My Home Fitness Kit for Perimenopause & beyond….

I get asked a lot what’s actually in my home workout setup — not the aspirational Pinterest version, but what I reach for on a regular Tuesday. So here it is: the four pieces of equipment I use most, why I bought each one, and what they’ve actually done for me.

A couple of these I’ve owned for years, which matters more than it sounds — anyone can recommend something they unboxed last week. These are the ones that survived.

The Foundation: LEKFIT

Before I get into equipment, I have to mention LEKFIT, the workout method I’ve been doing for almost 10 years. It’s the thing that actually keeps me consistent — fun, genuinely effective, and yes, sweaty. LEKFIT workouts mix cardio on the trampoline with conditioning work, and every piece of equipment below gets used within that format — none of this is a separate routine bolted on the side. The streaming subscription is the best value fitness money I have ever spent, and I have never stuck with one method as long as this in my life!

You can check out LEKFIT here.

I used to be a half marathon runner. These days, high-intensity, low-impact rebounding workouts give me that same buzz — that same hit of pushing hard — without the pounding on my joints that years of road running eventually catches up on. That trade-off is a big part of why this kit looks the way it does.

1. Mini Trampoline (Rebounder) — 7 Years In

This is the piece of equipment I’ve owned longest, brought from the UK to Spain, and it’s still in regular rotation — it’s the base that LEKFIT’s cardio sections are built on. A bungee-style rebounder like this one gives a genuinely low-impact bounce — much easier on the knees and hips than running or jumping on solid ground, which matters more the longer you’re on your fitness journey.

Why I still use it: I used to run half marathons, and for years road running was my main way of getting that hard, pushed-my-limits feeling. These days, a high-intensity rebounding session gives me that same buzz — without the joint pounding that catches up with you after years of pavement miles. It’s also foldable, so it doesn’t take over a room.

On the lymphatic drainage question: rebounding gets talked about a lot for lymphatic health, and there’s some logic to it — the up-down motion creates a genuine pumping action through the body that isn’t really replicated by other movement. That said, I want to be honest: the research on rebounding specifically for lymphatic drainage is still limited, and I’m not a doctor or lymphedema specialist. What I can tell you is that rebounding is real cardiovascular exercise that’s actually fun, gentle on the joints, and moving your body consistently is good for circulation generally.

Get the rebounder: MXL FIT Bounce PRO Bungee Rebounder

2. Vibration Plate — My Morning Circulation Ritual

This one has become a genuine daily habit. I stand on it most mornings for about 10 minutes to get my circulation moving before the rest of the day starts — it takes almost no effort, which is exactly the point on mornings when a full workout isn’t happening yet.

Why I use it: it’s the lowest-effort entry point into movement I own. You can stand, sit, or move gently through it, and the plate does the rest.

On the lymphatic drainage question, honestly: vibration plates are one of the more talked-about tools for circulation and lymphatic support, and there is early research suggesting the rapid muscle contractions from vibration can support blood flow and fluid movement in the legs. But — and this matters — medical experts are clear that this isn’t proven as a treatment for lymphedema or lipedema, and claims about “detoxing” via vibration aren’t well supported. I use mine because it makes my legs feel less heavy and it’s an easy way to start the day moving. I’d treat any bigger health claims around it with a healthy dose of skepticism, and speak to a doctor if you’re dealing with a specific swelling or circulation issue.

Get the vibration plate: MERACH 4D Vibration Plate Exercise Machine

3. Resistance Bands — My LEKFIT Conditioning Add-On

I don’t use these as a standalone workout — they come out during the conditioning portions of LEKFIT, added in for extra resistance on specific movements. That combination is honestly where I’ve felt the most difference: the cardio base from bouncing, plus targeted resistance work layered on top, all within the same session.

Why this pair works: they’re portable, they don’t require any setup, and looping them in mid-session means I’m not doing a separate “arm day” — it’s all built into the same block of time.

Get the resistance bands: Les Mills SMARTBAND Extreme Resistance Bands

4. Adjustable Ankle Weights — Same Idea, Different Muscles

Same logic as the bands: these go on during LEKFIT’s conditioning work, not as their own workout. Adding light resistance to the legs during bouncing or bodyweight movements changes the intensity without changing the routine itself.

Why I like the adjustable kind specifically: you can start light and add weight as it feels right, rather than being locked into one fixed load.

Get the ankle weights: Sportneer Adjustable Ankle Weights

Putting It Together

None of this is a complicated system. LEKFIT is the actual workout — trampoline cardio plus conditioning — and everything else here plugs into that one format: the vibration plate as a low-effort circulation habit most mornings, the bands and ankle weights layered in during conditioning whenever I want a session to work a little harder.

If you’re building your own version of this, my honest advice is to start with whichever piece solves the problem you actually have. Low energy and want an easy on-ramp? Start with the vibration plate. Want cardio that doesn’t hurt your joints? The rebounder. Already have a routine and want to add intensity? Bands and ankle weights.

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