all the equipment you need for your personal fitness goals – like a VERVE Zen Power Rack for strength training or a VERVE Air Bike for quick cardio bursts.

What You Need to Build a Parent-Friendly Home Gym

When it comes to creating a gym at home, many parents think they don’t have the space or time to make it work. But the truth is, a well-thought-out home gym doesn’t need to take up much room or require hours to use. Here’s how to make it work, no matter your living situation.

In the Living Room

If space is tight, your living room can double as your workout zone. Portable equipment like dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands are perfect for this space. They’re easy to store, quick to grab, and allow for strength training, HIIT workouts, or quick toning sessions without rearranging your home.

Quick Workout Idea:
Complete 3-4 rounds for a quick, effective full-body workout while the kids are playing or watching TV.

  • 15 goblet squats (using a dumbbell)
  • 15 push-ups
  • 20 alternating dumbbell lunges
  • 1-minute plank hold

In the Basement or Garage

Got a little more space? Your basement or garage is perfect for a more permanent gym setup. This is where you can invest in versatile, multi-functional equipment like the Tori Functional Trainer for squats, deadlifts, and pull-ups. Pair it with a VERVE Adjustable Bench for pressing movements and an Air Bike for cardio, and you’ve got a complete setup for all your fitness needs.

Quick Workout Idea:
This routine will give you a solid mix of strength and cardio in under 30 minutes.

  • 5 sets of squats on the Power Rack
  • 4 sets of bench presses on the Adjustable Bench
  • 10 minutes of HIIT on the Air Bike

In a Spare Room

If you have a guest room or extra space, why not turn it into your fitness haven? Equipment like a foldable VERVE Adjustable Bench, dumbbells, and resistance bands can easily be stored when not in use, and you can still keep the room functional for other purposes

Quick Workout Idea:
This routine focuses on strength and can be done while your little one naps in the next room.

  • 3 sets of dumbbell rows
  • 3 sets of dumbbell shoulder presses
  • 20 dumbbell deadlifts

Curious about how other parents manage?

Take inspiration from mr_simon_white, who shared his fun at-home workout on Instagram! In a video, Simon is seen doing pushups with his sons, turning fitness into family time. His caption humorously reads, "For some reason the boys wanted to race to 20... I won, just."

This is a great example of how a home gym doesn’t just help you stay fit but also lets you create lasting memories with your family. You can turn your workout into a playful competition or simply involve your kids, showing them the importance of staying active from a young age.

Start small, focus on versatile equipment, and before you know it, your fitness routine will be part of your daily life. Here are some versatile products featured in Mr. Simon White's home gym that can help you get started:

VERVE Curved Treadmill

VERVE Curved Treadmill

$3,499 $5,499

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VERVE Commercial Rower

VERVE Commercial Rower

$1,199 $1,699

EVEN BETTER ROWING EXPERIENCE This rower is approved to be used at the CrossFit Expo games in Melbourne an Sydney.  We get asked how our rower compares to another well known brand of rower. In simple terms, we've taken what… read more

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VERVE Zen Power Rack

VERVE Zen Power Rack

$1,399 $2,199

The VERVE Zen Power Rack is the greatest Power Rack we've built. It now comes with a heavy duty safety strap system, laser cut numbering on a premium powder coating and sandwich j-hooks as standard included in the box. It is the most… read more

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VERVE 3 in 1 Foam Plyo Box - Black | Pre-Order ETA Late November

VERVE 3 in 1 Foam Plyo Box - Black | Pre-Order ETA Late November

$359 $409

The VERVE 3 in 1 foam plyo box is an essential piece of equipment in functional training. The 3 in one plyo box can be used for a magnitude of exercises due to its versatility in having 3 different height levels, based on how the box is placed,… read more

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VERVE Battle Rope - 15m

VERVE Battle Rope - 15m

$169 $195

VERVE  Battle Rope - 15m The VERVE Battle Rope is thick at 40mm and is 15 metres long made from a high quality terylene with a durable nylon strap. The ends are capped with thick rubber VERVE shrink lock to… read more

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VERVE Elite Olympic Barbell - Red - 20kg

VERVE Elite Olympic Barbell - Red - 20kg

$389 $549

The challenge: ignore the cost and create the very best barbell that elite lifters will love to use. We started with an ultra-strong 210k PSI steel to ensure it can handle all your demands. Instead of 4, 6 or 8… read more

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Balancing family life and fitness is tough, but with a home gym, you have the freedom and flexibility to fit in workouts without sacrificing time with your kids. Whether you’re working out in the living room, garage, or spare room, creating a home gym with VERVE Fitness gear means you’re investing in your health while staying close to what matters most. Explore our Home Gym collection to kickstart your fitness journey:


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