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Unless you’re a die-hard wellness girlie through and through, carving out time for consistent workouts can feel next to impossible. Between packed schedules, unpredictable routines, and the daily mental load of work and family life, squeezing in a couple laps around the block feels like a miracle—let alone making it to the gym. And even when you do make it, the commute, the crowds, and the cost all start to remind you why skipping suddenly doesn’t feel so bad.
Like so many of us, two of our editors found themselves craving something easier—something that fit into their real lives instead of feeling like another chore. Ally, a longtime runner who thrives on routine, wanted a more structured strength-training setup she could count on every week. Megan, on the other hand, needed something low-pressure and flexible enough to work with an unpredictable schedule (and her self-described “do-it-whenever” lifestyle).
So, when they each had the opportunity to test out RitFit home gym equipment, they jumped in determined to find out whether a home setup could actually replace a gym membership. The result? Both got stronger, more consistent, and more motivated than ever. Here’s how Ally and Megan built home gyms that fit their totally different lives—and why they’re now officially team home gym for good.
Editor 1: Ally’s structured home gym routine
Before we get into the details, here’s the vibe: Ally is the kind of workout gal who thrives on having a plan. She loves a routine, she shows up for herself, and she wanted a home setup that supported that structure without adding extra friction to her day. Her garage gym became the missing piece that finally made her strength training as consistent as her running.
How Ally decided to build a home gym
“My husband and I have been dreaming about a home gym since we bought our house—over 11 years ago. With no basement or spare room, the idea always felt out of reach. Eventually, we stopped waiting for the “perfect” setup and decided to make the most of what we did have: the garage.
One weekend, we cleared out years of clutter and finally created a designated wellness zone. When seven heavy boxes of RitFit equipment showed up, I won’t lie—I was intimidated. But setting up the RitFit Smith Machine M1 Pro only took about three hours. Once we got going, it came together seamlessly. Even the small details—like the stickers on the weights—felt premium. The biggest lesson? You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy home to start prioritizing your health. You just need something that fits your life.’
How Ally uses the home gym
“As a runner who’s completed several half marathons, my goal was to build strength to support my endurance. With our garage gym ready to go, I now add three strength-training days to my weekly running schedule. Here’s the simplified version of my routine:”
- Day 1: Lower body + core (squats, stationary lunges, RDLs, calf raises, plank)
- Day 2: Upper body + core (incline bench press, bent-over rows, shoulder press, assisted push-ups, Russian twists)
- Day 3: Full body/power (split squats, deadlift-to-row combo, hip thrusts, upright rows, side planks)
The benefits
“Since shifting to this routine, my stamina, endurance, and overall strength have improved dramatically. I’m pushing myself more in my runs and actually seeing noticeable results. It’s been the missing piece in my training—and the consistency has been a game changer.”
Ally’s must-have RitFit equipment
If you want a setup that works for structured, repeatable workouts, the Smith Machine M1 Pro is the star. With a built-in Smith system, cable crossover, and an easy-to-use weight stack, you can move seamlessly from one programmed exercise to the next without losing momentum. It’s the kind of garage gym upgrade that makes showing up for strength training feel automatic—just like your morning run.
Editor 2: Megan’s flexible home gym routine
Megan approaches fitness very differently. She’s all about fitting movement into whatever pockets of time the day gives her. Some mornings she’s energized at sunrise, other days she’s squeezing in a workout before bed. She needed equipment that didn’t demand a schedule, a plan, or perfection—just something she could use anytime the motivation struck.
How Megan decided to build a home gym
“My workout schedule has always been…chaotic. Some mornings I’m up at 5 a.m. ready to move, and other days I’m fitting something in at 9 p.m., literally in my pajamas. I needed equipment that worked whenever I did, without pressure.
“My first introduction to RitFit was actually through a gift. I bought the RitFit Gazelle Pro 3-in-1 Machine for my husband, who deals with lower back pain and needed something low-impact but effective. But once it arrived—and we set it up in our garage—it quickly became the star of the space. My husband loved it immediately. Then I tried it… and now I’m obsessed too.”
How Megan uses her home gym
“Unlike Ally’s structured routine, my workouts shift day to day. Some mornings, my husband and I turn our garage into an at-home Orangetheory class—taking turns on the treadmill and the Gazelle while blasting classic rock. Other days, I’m doing squats, mobility work, or a quick RitFit app routine whenever I can squeeze in 20 minutes. The best part? It’s all right there. No pressure, no commute, no excuses.”
The benefits
“I’ve struggled with sleep for years,even while doing everything “right.” But consistently moving at home has been the one thing that’s actually helped. My sleep is deeper, my energy is higher, and my stress is lower. For my husband, Ryan, having equipment just steps away has made working out feel doable after long days. It’s become a big part of both our mental and physical health—and honestly, the excitement of a new machine makes us want to use it.”
Megan’s must-have RitFit equipment
The Gazelle Pro 3-in-1 Machine is the MVP for anyone who needs flexibility. With leg press, hack squat, and calf raise functions in one streamlined setup, this all-in-one machine gives a full lower-body workout in one place—no planning or equipment swaps required. Jump in for a quick burn or take your time with a longer session, depending on the day.
Why RitFit equipment is worth the investment
What really sealed the deal for both Ally and Megan? The quality. From the solid, gym-grade construction to the thoughtful design details, RitFit equipment feels built to last—and built for actual use. It’s not just sleek enough to live in your garage or spare room, it’s sturdy enough to power through daily workouts without missing a beat. Every piece feels like it belongs in a pro-level gym, without the crowds or monthly fees.
Turns out, making fitness part of your life doesn’t require a perfect schedule, a personal trainer, or a neon-lit gym. It just takes equipment that works for your space, your body, and your real life. Whether you’re a dedicated runner, a late-night lifter, or somewhere in between, RitFit offers a way to make movement fit your real life.
Alexandra Pagar Wolf, Chief of Sales
Ally is the mom to two rambunctious boys and is rightfully referred to as “Chief Household Officer” in her home. You can find her family spending long afternoons swimming in their pool, searching for sea glass at the New England shore, and going on fun outdoor adventures.
Megan Kemp, Senior Sales Manager of Brand Partnerships
Megan is the Senior Sales Manager of Brand Partnerships for both The Everygirl and The Everymom. She is responsible for driving new business with partners and brands that complement the lives of our readers, building key industry relationships, and staying on top of the latest trends to prospect and pitch new concepts and opportunities.
This post is sponsored by RitFit, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
The post We Ditched Our Gym Membership This Year—Here’s How Our Workouts Actually Got Better appeared first on The Everygirl.
